Category: Gardening

By Josh Reilly We had a strange Fall season in my little “holler” in Ben Lomond in 2022. Routine heavy frosts started in late October, a little ahead of schedule, along with other autumnal anomalies. Maybe it’s the 50 F temperature swings on clear days. Maybe the rare September rain triggered plant hormonal confusion, but the Granny Smith apple tree… Read More

By Josh Reilly December is upon us and with it, the hot-colored Holiday blooms of Amaryllis. These bulbs are often stashed in a cool, dark spot and potted in October or November. Those from in the Southern Hemisphere will flower this month, and February and March, for bulbs from the Northern Hemisphere (often the Netherlands). December blooming buds should be… Read More

By Josh Reilly In September, rains brought a flush of Summery green back to our hillsides. Since then, however, with warm dry air and cool evenings, leaves are turning shades of gold, yellow, wine red, cranberry, and strawberry jam. East and West Zayante Roads are great places to see the seasons change, but you probably have your own favorite spots.… Read More

By Josh Reilly Fall has come to the SLV. Fall, for your Uncle Skip, is a time of reflection. It is safe to say that I have fewer trips around the Sun ahead than behind. I’m not complaining. I am fortunate to have lived to see this many seasons in the garden. Winter is coming. And I am starting to… Read More

By Josh Reilly Time seems to slow down slightly in August. It’s too hot to do anything but water. But then September arrives, and suddenly there is almost too much to do. Time to plant your Fall garden — broccoli, cabbage, leafy greens, carrots, potatoes, onions, and late Summer/Fall flowers. Time to divide perennials and grasses. Time, also, to enjoy… Read More

By  Josh Reilly In August the best place in the garden may be a big comfortable chair on a shady deck, with a good view of your Summer blooms. Penstemons, marigolds, petunias, some Salvias, some Begonias, and lots of Pelargoniums are blooming right now. Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan), Echinacea (coneflower), and Canna are in full glory. Low-growing, varieties of Sedum (Stonecrop),… Read More

By Josh Reilly Like every other great creative endeavor, the garden needs personal design features. Sculpture, rare old patio furniture, banners, mobiles, personal treasures. Weird stuff. I have a few such items, including a ceramic raven, holding a ring in its mouth, created by SLV master ceramicist Dan Hennig. It roosts on the fence above my rose garden, where I… Read More

By Josh Reilly It’s June in the SLV. The Winter rainy season is over. Short of a miracle or a biblical apocalypse, there will be no rain from now until at least late September. Water, as everybody is now telling you, is scarce. The meaning of “average rainfall” keeps changing. With less water, can we still garden and enjoy the… Read More

By Josh Reilly There are plenty of ways to economize in the garden. Grow drought tolerant plants and water less frequently. Plant perennials, shrubs, and trees in Fall to take advantage of the rains and lower weed competition. Buy plants on the “Sale” table at your nursery or garden center. Grow plants from seed. Propagate your own plants from cuttings, seeds,… Read More