Articles by Debbie Arrington

Seed money

Perennial plant club grows gardening with grants Think of this as seed money for the future of Sacramento gardening. Each January, the Sacramento Perennial Plant…

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Poinsettia passion

The star-like flower is a holiday favorite, especially in red Seeing red? It’s that time of year—poinsettia season. Christmas in California wouldn’t be the same…


Pruning time

You can’t smell the roses if they’re way over your head It’s time to tell your roses: Knock it off! November’s mostly dry and relatively…


Fallen leaves

Turn all that foliage into free mulch “What am I going to do with all these leaves?” Ankle deep in fallen foliage, that’s a common…


Holiday cheer

Gardeners have many ways to grow seasonal spirit There’s no snow on the ground in Sacramento, no frosty cues for hot chocolate and sleigh bells….


All decked out

Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour shows off decorators Turkey Day may be a week away, but it’s already looking a lot like Christmas in East…


Return of ‘The Claw’

Leaf season in Sacramento brings back curbside collection Scraaaape! “The Claw” is back and it’s music to my ears. As a Sacramento homeowner and avid…


Fire season

Suburban residents need to be ready for wildfires, too My trees are touching and it’s making me nervous. The more I learn about wildfires—how they…


Charlotte’s web

Most spiders aren’t scary, and control pests I had to admire her industriousness, even if the results made me scream. Spanning the width of our…


Perk up your garden

Used coffee grounds make an excellent compost Want a greener garden with more flowers and less work? Give your soil some grounds. Used coffee grounds…


Stop and smell the roses

’Tis the season for America’s official flower It’s a good time to stop and smell the roses—or at least admire their beauty. October is Sacramento’s…


Like bees to honey

UC Davis Arboretum’s bountiful sales lure gardeners Maybe it’s pent-up demand or a need to plant something new. But when the Arboretum Teaching Nursery at…



Sad tomato

It’s a mixed bag for growers of heirloom varieties This was a tough summer in the Big Tomato. For many growers, Sacramento’s favorite crop struggled….


Go native

Native plants are good for animals and save water Do something for local wildlife. Plant a native. If you want to help Sacramento birds, bees…


A hidden gem with an English touch

Sacramento’s Woodlake neighborhood takes a bow for home tour Woodlake always was meant to be different. Its winding streets deliberately contrast with Sacramento’s logical straight-line…


All about begonias

Sacramento hosts national convention for popular plant For the first time in 41 years, Sacramento is the Begonia Capital. Begonia lovers from throughout the country…