Anawalt Gardening & Tool Tips
Your garden needs love and cooperation. Not just the human kind, but also the cooperation that comes only from plants.
Ever heard of companion planting? It’s an easy way to boost your garden’s growth and productivity without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is native to North America. Archaeological evidence suggests that indigenous peoples began domesticating sunflowers as early as 3000 BCE.
Grown for their seeds and oil, they also played a role in cultural and spiritual practices. By the 16th century, sunflowers were introduced to Europe.
Lavender has long been cultivated for its aroma, vibrant blooms, and therapeutic applications.
The ancient Egyptians used lavender for perfumes and embalming. Europeans later incorporated it into medicine and cosmetics. Today, lavender remains an enduring symbol of health and tranquility.
50,000 years ago, prehistoric humans gathered around fires to keep themselves warm, ward off predatory animals, and cook their food.
Fast-forward to today. Little has changed, except the animal predators are gone from urban landscapes.
People still gather around fires, but now it’s more for socializing and relaxation than survival.
Sweet peas were first cultivated in Sicily for their sweet fragrance and butterfly-like flowers.
Introduced to England in the late 17th century, these climbing annuals later became a staple in Victorian gardens.
Today, gardeners grow them for their scent, aesthetic appeal, and ability to attract pollinators.
Old wood has character, and with a bit of effort and elbow grease, it offers an easy and inexpensive way to make a unique statement.
From furniture to accent pieces, there are endless possibilities for incorporating reclaimed wood into your space.
Bok choy, or Chinese cabbage, has been cultivated in China for over 1,500 years. In Cantonese, the name “bok choy” means “white vegetable,” referring to its pale, crunchy stems.
Over time, this nutritious vegetable spread globally and became an essential ingredient in many Asian and fusion dishes due to its mildly sweet flavor and crisp texture. Â
Professional painters know that the quality of the brush makes a huge difference. They also know that the cheapest brush is sometimes the best for the job.
That’s right — for certain tasks, an el cheapo disposable foam brush can provide a better finish than the finest natural bristle brush that costs nearly as much as a house payment.
Calendula is more than a pretty face — it’s a common ingredient in herbal teas, home remedies, and skincare products.
The sun-loving “pot marigold” is beautiful and edible, and its ability to attract pollinators makes it a beneficial garden plant, too.
Are you the neighborhood brown thumb? The wannabee master gardener who has mastered only plant destruction?
There may be a problem with your gardening technique that undermines the health of your plants.
Water damage can compromise your home’s structural integrity, promote mold growth, and lead to expensive repairs.
Small leaks in your roof may manifest as dark spots on your ceiling, bulging paint or drywall, or water stains. You’ll have to act fast to prevent further damage.
The gardenia comes from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The plant adapts well to Southern California’s Mediterranean climate and rewards the attentive gardener with fragrant, creamy white blossoms from late spring through early summer. In favorable conditions, blooming can extend into early fall.
Compost tea is a liquid extract derived from this decomposing matter.
It contains microorganisms, nutrients, and organic matter that promote healthy plant growth. Think of it as a health tonic for your garden.
The Ginkgo biloba tree is a marvel.
This living fossil has existed for over 200 million years, surviving many extinction events and earning its place as one of the hardiest plant species. The dinosaur vanished 66 million years ago, but the mighty Ginkgo soldiers on!
Organic gardening is the art of growing plants without using synthetic fertilizers, chemicals, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
It embraces natural methods to improve soil health, manage pests, and boost plant growth. The goal? To create a sustainable ecosystem that mimics nature and reduces environmental harm.
Mulberry trees can reach up to 30–50 feet tall, while pruned bushes are usually a discreet 6–12 feet.
Once established, the trees thrive with minimal care, bearing abundant fruit and attracting birds, wildlife, and pollinators.