Anawalt Gardening & Tool Tips

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April 15th, 2025
Southern California once was a massive orange grove punctuated by an occasional movie studio. The region’s soil, temperature, and sunshine are a citrus grower’s dream.
The groves have long since been replaced by asphalt and housing developments. But you can still enjoy fresh oranges straight off the tree in your backyard.
April 14th, 2025
The screwdriver dates back to the 15th century, invented to tighten and loosen screws in armor and construction.
Today, it’s an indispensable tool in building, furniture making, machine manufacturing, and DIY projects. A screwdriver is often the first tool in a DIYer’s kit.
April 13th, 2025
Imagine a canopy of lush foliage and cascading purple blooms that shelter you from the summer sun and envelop you with their soft perfume.
Those fragrant flowers belong to the wisteria plant, a fast-growing, woody vine that thrives on trellises, garden walls, and pergolas. You can train it to climb or shape it into a standalone tree.
April 11th, 2025
Have you ever considered managing the coffee-making process from start to finish?
Growing coffee indoors is entirely possible and surprisingly rewarding. This guide will walk you through the steps.
April 10th, 2025
Lemongrass is a fragrant perennial grass commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines.The plant’s citrus-like scent and flavor add a distinct accent to soups, teas, and stir-fries.
Tall, graceful blades and clustered growth make it a striking landscape feature, and its citrusy aroma is a natural insect repellent.
April 9th, 2025
Native to Southeast Asia, the kumquat has been cultivated for centuries and was introduced to California in the mid-19th century.
The tree flourishes in warm regions, where it’s both a decorative plant and a source of tasty fruit.
April 8th, 2025
The lime, most closely associated in the USA with Mexican cuisine, came to the West from Southeast Asia.
Today, lime trees are cultivated worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, and its adaptability and versatility makes it a favorite in Southern California gardens.
April 7th, 2025
Lemons are native to Southeast Asia. Around the first century AD, they were introduced to the Mediterranean region. From there, they made their way to the Americas with Spanish explorers.
Today, California is one of the leading lemon growers in the USA, producing millions of pounds of this beloved citrus annually.
April 1st, 2025
When was the last time you trudged many miles to a waterfall, legs aching and lungs burning, only to find it overrun by boisterous “nature lovers” with the same idea?
There’s an easier way to enjoy gently cascading water and have it all to yourself.
March 31st, 2025
March 30th, 2025
Which produce goes bad fastest after a trip to the market?
A betting man would say “lettuce,” with some varieties wilting almost as soon as they’re inserted in the shopping bag.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Homegrown lettuce is fresher, more flavorful, more nutritious, and even prettier!
March 25th, 2025
Compare ironed slacks to those you’ve left sitting in a heap. Which would you wear to that all-important job interview?
Flower bed edging is your garden’s equivalent of ironing. It keeps things neat, organizes the yard, and boosts your home’s curb appeal.
March 24th, 2025
Composting is one of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to nourish your garden. It reduces the waste you send to landfills and creates a nutrient-rich plant material.
In this guide, we’ve laid out a simple, step-by-step process for making compost at home with minimal fuss.Â
March 23rd, 2025
Jasmine originated in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It’s culturally significant in India, Indonesia, and the Middle East and is often used in perfumes, teas, and rituals.
A healthy jasmine plant can live for 15 to 20 years. Some species thrive even longer when grown in the ground.
March 22nd, 2025
The Celts, Romans, and early herbalists considered vebena a powerful sacred plant and used it in purification rituals and healing remedies.Â
Verbena is equally a decorative plant and a practical solution for herbal enthusiasts. Whether you’re a home gardener, a passionate herbalist, or someone who loves plants, it offers something special.Â
March 21st, 2025
It’s easy enough to foster a native plant garden that invites avian life.
Native plants are perfectly adapted to Southern California’s arid climate. They provide the nectar, berries, seeds, and shelter that native birds rely on, and they use less water and require less maintenance than imported species.Â
March 19th, 2025
Personalizing your garden is a way to connect with nature, repurpose household items, and create something unique.
DIY garden decor is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and, unlike your Uncle Bill’s ceramic garden gnomes, a true expression of your imagination.
March 18th, 2025
Edmond Michel of New Orleans created the first electric power saw in 1927. His circular saw revolutionized the construction and woodworking industries, allowing for faster and more precise cutting.
Over time, power saws have evolved into specialized tools for various tasks. They can be electric, battery-powered, or gas-driven.