Tom Karwin

2 weeks ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Tom Karwin

As a frequent visitor to West Cliff Drive, I have developed a preference for public landscaping. Stephen Kessler’s recent column praising the ice plant on West Cliff Drive has encouraged two effective letters to the editor and my response. I wrote about the ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis) two years ago. To review background info, visit the archived column at santacruzsentinel.com and search for “Invasion of the ‘Pigfaces'” (one of its common names).

3 weeks ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Tom Karwin

Recently, we encouraged readers to review their gardens periodically to identify both strengths and needs for improvement. I followed this practice myself, with a gardening friend. We both appreciated the plants, while my friend also checked out the trees and spotted three issues that warranted attention. Today’s column reviews the discovered needs for tree work and still highlights a few new blooms. Let’s start with the tree work issues.

4 weeks ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Tom Karwin

This column returns to a regular recommendation: walk through your garden to appreciate recent growth and blossoms, spot problems that need attention and identify opportunities to enhance the landscape. Taking a fresh look at your piece of nature can be a departure from daily pressures and an invitation for creativity. Today’s image gallery features blossoms that I encountered during my garden walk. These images are only selected examples of spring growth.

1 month ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Tom Karwin

Getting your hands in the dirt is essential for gardening. A recent article about dirt reported, “Experts say that regular contact with healthy soil has physical and psychological benefits for adults as well as children.”We continue to advocate direct involvement with installing and maintaining plants as an enjoyable and beneficial activity. Still, we cannot ignore the technology that surrounds us.

1 month ago | santacruzsentinel.com | Tom Karwin

Gardeners are enjoying a seasonal series of shows and sales by local garden societies. This column has recently highlighted events by the local chapters of the California Native Plant Society, the American Dahlia Society and the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. There’s more to come. The Santa Cruz Orchid Society and the Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai club will co-host their respective shows on May 3 and 4 at the Capitola Mall (in the space previously occupied by the Sears store).