Under the Solano Sun

Growing up my parents would try to take my siblings and me to Mexico every year when they could. That way we would be able to see our grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Both of my parents we born and grew up in the state of Jalisco. Their towns are about 120 miles apart from each other.

If you've ever visited a local fair, you might have seen rows of vases filled with beautiful, perfectly formed flowers with prize ribbons proudly attached and wondered who the people are that entered and won these contests.

In November, as I was strolling in the local park, I noticed a stand of tall shrubs with beautiful, colorful orange and red berries. Some of the shrubs formed an arching tunnel along the path.

These aeoniums are long-time valued residents in my backyard. They are very common succulents, but I am fond of them. Being a new gardener (with no green thumb!) any plant, no matter how common, that survives in my backyard, deserves care and devotion.

Are you bored with the occasional tomato, pepper and aphid-riddled broccoli crown? Growing vegetables at home from seeds and seedlings from the box stores is easy, but the results can often be disappointing. There is a more rewarding way to grow vegetables that by design only gets better every year.