TOP 5 BENEFITS OF GETTING IN YOUR GARDEN

I like to set goals not resolutions.  Maybe it's just the term resolution that I dislike.  As if you are resolving to achieve something that you did not the previous year.  But goals are nice.  One goal that I hope you make this year is to get out in your garden.  I am not talking about getting out there and weeding (although you should from time to time), but rather using your garden as a place to workout, meditate etc.  In this video I share with you the 5 benefits of getting in your garden.



I myself have a 100 square feet pad of concrete where the front door is that I use as my garden.  I have a table and two chairs in one area to dine in and in the other area I have a DIY bench that I can sit in and relax.  I use this space regularly, especially since I work from home and need to take breaks to recharge.  Now I am curious do you get in your garden?  If so comment below and tell me more.  Share your stories.

INDOOR NATIVE PLANTS UPDATE

I love plants!  Naturally since what I do is design with them.  But what I enjoy most in relation to plants is experimenting with them.  In this case I experiment with some plants indoors.  I thought it would be fun to try some California native plants indoors and see what happens.  I knew that some might not survive for one reason or another, but I just had to try.

I look at gardening as a science lab.  You get to experiment.  Some experiments work and others fail. Some of the plants just did not like being indoor and others met their maker aka my two cat.   This video is an update on those plants.



If you have tried any indoor plants and have had luck or not so much then due tell.  I am curious to know more about your indoor garden experience.

TOP 3 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS FOR FOOD

Let's face it, that in this economic times it has become imperative for us to safe money and only buy the things that we need.  But when it comes to food we cannot skimp to save a dollar.  We have to buy the good quality foods that are beneficial to the health of our loved ones.  Now if I told you that there was an alternative, that was also a money saver would you believe me?  Their is...  That is growing your own food, which you can even do with California native plants.  In this video, you will learn about the top 3 California native plants that are edible.  These plants can grow in your garden and even pair well with herbs/vegetables.



These plants are:

• Frageria californica - Woodland Strawberry 
• Satureja chandleri - San Miquel Savory
• Vitis californica 'Rogers Red'- Rogers Red Grape

This begins a series of 10 videos about California native plants.  Each video will feature a situation that is commonly dealt with in residential landscapes.

1. Food
2. Habitat
3. Color
4. Scent
5. Shade
6. Groundcover
7. Low growing
8. Medium growing
9. Tall growing/trees
10. Slopes
11. Bonus:  top 10 California native plants + giveaway 

The 11th video will be followed by a giveaway in which there will be 3 level of prizes and 3 winners. There are many ways to enter to win the prizes.  

First place prize:  One Tree Of Life Nursery designer in residence appointment with any designer of your choice.  A 10% coupon towards any plant purchase at Tree Of Life.  A packet of wildflower plant seeds.  

Second place prize: A $15 Tree Of Life Nursery gift certificate.  A packet of wildflower seeds.  A plant arrangement.

Third place prize: A plant arrangement and a packet of wildflower seeds.  

How to enter:  Comment on this or any of the other videos and or blog posts as they are posted weekly (on any of these 11 categories).  Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. Like creations landscape designs on Facebook or follow @creationslandscapedesigns on Instagram.  The more you enter the more entries you get.  At the end of the 11th video winners will be announced.  

MY PATIO GARDEN - PART TWO

As you may have read in my patio garden part one I recently moved to Santa Ana from Tustin.  This meant that I was not only going to have a space that had a better layout and was energetically better but unlike my last place I now have a descent amount of garden space to play with.  I will do a video of the entire space in a future post.  What I wanted to talk about today is worms and why (if you have a garden) you should have them.

I for the past few years have been trying to live a more sustainable life.  Trying to reduce the amount of waste I produce and just live an all around healthier life.  So when I moved into this place I wanted to not be sending a shit ton of trash into the landfill.  I started years ago by not buying foods that came in any packaging that could not be recycled or reused.  I buy everything in bulk which was a cost savings but I was still throwing the food waste in the landfill and that had to change. So I decided to start worm composting.



I did not want to go the plastic bin route and wanted something that was both functional and decorative.  After some google searching I found this wooden worm composting bin from an Etsy shop called Sacred Resource.  I was drawn to the fact that it was not made of plastic and is far more sustainable than the competition.  It was easy to install and I am certain that my HOA won't huff or puff about it.  I also got some worms (500 red wigglers) from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm.   Both products came with some tips and tricks to get started that were helpful.


So far it has been a few weeks since I have been composting and I have learned a few things...

• Have a bucket in the kitchen to which you can store the food waste until you are ready to put them in the bin.  I bought one from World Market.  
• Out of 500 worms about half a dozen died. 
• Onion peels are not liked so much.
• Avocado peels, tea leaves and tomato peels are a big hit.  
• You really do need equal (or thereabouts) amount of green and brown waste or there will be an odor.
• You may get some critters inside the bin.  I have some gnats and tiny ants.  I am sure they are harmless.  
• Once in a while add a bit of water to the bin to keep the soil somewhat moist. 

I will share updates from time to time.  If you are worm composting I would love to hear about your adventures and if you have any tips for this newbie then feel free to share.

ROUNDUP = BAD NEWS

Some contractors will tell you that using roundup is great as it will kill the weeds and the grass.  Some home improvement stores will even offer this product free with purchase of something.  Monsanto and Scotts will no doubt promote this product and tell you that it's safe.  YES!!!  They will tell you that using this "glyphosate"  product is safe to breath.  As if using and breathing a toxic chemical is ever safe.  It's like using Clorox products to clean your home with.  Toxic?  Yes!  Safe?  HELL NO!!!  Not even close.

You may now be telling me that roundup is water soluble.  Well that is partially true.  Once it leaches into the soil then it is there to potentially harm any new plantings.  Yes it will and has.  Did I mention that it's toxic.  As in it's unsafe to breathe/ingest.  Have I scared you from using it?  If not then let me share this story with you.

I used to cough a lot (like a chronic annoyance).  I was certainly having respiratory issues and could not figure out why.   I eat healthy and workout often so then why was I having these issues?  After doing some internet research I decided to change the chemicals that I clean my house with and went from using toxic products to those that are earth friendly.  What a difference a simple change made.  I became convinced that these products were the root of the issue.  Roundup is much the same, made with chemicals that are so bad for you.

So now you are wondering what to do and if there are/is alternatives.  The simple answer is "VINEGAR".  You can use it as weed killer, grass killer and a killer of plant life.  It is not harmful to your health and I bet you cook with it from time to time.  A simple solution.  Now if only garden centers and contractors would get on board.

So here is my challenge to you the person who cares deeply about family well being.  A simple challenge to rid your home and landscape of toxic crap.  If you are just doing your landscape then advise your contractor NOT to use roundup and use vinegar instead.

REALLY COOL WEBSITE

I came across this website from a friend and thought I would share with you.  It's called Local Harvest and it's intended purpose is to be a resource as an organic, local food website.  The below information is taken from the website.

"LocalHarvest is America's #1 organic and local food website. We maintain a definitive and reliable "living" public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources. Our search engine helps people find products from family farms, local sources of sustainably grown food, and encourages them to establish direct contact with small farms in their local area. Our online store helps small farms develop markets for some of their products beyond their local area."

If you are looking for a local farmer or farmers market in your area than this is the website for you.  This website also gives you a whole slew of information in regards to harvesting and CSA programs etc.  A must check out for any organic foodie.  

IF IT SAYS ORGANIC THEN WHAT?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture set the following standards on the use of organic.

100% Organic - A raw or processed agricultural product sold, labeled or represented as 100% organic must contain 100% organically produced ingredients.

Organic - A raw or processed agriculture product sold, labeled or represented as organic must contain not less than 95% organically produced raw or processed agricultural products.

Made With Organic - Multi ingredient agricultural product sold, labeled or represented as made with organic must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients.

Buying organic is not about spending more money but rather your health. Whether you are buying groceries or cleaning supplies or even pet food and litter it's a good thing to buy organic.

This lady at Tanaka Farms told me that "produce that has been sitting on the shelves at grocery store (Von's, Ralph's etc.) has been traveling 2 months before it gets into your mouth." So you mean to tell me that by the time I buy it it's 2 months old? Yikes!

Here is what I do which not only improved my health but translated into "ALL NATURAL HEALTHY" weight loss. It's easy, simple and worth every penny. Remember your health is priceless.

• 95% of all the fruits and vegetables I consume are either bought at farmers markets or a local farm.
• I buy everything else at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Mothers.
• All of my cat food and cat litter is organic (hey if I am going to eat healthy why shouldn't my cats).

Do the right thing for you and your family. Buy responsibly! Buy organic! Just plain use common sense when buying products! If there is an ingredient that you cannot pronounce then perhaps it's not natural or good for you.