6 Ways to Cool Off Without Air Conditioning – Having an air conditioner is a near-must in climates where months-long heat waves are a summer norm. And with that comes an equally scorching energy bill. Even in regions with gentler climates, homeowners can still experience enough hot days in a row to nearly go mad…. more
Eco Living
6 Ways to Cool Off Without Air Conditioning –
Fire- Wise Landscaping Can Help Keep your Home & Property Safe
Fire-Wise Landscapes Can Help Keep Your Home and Property Safe Choose fire-resistant plants and materials and create defensible areas using these design strategies Firescaping incorporates the design of the landscape and property surrounding a home to lessen its susceptibility to fire. This can be achieved through a well-thought-out landscape design plan… more
California Gardener's April Checklist
Water shortages along with energy crises and other realities of modern living have taught us valuable lessons about conserving our priceless resources. And in our gardens, we Californians have pioneered sustainable approaches that are beautiful as well as more appropriate to our Mediterranean climate. Visit a nursery this month, and you’ll… more
Build Your Own Cut Flower Garden – Year Round in Santa Barbara
Flower farmer Erin Benzakein shows us how to grow fresh seasonal flowers the most satisfying way: by seed Spring is coming in a few months, and with it countless ways to enjoy flowers in all their glory. Could this be the year you start a cutting garden? Farmer-florist Erin Benzakein points the way… more