California Poppy: Meaning, Benefits, and Uses Beyond the Garden
Beyond garden beauty, California poppies carry deep cultural meaning and gentle medicinal properties. Explore the history, symbolism, traditional uses, and modern applications of our state flower.
The Complete Guide to Watering Your Garden in Santa Cruz County: A Year-Round, Data-Driven Approach
Master Santa Cruz County's unique watering rhythm with this complete year-round guide. From winter's rain-fed ease to summer's irrigation demands, learn when and how much to water in every season.
How Much Do I Really Need to Water My Garden in Winter in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County's winter rains do most of the work for your garden. Learn when to turn irrigation off, which exceptions need attention, and how to check if your soil has enough moisture.
Ollas: Ancient Irrigation That's Perfect for Santa Cruz Gardens
California's dry summers demand water-wise irrigation, and ollas offer an elegant 4,000-year-old solution. These unglazed clay pots buried in your garden slowly release water directly to plant roots, using 50 to 70 percent less water than surface irrigation. Perfect for Santa Cruz County's Mediterranean climate, ollas work in foggy Aptos, clay soil in Soquel, or sandy soil in Boulder Creek. Learn how to install, use, and even make your own DIY ollas.
Mulch and Soil Health: The Hidden Irrigation System in Your Santa Cruz County Garden
Mulch and healthy soil act like hidden irrigation, keeping moisture in your garden longer between waterings. Learn how much mulch to use and how to build soil that holds water in Santa Cruz County.
How Much Do I Really Need to Water My Garden in Fall in Santa Cruz County?
Fall is the trickiest irrigation season in Santa Cruz County. Learn when to keep watering, when to scale back, and how to transition from summer irrigation to rain-fed gardening by late November.
How Much Do I Really Need to Water My Garden in Summer in Santa Cruz County?
Summer in Santa Cruz County means zero rain and peak plant water demand. Learn exactly how many gallons your garden needs, plus practical irrigation schedules for coastal, valley, and inland gardens.
How Much Do I Really Need to Water My Garden in Spring in Santa Cruz County?
Spring is when Santa Cruz County shifts from rain-fed to irrigation-dependent. Learn when to start watering again based on your microclimate, soil type, and what the local climate data tells us.
From Soil Health to Water Conservation: Sustainable Land Management Tips for Every Gardener
Learn sustainable land management for Santa Cruz County gardens. Build healthy soil with compost, conserve water with drip irrigation and mulch, choose California native plants, and practice organic pest control. Practical tips for Bay Area gardeners.
Why Native Garden Design is Essential for Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Discover the benefits of native garden design for eco-friendly landscaping. Learn how native plants can conserve water, support local wildlife, and enhance the beauty of your garden
Drip Irrigation Setup for Santa Cruz County Gardens: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste by up to 70% compared to sprinklers. Here's how to set up a system for your Santa Cruz County vegetable garden.
Native Garden Design in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide to Growing California Natives
Native plants evolved with our climate. They need less water, attract pollinators and wildlife, and create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens that work with Santa Cruz County's conditions.
Growing Matilija Poppy in Santa Cruz County: California's Spectacular (and Spreading) Native
California's largest native flower produces 6-inch white blooms with golden centers. The matilija poppy is stunning but spreads aggressively. Know what you're getting into first.
Why California Lilac Deserves a Spot in Your Santa Cruz Garden
Learn how to grow California lilac (Ceanothus) in Santa Cruz County. Complete guide to species selection, planting tips, care requirements, and where to buy locally.
Growing Sticky Monkey Flower in Santa Cruz County
Learn how to grow sticky monkey flower in Santa Cruz County. Native plant guide covering varieties, planting tips, hummingbird attraction, and local sources for this drought-tolerant perennial.
Growing Toyon in Santa Cruz County: California's Native Holly
Toyon's bright red winter berries and glossy evergreen leaves make it California's answer to traditional holly. This drought-tolerant native thrives in Santa Cruz County's varied microclimates.
Growing California Poppies in Santa Cruz County
Learn how to grow California poppies in Santa Cruz County. Complete guide to planting, timing, color varieties, and creating wildflower displays in your Bay Area garden.
Why California Lupine Belongs in Your Santa Cruz Garden
Learn how to grow California lupine in Santa Cruz County. Native wildflower guide covering local species, planting tips, soil benefits, and where to find seeds at local nurseries.
Growing Lavender in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide
Lavender is perfectly suited to Santa Cruz County's Mediterranean climate. Once established, it needs almost no irrigation and rewards you with fragrant blooms, culinary uses, and pollinator habitat.
Why Manzanita Is the Crown Jewel of California Native Gardens
Complete guide to growing manzanita in Santa Cruz County. Species selection, planting tips, drainage requirements, and care for California's most beautiful native shrub.