Straw bales conjure up images of hay rides, old episodes of Hee Haw on YouTube, and livestock at feeding time. But did you know they’re increasingly popular in urban gardens? No garden plot required! They’re a perfect medium for veggies, herbs, flowers —...
Every garden contains a tomato plant or two, and many more if you’re willing to venture beyond the standard Beefsteak or Roma. But did you know tomatoes fare much better with the right company? You see, plants need buddies, too! They don’t get lonesome in...
Imagine a dark woodland area at night. Would you be drawn to it? Would you linger? Probably not, unless you’re a vampire. Likewise, a dark backyard with deep shadows can feel more menacing than inviting. But an accent light here and there, a beam to highlight,...
Blueberries are a cool weather crop. So perish the thought of cultivating them in your Southern California backyard, right? Wrong, because in California’s favorable soil and (mostly) temperate conditions, it’s possible to grow almost anything — except...
If top chefs ever put it to a vote, basil would be numero uno in the kitchen, captain of the Herb Team, and Most Likely to Succeed (or end up in sauce). It’s easy to see why. This aromatic herb can bring a dish to life with a fresh, savory sweetness, from...
