When it comes to garden crafting, few plants are as versatile as your garden herbs. These fragrant favorites, such as lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme, are wonderful not only for their culinary uses, but also their beauty. All of these plants are perennials—meaning they’ll thrive year after year—and they’re…
As October settles in, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about harvesting the last of your lavender before the winter weather approaches. While most gardeners are very familiar with using the aromatic flowers, don’t overlook the versatility of lavender leaves. Though less potent than the blooms, lavender leaves still…
Fall is the perfect time to plant a butterfly-friendly garden here in Sacramento. With warm soil and mild weather extending well into November, your plants will have plenty of time to establish roots before the cooler months of winter and the heat of next summer. At The Secret Garden, we…
Here in Elk Grove, our hot summers and love for drought-tolerant plants make succulents and cacti the perfect addition to our gardens. However, even these resilient beauties can fall prey to pest problems. Today, we’ll address common pests that afflict succulents, their causes, and how you can treat them using…
Recently I overheard two workshop attendees discussing how they didn’t really know how to use mint in their cooking. Hearing that made me very grateful that I’ve been exposed to Mediterranean style cuisine through my husband’s family and have learned how to easily incorporate mint into more than just jelly…
As temperatures soar this July, the act of (or even the idea of) maintaining a lush and vibrant garden can be challenging. Long periods of hot, dry temperatures can be a challenge, especially when water conservation is a priority. But don’t let the heat discourage you from having a beautiful…
June is a vibrant month in our gardens, bursting with the lush growth of a variety of herbs. At The Secret Garden and at home, we’ve been busy harvesting these green treasures and hanging them to dry, ensuring their wonderful flavors and benefits are preserved for months to come. Follow…
Succulents are adored for their unique beauty, resilience, and low maintenance requirements. However, even these hardy plants have specific needs when it comes to sun exposure, especially in our Sacramento climate. At The Secret Garden, we carefully curate our succulent selection to ensure they thrive in our region’s 9b climate.…
Are you tired of watching your succulents struggle in containers, despite your best efforts? Say goodbye to those frustrations because we’ve got you covered with our top tips for achieving succulent success in containers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps on how to ensure your…
Are you a plant enthusiast looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to your garden? Enter the world of Epiphyllums, affectionately known as Orchid Cactus, or “Epi” for short. These stunning plants, though lesser-known, offer a wealth of charm and elegance to any plant collection. Join me as we…