Sensory Garden for Babies and Toddlers: Engaging Little Ones in the Garden
You don't have to wait until your kids can walk to start gardening together. Babies and toddlers are sensory learners, and Santa Cruz County gardens offer textures, scents, and tastes that create powerful early memories. Learn which plants are safe to explore and simple activities for ages 0-3.
Fire-Wise Gardening 101: Protecting Your Home and Garden in Santa Cruz County
After the CZU fires, Santa Cruz County homeowners are rethinking landscaping. Learn how to create defensible space with fire-resistant plants that are beautiful and water-wise.
Bats as Garden Allies: Installing Bat Houses for Natural Mosquito Control
Bats eat 1,000+ mosquitoes nightly—free pest control for Santa Cruz County gardens. With Aedes aegypti mosquitoes now in Boulder Creek, attracting bats matters more than ever. Learn proper bat house installation, placement, and habitat creation.
What NOT to Plant Near Your Home: Fire-Hazard Plants to Avoid
Some of the most common landscaping plants in Santa Cruz County are also the most dangerous in fire season. Juniper, eucalyptus, cypress, and pampas grass create fire pathways to your home. Learn which plants to avoid or remove from your defensible space, especially in high-risk areas like Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Brookdale, and Felton. Knowing what NOT to plant is just as important as choosing fire-resistant alternatives.