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Scotts Valley
December 14, 2025

Tag: horticulture

Garden century plants

The Mountain Gardener | Remember: Learn Something New Every Day

We’ve been told this all our lives, but today’s lesson came from a reader in Scotts Valley who shared a harrowing experience she and...
Garden sheet mulching

The Mountain Gardener | Sheet Mulch Away That Old Lawn Effectively

I don’t know why I’m amazed when I come across an old lawn that was sheet mulched away. After all, it’s a tried and...
Matilija poppies

The Mountain Gardener | Time to Plant California Native Species

Every year I vow to add more California natives to my little garden. Problem is I don’t have much sun, which is great on...
Garden euphorbia lomandra

The Mountain Gardener | Combining Plants in Exciting Ways

Lately I’ve been looking at my garden and what’s blooming now while also thinking of what to recommend for new gardens. Seems I’m always...
Garden bearded iris

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...
Garden flowers

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...
Garden Coneflowers

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...
Black-eyed Susans

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...
Western Swallowtail butterfly bush

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...
Sunflower

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...

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Pile burning

California State Parks conducts pile burning in Santa Cruz Mountains

California State Parks is burning piles in various mountain state parks in Santa Cruz County and plans to continue the work through next spring. An...