Flowers

Eastern Lilacs

Question from Rod: I live in an area east of Jamul Ca. I.m at 2500ft. I’ve had lilacs (lavender)since I’ve lived here (“72″) they... Read more »
Bearded Iris

Bearded Iris

Question from Kathy: I have is relative to the bearded iris. I have some lovely gold ones and I just reread what to do after they bloom in your book. Do they require much water... Read more »

Garden Q & A

Peach Tree Problems and Solutions: Pruning, Fertilizer, and Dormant Spray

Peach Tree Problems and Solutions: Pruning, Fertilizer, and Dormant Spray

Question from Michael: My peach trees are about 7 yrs old and I have never trimmed them because I do not know how. I live in Illinois . About 4 yrs ago I had a good yeild of peaches... Read more »

My mission in the Kalu Yala

Question from Chris: My name is Chris Garcia, I am not a beginner gardner but I am definitely not at your level yet. I am on a mission to gain as much... Read more »

Trees

Italian Cypress Trees For Narrow Land Strip

Question from Nolanda: 1. I reside in Pasadena, CA. I have read alot of problems, mostly dust mites, killing italian cypresses after 3 yrs despite  professional... Read more »
Hearty beautiful tree suggestion

Hearty beautiful tree suggestion

Question from Jenny: We need suggestions for a hearty, low maintenance, attractive tree or bush that won’t grow too tall (we don’t want to block neighborhood views... Read more »

Garden Design

Pat Welsh’s Garden

Pat Welsh’s Garden

Question from Cat: I was wondering if you ever open your garden up for viewing. I would love to see it. I live in Trabuco Canyon, California and am an avid So Calif gardener.... Read more »

How to Space Plants when Planting a Bank

From Kathy: Oh for goodness sake I never thought of Ellwood’s as I hardly go there.  I got turned off by coldness in attitude there and never went... Read more »

Pots & Containers

Honeysuckle Dying

Q: Purchased a ‘mint crisp’ honeysuckle in a 1 gal pot; transplanted to a larger planter (hoping to move so I’m trying not to actually... Read more »
Drought tolerants for patio

Drought tolerants for patio

Question from Tracey: I would like to find out if there are some drought tolerant /native plants that will do well in pots on a patio. The patio is south facing and gets a lot... Read more »

Herbs

Cilantro

Cilantro

Jan. 19 | Question from Christina: I have cilantro in a container outside…the problem is, it’s leaves have turned purple. I don’t know what I am doing wrong and can’t... Read more »

Pruning Lavendar

Jan. 15 | Question from Heather: I live near the coast. When is the best time to prune back lavendar? I did it a few months back, but not aggressively. Now they... Read more »

Composting

Horse Manure Compost

Jan. 25 | Question from Dave: I have a very reliable and steady source of horse manure (1 quarter horse, 1 draft horse and 1 shetland pony) and an equally reliable... Read more »
How to Create a Hot Compost Pile

How to Create a Hot Compost Pile

Feb. 6 | Question: I have a compost pile and nothing I do heats it up. What could be the matter with it? Answer From Pat: If you have already read and are following the instructions on... Read more »

Fertilizer

Horse Manure Compost

Horse Manure Compost

Jan. 25 | Question from Dave: I have a very reliable and steady source of horse manure (1 quarter horse, 1 draft horse and 1 shetland pony) and an equally reliable source of pine needles.... Read more »

Fertilizing and Rain

Dec. 30 | Q. Can you give me some reasons that it’s not good to fertilize when it’s raining? A. Walking on heavy soil when it is wet can compact the... Read more »