Nov 10th 09 Posted by General

here come the santa clarita winds!

Batten down the hatches ‘cause here come the winds!  It’s that time of the year when the high pressure centers form over in the mid west and speed those howling winds through the canyons, blowing all our hard work to pieces.  If you haven’t done so yet, make sure light objects are put away, umbrellas, breakables and fabric covers are tucked away safely, and young trees are staked.  Now that the... read more

Nov 3rd 09 Posted by General

cool season planting in santa clarita

As we enter the autumn planting season, this would be a good time to review planting tips.  There should be a good selection of garden plants to choose from at the nurseries and home stores.  When you shop, try to choose strong healthy specimens that are not root bound.  Some plants do fine root bound; others will be weakened by the experience.  Usually an overdeveloped root system will mean the pot... read more

Oct 27th 09 Posted by General

decorations from the garden

Nature offers wonderful materials for decorative projects. In the autumn, Santa Clarita trees turn colors, flowers form curious seed pods and the weather is great for hunting outdoors for unique natural forms perfect to use for the holidays.  You can wander through your garden or neighborhood and find an array of possibilities for fun creations you can make yourself or for projects with the kids.  Many... read more

Oct 20th 09 Posted by Jason Vasquez

be afraid, be very afraid….

When it comes to online security, I tend to err on the side of caution. Identity theft and credit card fraud is very real. It can happen to the best of us, as I learned on my last vacation. I was using the hotel internet kiosk to print my airline boarding pass. I suspected something was wrong when it wouldn’t allow me to print. Long story short, minutes later my account was hacked, and the hackers were... read more

Oct 13th 09 Posted by General

protect your home from wildfires!

In Santa Clarita we live in an area where wildfires are simply a seasonal fact of life.  Every year we hear we should do something to keep our homes safe, but it’s so easy to let it slip down on the list of priorities.  Already we’ve seen the impact of the Station Fire.  The fire department confirms that your chances of safely surviving a fire season by simply clearing brush and keeping to wise,... read more

Oct 13th 09 Posted by Dawn Walker

bristol farms, whole foods and vallarta, oh my.

Why does it take so long for things to really “happen” in Santa Clarita? Just the other day, I was asking my husband if he remembers when The Old Road didn’t connect Valencia and McBean. He didn’t! For us foodies, we wait and wait and wait to get what the valley, as in The San Fernando Valley gets. I’m talking Whole Foods, Bristol Farms and yes, Vallarta! What is the big deal,... read more

Oct 6th 09 Posted by General

the second gardening season has hit santa clarita!

We are getting into traditional harvest time here in Santa Clarita.  All but the late cropping fruit trees have already delivered up their bounty but many of the summer vegetables and flowers are finishing off the season with a flourish.  Squashes (including pumpkins) will be ready to harvest once the vines turn brown.  In built-up areas you can leave them on the vines longer, but if you are near any... read more