High Sierras Gardening

Before you give up, get a copy of the book "Sunset Western Garden Book."

"Peggy" wrote in news:UrWWb.18006$uV3.40062@attbi_s51:

ah, I'll never forget the day my first tumbleweed left home.

What fond memories ...

You can also grow most bulbs beautifully, as many are native to high mountain regions - tulips, chionodoxa, crocus, etc.

Hi Peg,

It can't be that bad, can it? First I would like to recommend that you pick up the Sunset Western Garden Book. A great tool for those living in the Western U.S. Your area, I believe is sunset zone 10, and I see no reason why you can't grow plants that if nothing else will give a Cottage Garden effect. If nothing less, see if there is a garden society there or in Carson City, a great way to network and learn about your area.

I'm envious because, looking at some of the zone 10 plants you can plant, I see Lilacs on the list. Something I can not grow in the lower desert valleys of Arizona. It looks like there is a host of wonderful perennials you can grow. Rocky Mountain Columbines, Bluebells of Scotland (Campanula rotundifolia), some wonderful Penstemon's.

Some wonderful foliage plants. Blue Spruce - now I'm real jealous ;) Do pick up the wonderful Sunset Western Gardener book. It opens up a world of opportunities for you. Listing all the plants you can grow in your Sunset Zone 10.

Janet

Hi Peg, I can't help you much with gardening tips up there, but I just had to say "Hi" and let you know that we did the opposite of you. We moved from the Sierras to the midwest. I lived all my life in California and don't miss it much. But the 2 years we lived in the Sierras were the most beautiful place we ever lived. We would got snow in the winter, but it would quickly melt unless you're in a shady canyon.

I think I prefer Nebraska, though. No crowds, no road rage, and I can leave my doors unlocked at night.

I hope you like living in the Sierras, and hopefully you're not in a canyon that prevents you from having long summer days. Where we lived, by 2:00pm in summer, we were in the shade created by the mountains around us, making gardening very challenging.

Brigitte