vintage hand cultivator collection

weeding with hoe

hand pulling weed (prickly lettuce)

Very thick layer of organic material smothers weeds

tree wrap for winter protection of young trees

clean shovel ready for winter storage

Whole oak leaves as a winter mulch.

At this time of year, leaves are falling and we tend to chuck them away or burn them but you will be getting rid of a valuable natural resource. Fallen Leaves could be considered as garden gold and great organic mulch which is free! Leaf mulch improves soil structure and inhibits weeds.You can...

Use a hose end sprinkler for spot watering year-round.

Persistent snow pack can promote snow mold.

downy woodpecker feeding on peanuts

insect eggs on dormant shrub

store seeds in an air-tight container

Check seed viability with a germination test

forced branches, flowering quince and serviceberry

Look for a well developed root system before purchasing nursery plants. Shown here: a young manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.).