Spring is here…
It is almost my favorite time of the year!! Spring planting for my summer garden. It brings me so much joy to see all the produce that is coming from my garden that will feed my family.
The bee’s are waking up and getting to work!! Today, it was warm enough to have our front door open and it was the first time in a few months that I could hear the bees buzzing around on the salvias.
Before we get to all the spring planting goodness, let’s talk about why we build rain gardens. What is a rain garden? It is a purposeful depression of 2-3 feet depending on level of water flow. Filling the depression with good compost and mulch helps the soil absorb more water. You should also plant beneficial plants in the areas where there will be a lot of water to help force the water down into the ground.
The reason we build rain gardens is to capture the 100’s of gallons of water that come off of our roofs and force it back into our ground water stores instead of storm run off. Allowing the water to stay on our property builds up ground water stores, promotes water conservation, benefits soil, and builds wildlife habitat and diversity. Check out this active rain garden from my clients’s garden! Rain Garden Video
Now on to the seasonal goodness! You may be noticing fruits showing up on your fruit trees! Yay! Even though so many nurseries have tomato and summer veggie starts for sale it is still a few weeks off before we can plant them in the ground. Typically late April or early May is best for putting in starts for your summer veggies. Roses and other flower perennials will love some food as they head into the growing season. I love the organic, EB Stone Rose and Flower food. I have also seen quite a few yellowing camellias in my client’s gardens recently - be sure to be feeding the camellias a good acid food. Again EB Stone has an organic fertilizer that is specific for acid loving plants… hydrangeas, camellias, blueberries.
You can also direct seed your summer annual flowers to your garden. I have a ton of poppies and sweet peas that have reseeded in my garden. I can’t wait till they all bloom! Be sure to check and test all irrigation to make sure it it working properly for when it is time to turn it back on in June. Enjoy the warmer days and cool evenings!
I have been working with some wonderful clients to get their garden ready for participation in the Sonoma Marin Water Partnership Eco - Friendly Tour through on May 10th - Eco-Friendly Garden Tours. There are only two houses in Petaluma participating! The focus is on water conservation and grey water usage to manage landscaping. We added so many native pollinators to the garden!
1502 Candle Co makes my most favorite candles!! The scents are amazing and they also have a refill program that you can send back your containers and they will refill them. It is fantastic! Caroline at 1502 Candle Co asked if I would be apart of her monthly blog. Check it out!
Regenerative Farming with Caitlin of Luma Front Yard Farming
A word of love… focus on what we can control right now! Remember to breathe and focus on things that ground you into the present moment. For me it is snuggles with my kitties, hands in my garden, talking about soil and plants with you all, and of course a good hug from my loves.
If we don’t take time in the present moment, no one gets our full attention, least of all ourselves. Be kind to each other. It is a horrific time in our country. Focus on community, supporting and loving each other!
We are here to support you in getting the garden of your dreams. Schedule a consultation today!
