January 2012

Apparently, I am an infrequent blogger. I shall try to remedy that this year.

As this new year begins, I see opportunity on the horizon. Newness is a daily event. New buds may be unfolding early this year; the weather is so different. There are gardens to plan and plants; previously ignored; to now include. There is art; floral- inspired linoleum cuts to print on fabrics for baby clothes and more.

In my garden, I plan to fill ornamental spaces with edibles along with my designated vegetable box, pots and new areas planned for compost piles and eventual plantings.

My "material" goals this year are to purchase 2- 9 drawer Excalibur food dehydrators for myself and my daughter and son-in-law and to replace all gas powered gardening equipment with electric and/or battery powered and acquire really good quality hand tools. These go hand in hand with being a healthy gardener adding to a healthy environment. I found a great site for the dehydrator for our bounties (plus juicers and more)   www.discountjuicers.com

There are 2 products for the garden that I am going to try out. Both are available at Home Depot; either in store or  with free shipping. I will have to purchase online as my local stores (Seaside, Salinas & Watsonville) do not carry them.....Beats Peat and Mega Mulch dark brown. They are both made from the highly sustainable Coconut Coir. Beats Peat is used in place of the non-sustainable Peat Moss; mixed with planting medium. It should still have amendments added like compost or fertilizer, if you would like. It comes in a compressed block weighing 11 lbs. and expands in water to up to 3 cubic feet. Mega Mulch is typically used as a mulch to retain moisture and block weeds, instead of using bark.In water, it expands to up to 2 cubic feet. Both products cost less than $10.00.

I temporarily set my gardening books aside for need of a British DVD fix during my week off. However, I am off to the Carmel Library this week for a fresh stack of garden reading. It always inspires. I will share any spectacular reads.

I plan to incorporate meadows and edibles in landscapes this year; hoping to dissuade clients from installing or keeping lawns. In the past, I disliked succulents and the color orange. I have changed my mind.

In keeping with all things "nature", I have begun a dog sitting service called Canines at Catherine's. Clients are happy to not have to leave their dogs at boarding facilities any longer, but to have them stay and go with me around the clock. It is an endeavor which allows me to combine my adoration of dogs with my love of the garden coupled with its duties as owner of my landscape gardening business. It is the best of both worlds. Pictured, is my Sir Galahad; a White Shepherd pup (not so helpful in the garden!).

As an artist, I infrequently create hand fabricated sterling silver jewelry pieces; some with a botanical theme. Featured, is a sterling necklace depicting organic Eucalyptus leaves; clearly being eaten in their environment. The central piece is a hollowform with the leaf patterns roll printed. It is something of a show-stopper which can be worn by either a man or a woman. I am charging $375.00 for this piece. My work is sold on  atelier1450.etsy.com

I would like to end this blog and begin this year with a note of thanks to my family, friends, associates and clients who have stood by me and given support. You are all my North Star.

I feel a bit rusty in the writing department, though I have actually been writing in my many notepads for quite some time. I hope to share my philosophies, recommendations for gardening books, plant combinations, plants that may not be used enough, stories, photos of gardens and perhaps throw in a photo every now and again of a piece of botanical- inspired piece of sterling silver jewelry that I have made in my studio.
I welcome comments, suggestions & questions.
As I near 60, next year, I have been forced to once again review my business and how it reflects itself in my life. The times are tough for all of us. We have gone through 2 years of some percentage of business decline. In my business in this area, many of us are losing clients to those who do not know about plants and their care, but can run equipment that enable them to "sweep the dirt under the carpet" and create the illusion of proper garden maintenance; in 1/4 of the time and price. I am offended by this practice. I think that in time, homeowners will realize that they will end up spending more in the long run after their gardens have been compromised.
I would like to see the day come again when gardens are tended by hand & are planted with appropriate plants allowing room for natural growth. I am interested in Companion Planting, beneficial insects, composting, replacing lawns with meadows or edibles, integrating vegetables and herbs withing the perennial garden, vertical gardening & eliminating commercial fertilizers and pesticides from the garden. This is where my new vision is taking me; away from the "normal" way of gardening.  These "old fashioned" methods will fly further and affect far more in a positive way.
I have been spending much time studying all of these methods and attempting to understand how they can be applied to gardens that I tend for clients who may or may not be in favor of going in a different direction. People are used to commercial products which green up lawns and plants very quickly and eliminate pests. By approaching a garden organically, the process takes longer, but is much more satisfying over time.

Recommended Book: "Gardening at the Dragon's Gate" by author, Wendy Johnson

It is an important book to keep in the bookshelf for reference. It is both spiritual and technical.