Firefox | August 30, 2009
30ft + 70Ft =100ft of defensible space!
Lean, Clean and Green: the first 30 feet.
Lean: *Create an open area near the house free of fuels, woodpiles, and clutter.
*Ideally have a solid paved or clean, raked gravel walkway that allows room to walk the entire perimeter of the home.
Clean: *Instead of decks and wood patio furniture create [...]
Firefox | August 19, 2009
A few weeks back I posted the proposal for a garden on Dolores Street in Carmel.
Today the garden was finished and I wanted to talk about the transformation.
Originally, the garden, a 25 by 2o foot plot shaded by oaks and a massive pine, was spotted with a few ferns and some grasses.
The garden had been [...]
Firefox | July 29, 2009
I just took this photo in the East Border. It shows a great combo of fire safe plants for summer color.
The combo features Aloe x nobilis with red blooms, purple flowers from Teuchrium, Scarlet Flower Carpet rose, Gaillardia Goblin, Gold strap leaves of Phormium, plus blue Perovskia Longin, and the purple leaves of Prunus cistiana, [...]
Firefox | June 30, 2009
When the Spanish missionaries explored the landscape of California, they often named canyons or valleys for the plants that grew abundantly there. Many features, even in Death Valley, are named for the native California Grape, Vitis californica. This hardy, drought tolerant vine scrambled over rocky cliffs, or over trees along stream banks remiding the explorers [...]
Firefox | June 14, 2009
I remember when I was small having to sit outside the Salinas City Hall one afternoon while my mother dealt with some issue inside. The lawn was bare except for a very strange small tree growing against the white concrete wall. The tree had big puffs of pink fluff couched among purple leaves. Years later [...]
admin | June 12, 2009
The sustainable, fully recyclable, ultra modern chic, fire-safe tables and benches by Orange 22.
Epigram is the new series with quotes by Milton Glaser with proceeds benefitting the International Rescue Commitee
Firefox | June 6, 2009
The Army will be conducting a controlled burn on 900 acres of Fort Hunter Ligget today. The fire coincides with the Monterey County Wildland Fire School going in through Sunday June 8th. Officials note that there may be a significant smoke column seen over the Santa Lucias to the South and East of Big Sur.
Firefox | May 12, 2009
In the wake of the Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara, CalFire officials and the USFS are ramping up their preparedness for the 2009 wildfire season. The fire in the hills above that city spread quickly due to firebrands sent aloft by the winds.
These flying embers create “spotting” where new fires erupt ahead of the [...]
Firefox | May 6, 2009
Saturday, June 27th 9am to 5pm
Smart Gardening Fair, Scotts Valley, CA
www.smartgardening.org
Fruits, Food, and Fire: sustainable landscapes that keep you and your home Fire Safe.
A rich abundant landscape gives back to you with tasty organic fruits and vegetables but also can save your home from the threat of wildfires. Learn how the principles of good gardening [...]
Firefox | April 27, 2009
I am often asked what makes a plant “fire safe”?
Is it a succulent? What can I plant to help protect my home?
There is an easy answer: forget the plant lists and think about how a fire safe plant grows and what it contributes to your overall sustainable garden.
Here a few examples we will explore today: [...]