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…
Read MoreArticles by Debbie Arrington
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…
A beautiful garden, a big sale
Davis recognizes an asset, Sacramento garden clubs join forces Huei’s Garden now has new status along the city bike path in Davis. It’s officially a…
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…
Halloween, wine and blossoms
Gardeners should mark these dates on their calendars Too early to think about Halloween? Not if you want to squeeze into Sacramento’s Historic City Cemetery…
Smart, not lazy
Organic gardening pioneer says planning pays off When it comes to gardening, Robert Kourik sees value in being lazy. Take a step back, sit down…
Sticks and stones
Use mulch, not rocks, around lawn trees Rocks in a garden can be attractive. They can form paths or add accents. But rock mulch around…