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.
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.
Water-wise Wonders: 10 Drought-resistant Plants for a Thriving California Garden
Are you ready for a wild ride through the wacky world of water-wise wonders? Come along as we explore some drought-resistant plants that'll make your California garden the talk of the town – or at least the envy of your neighbors. So, strap on your gardening gloves, and let's dive into these fabulous and eco-friendly plant choices that'll make your garden the life of the (water-conserving) party!