Duke McPherson on Garden Gossip

L to R: Chris Cullen, Lisa Cullen, Duke McPherson, Leana Finley & Denise Ritchie (of Malibu Compost)

Consulting arborist, Duke McPherson, was our guest on Garden Gossip this week (sorry, Duke you closed your eyes in the photo!). And we talked about trees, specifically deciduous trees. Normally, this is the time of year for pruning deciduous fruit trees, but after a wet and cold December, we have had a very warm and dry 6 weeks, which is causing early bud break. The trees are confused and that can effect fruit set. Only time will tell what the end result will be. If your trees have leaf break it's too late to spray for Peach Leaf Curl, but if they are flowering, go ahead and spray.

Growing Roses Organically-Dan Bifano on Garden Gossip

 (from left to right: Denise Ritchie, Leana Finley, Dan Bifano, Lisa Cullen, Chris Cullen)

Last week we had the honor of having Dan Bifano on the show. In case you didn't know, Dan Bifano is THE rose expert in our area and beyond. His client list is a list of the most successful women in show business (I'll let you guess the names). Roses are his passion. We also had a visit from Malibu Compost founder, Denise Ritchie. As a result, Dan decided to start using Malibu Compost on one of his biggest client's roses. Very exciting news. Dan's main message was that you feed the soil, live, healthy soil will result in healthy plants. Also, as far as pests go, here's the rundown:
Aphids-wash them off with water.
Caterpillars-use BT (organic caterpillar stuff)
The best defense is live, healthy soil and keeping your plants clean.
Feed your soil with Malibu Compost, the Biodynamic formula.
for more information on Malibu Compost click here

January in Santa Barbara

Well, after record-breaking rain in December, here it is in January and it's warm, sunny and windy. I really am praying for more rain, we don't want to go another year without water. We should get more rain in Feb. at least that's what I'm hoping for. January and February are the months when you want to feed your soil. Do what I do, put down a layer of Malibu Compost, and let the rain water it in. Healthy soil makes for healthy plants. Fill your garden with joy! Lisa
check out Malibu Compost by clicking here