Typically, we enjoy sunny, sweater weather during the winter in Phoenix. I can’t recall a winter season being so gloomy and rainy~~don’t get me wrong, we love and need the rain, but it’s rare having several days of heavy, gray, overcast skies. The weather for the next 5 days will continue this pattern so I…
Every fall I wait for the grapevines by the garden to change into brilliant fall colors. Years ago, I planted two small grapes on either side of the gate to the garden. Over time, they have grown up over the rebar arch and have made a lovely shaded entrance. During the summer, the vines are…
Raising chickens does not take a great deal of maintenance. Providing a shelter, food and room to range is about all that they need. One of our original reasons we have chickens is to manage the bug population here on our property. Since Bella Terra was in a deteriorated and overgrown state for many decades,…
My vegetable garden is comprised of 5 raised beds made from concrete blocks and edged with brick. I like raised beds because it’s easier on the back and you can control the condition of the soil. The PVC pipes are hooped over the beds to allow for bird netting or shade cloth to protect the…
It was the perfect morning to go to my favorite nursery to select flowers for the planters and vegetables for the garden. We love to go to Whitfill Nursery, not only because it is close to our home, but it is family-owned and has operated in Phoenix for over six decades. It’s a delightful place…