San Diego has become a city of urban living making it difficult for some to have gardens. One of the best ways to have your garden without a yard is to grow your plants in containers. Containers are perfect for patios, balconies, decks, porches and courtyards.

According to Dean Turney (San Diego Camellia Society), Camellias are the perfect plant. There is an article all about this in last Sunday’s Union Tribune (February 14, 2010, Home Section, H1). These are just a few of the attributes he points out:

• Slow growing
• Some varieties are compact/trailing
• Enjoy filtered sunlight or semi-shade
• Over 3000 varieties

Colors: white, red, pink & multi-colored

If you require lighting for these beautiful container plants, visit our Tidbits page and browse for string lights.

I love the color…

If you read the Union Tribune, Home section, you are probably familiar with the article “February in the Garden” by Bill Sidnam. I do not have a green thumb but I am crazy about lighting up beautiful plants, trees, water features and garden art. Because of my love for architectural and landscape lighting, I’ve been compelled to learn more about trees and plants. I’ve decided to begin sharing what I learn as I go and this article caught my attention (Union Tribune, February 7, 2010).

For February, Sidnam selected Nemesia which he describes as “a wonderful flower for San Diego-area gardens.” Many of my landscape lighting clients near the coastline have these and I’m beginning to understand why. San Diego’s coast is one of the most beautiful you’ll find anywhere and these plants thrive in this environment. He also explains how these plants will bloom inland with hotter temperatures so it appears to be a versatile plant as well.

photos taken from Google Images

He explains,these plants are widely available and can be purchased in pots or as seeds. If your are anything like me (brown thumb) you’ll likely look for plants already on its way – I’m afraid of seeds but working on it. Reminds me of a time I planted bulbs and they were never to be seen again…Lol.

I look forward to sharing more of what I learn as I continue my journey to turn my brown thumb green.

LaGina

Loves Butterflies

Energy Saving Quick Tips

When I come across good tips for saving energy around the home and business, I’ll share them with you. So here is the latest presented by SDGE regarding how we use heating units in our homes. It has been a bit chilly lately and if we aren’t using our fireplace, we’re probably using central heating units.

According to SDGE  (sdge.com/winter) the best way to conserve energy while using your heating units is to install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific times to operate at particular temperatures. This allows you to decrease the furnace temperature down when you don’t need it, thereby saving up to 20% on your energy costs.

I advise you to implement a similar tactic with your landscape lighting systems by using a digital timer to operate your lighting system. Digital timers allow you to set specific times to operate your landscape lighting system versus dusk to dawn timers that stay on all night. In addition, digital timers have memory allowing you to set vacation status to operate your system when you are out of town with random on/off times giving the appearance of someone being home; an excellent security feature.

One step beyond a digital timer is a home automation system (a local San Diego company is leading the pack). There are many professionals to do the installation if you chose not to do it yourself (can be challenging initially). Automation systems will mimic your lighting use habits, can operate on motion systems, can operate interior and exterior lights, and can be managed via the Internet. Other options include hand held or table top remote control panels.

Regardless of how you decide to save, just know the options are endless. These tips are just some basic ways to get started. I’ll tip you again later…

LaGina
Loves Butterflies