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Sedum and sempervivum are very drought and frost tolerant plants and are sold as such by garden centers. However, all will not work in my Mediterranean climate and I could kick myself that I didn’t do my own “due diligence”…
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Soil Improvement
When we first saw the garden in February 2022, the soil was bare, chalky-grey, and powdery soft. In parts of the garden I sank in to my ankles. You could have dug it with a table spoon and yet, about…
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Aizoacea & Mesembryanthemum
The Aizoaceae family is endemic to South Africa and has brought forth a multitude of mostly low-growing, spreading plants with fleshy leaves and bright flowers that work well as ground cover on dry soils in full sun. Several of its…
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The Joys & Challenges of Mediterranean Gardening
I was very honored to do a presentation on my approach to Mediterranean Gardening for VEEM (Vivre Ensemble En Minervois) in Olonzac on March 6, 2025. Many of the more than 40 gardeners who came are way more experienced than…
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The Potager in Winter: Cabbage & Co.
Cabbage works like a charm here – at least if planted over the winter. I usually plant cauliflower and Brussel sprouts in early or late fall. They’re just fine with colder temperatures and as soon as the weather gets warmer…
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Vinca minor / major
Periwinkle as ground cover Vinca has always been a “must-have” for me. I love it for its shiny dark green leaves and the bright blue, purple, or white “pinwheel” flowers, appearing between February and May and for some varieties again…