Gardening enthusiasts often face the challenge of limited space, especially in urban settings. But did you know that you can grow a majestic Liquidambar tree right on your patio or balcony? Yes, it’s possible to cultivate this beautiful deciduous tree in a large pot, and I’m here to guide you through the process. But First… Don’t plant it in the …

Creating a Butterfly Haven in Your Garden As the sun peeks through the morning mist, a flutter of orange and black breaks the monotony of green in your garden. It’s a monarch butterfly, embarking on its remarkable journey, and your garden is a part of this majestic creature’s story. Why Monarchs Matter Monarch butterflies are not just a symbol of …

Consult any book on heirloom garden plants and you will certainly find Philadelphus listed prominently. They are a group of plants that exude old-fashioned charm. This hybrid of uncertain parentage from the 1900’s fills the garden mid-Spring through mid-Summer with an alluring and far-carrying scent of BUBBLEGUM! Much less cloying, in my opinion, than the citrusy smell of its cousins. …

Welcome, garden enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of vibrant perennials to spotlight a true showstopper in the garden: the Geum ‘Blazing Sunset’. This fiery beauty is a must-have for any gardener looking to add a splash of color and a touch of drama to their outdoor space. A Burst of Scarlet Brilliance The Geum ‘Blazing Sunset’ is renowned …

The Sweet Scent of Success: Growing Sweet Alyssum in Your Garden Gardening enthusiasts often seek flowers that are not only visually appealing but also easy to grow and beneficial for the environment. Sweet alyssum, with its delicate blooms and honey-like fragrance, ticks all these boxes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the charm of sweet alyssum and how you can …

If you are looking for a peaceful and natural escape in the city, you might want to check out Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. This 62.7-acre park is located in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose, and it is one of the last remaining large tracts of deciduous oak savanna and oak woodland on the Santa Clara Valley floor. The …

If you are looking for a cheerful and easy-to-grow flower that can thrive in dry and sunny conditions, you might want to consider verbesina encelioides. Also known as golden crownbeard, gold weed, or wild sunflower, this annual plant belongs to the aster family and is native to many parts of the United States and Mexico. Verbesina encelioides produces masses of …

Teucrium fruticans azureum (Bush Germander) is a reliable foliage and flowering accent plant. It develops into a large evergreen shrub, 4-8 ft. high, spreading 8-10 ft. across. Distinctive foliage is gray-green above with silvery white hairs beneath. Colorful pale lavender flowers are heaviest in winter to early spring and intermittently throughout the year. Bush germander comes from rocky slopes in …

Leeks, a member of the Allium family, are an excellent addition to any garden. They’re versatile in the kitchen and relatively easy to grow. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to grow and harvest leeks, their nutritional benefits, and some recipe tips for this fantastic vegetable. Growing Leeks Leeks prefer a location with at least 8 hours of direct …

Are you looking for a place to enjoy nature, history, and recreation in the San Jose area? If so, you might want to visit Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, a 348-acre park that offers a variety of trails, views, and wildlife for visitors to enjoy. Trails The preserve has about 4 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate, that …