How to collect seeds!

How to save seeds, in particular the Mexican hat, Ratibida columnifera. This flower is part of the Sunflower family and it grows from a foot to 18" tall. It is fast growing and relatively short lived but it reseeds readily. I love this wildflower because it grows well in the High Desert (5,000-7,500 … [Read more...]

Lazy Winter Garden Prep

  It's that time of year, the leaves are falling and you're going to need to do something with them if only just to get them off your walkway. This year with three kids {under 6} and a business to keep up with I'm choosing the Lazy Winter Garden Prep approach.   Let falling leaves … [Read more...]

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

  Just a short post here to say THANKS for a wonderful FIRST year of blogging. Its been a pleasure doing this blog and sharing my passions for Living Outdoors, Places to Play, Sustainable Design and Building Community with all of you. I look forward to continue to bring you content you find … [Read more...]

Green chilies for composting NOT eating.

  What do green chilies and compost have in common? You know your compost is from the southwest when during the mixing stage it smells like green chilies. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting my local compost center, Soilutions. They do more than just compost but their passion … [Read more...]

Three Easy TIPS to pulling weeds.

  Did you hear that my Three Ways to Eliminate Weeds guide is out? I wanted to share with you a few tips from the guide below. I've heard from so many people that one of their  biggest frustrations with their yard is the weeds. These are the same folks who want to be in the yard to RELAX … [Read more...]

October To Dos and a confession.

  Alright, I've got a confession to make. These plants in this picture are all mine. I might have gotten carried away at the plant sales this year.  The plants in the top left of the picture are all native ones from Plants of the Southwest, the lower left plants are the ones for my container … [Read more...]

Sustainable Tuesday Tip: Unplug and make money.

  Did you know 10% of the electricity used in your home is burned by communication devices and appliances---WHEN THEY ARE TURNED OFF! Yep, all those pesky little lights. Choose to “buy” power when you need it. Put everything on power strips and turn on the switch to the strip when ready to … [Read more...]