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 | 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 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 [...]
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 21, 2009
The new East Border is looking so good right now I had to take a few photos. It’s hard to believe these beds are only 6 months old!
Though there were a few things that survived from the old scheme, like the magnificent Purple Robe Cotinus in full bloom.
Out of the fire comes flowers, literally!
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 | March 17, 2009
Every time I give a talk, I will mention mulch. I get lots of questions from the audience and it turns into the “mulch hour”.
What is a simple way to improve your garden overnight? Mulch!
What is mulch? Mulch is layer of organic matter, usually chopped bark, compost, chopped leaves, grass clippings or a combination [...]
Firefox | March 17, 2009
This is called a fuel ladder. A way for fire to “climb” up into the air, or into the roof of your home.