Tag: horticulture
The Mountain Gardener | What to Do in the September Garden
When my bearded iris didn’t bloom much this year, I made a note to divide them in September. It’s on my to-do list. These...
The Mountain Gardener | Fragrant Plants in the Garden This Summer
While hiking recently in Oregon, I encountered many Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii) growing near the Jackson Creek. Their scent was noticeable from a long...
The Mountain Gardener | Outsmarting Deer to Protect Your Garden
So you’ve planted only “deer resistant” plants but last night your coneflowers were eaten. You’ve been waiting all season to cut some for a...
The Mountain Gardener | Choosing Safe, Deer-Resistant Plants
With those big brown doe eyes and the cute fawns, who doesn’t enjoy seeing deer, as long as they’re not in your yard. Around...
The Mountain Gardener | Who Doesn’t Love Beautiful Butterflies?
My Butterfly Bush (buddleja dividii) has started to bloom and it’s a Western Swallowtail butterfly magnet. Butterfly species each have their own life cycle...
The Mountain Gardener | Where Are the Dog Days of Summer?
It’s been a cooler summer than the past few years. I’ve probably jinxed it now by mentioning that, thereby ensuring August will be a...
The Mountain Gardener | The Fascinating World of Plant Communication
My friend, Evan, often shares with me interesting studies about plants. Did you know that older trees share intelligence with young trees? Scientists have...
The Mountain Gardener | Good Groundcovers for a Changing World
Faced with what to use to keep down weeds when wood chips aren’t allowed? Well, you’re not alone. Although wood chip mulch is good...
The Mountain Gardener | Gardening with Dogs
I don’t have a dog of my own now. But I do get to pet sit for Winston, a French bulldog who is always...
The Mountain Gardener | Lessons for the Fourth of July
Earlier this year I designed the new planting area in front of the Ben Lomond Fire Station. It hasn’t been planted yet, but I...
News Briefs | Published Nov. 14, 2025
County hosts forums to shape future behavioral health services
Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Services is hosting community forums to help shape the County’s First...
