ALOE

Though these images are not of Aloe vera it still contains the same soothing quality for burns and scrapes.  The flowers are filled with nectar drawing hummingbirds to its graceful flowers.

This particular Aloe plant has been in a container and with our family/company since we began in Paradise, CA 8 years ago.  Traveling down to San Luis Obispo, CA and back up to the Sacramento Valley doesn't seem to have harmed it a bit.  Keeping this container plant healthy with organic fertilizers and compost as well as transplanting him into larger containers has been very important to this long lived and useful plant!

THEY'RE BACK!!!!!

Aphids are probably THE most hated garden pest.  They make the plants unsightly not to mention sick-ER!  Most plants have pest problems because they are already weakened or compromised somehow. 

A proper balance of soil microorganisms is the key to healthy plants!  Habitat for beneficial insects like Ladybugs (or Ladybird beetles) is also crucial to keeping pest populations in check.  An environment free of pesticides will help bring in the beneficials to the landscape and is imperative for the whole system to thrive!

Native plants in bloom!

California native plants are an essential addition to any landscape.  They hold a natural beauty unparalleled by any ornamental plant.

Shown here is Sisyrinchium bellum or Blue-eyed Grass, a native to foothill and valley grasslands around CA.  Also shown is Ribes aureum or Golden Current, a native to mixed coniferous forests and riparian woodlands.  

Both plants offer function, habitat and especially beauty to the landscape and are easy to grow in urban gardens.

Ribes aureum or Golden Current

Sisyrinchium bellum or Blue-eyed Grass