18Aug, 2025

Pond Tour Enjoyed by All

by Geoff Ellis

On August 9 and 16 the Utah Pond and Garden Club held its annual tour of water features along the Wasatch Front. Most of these ponds and streams are located on residential properties and not normally open to the public. Many beautiful landscapes were on display this year, and the weather cooperated with mostly sunny […]

16Jul, 2025

We Need More Plants

by Geoff Ellis

On Tuesday, July 8, Professor Kelly Kopp came to speak at a meeting of the Alternative Garden Club. Her message was that as people are replacing their lawns with other types of landscapes, they should remember that living plants are important for our environment, and even grass can be waterwise when managed properly. Ms. Kopp […]

23Jun, 2025

Flower of the Week: Coir Pots

by Geoff Ellis

A recent development in the green industry has been the use of pots made out of coir, or coconut fiber, rather than plastic. The instructions call for planting the whole thing, pot and all, in the ground. The idea of reducing waste and saving resources is a good one, but how well do the plants […]

16Jun, 2025

Weed of the Week: Puncture Vine

by Geoff Ellis

Tribulus terrestris, also called puncture vine or goathead, is the bane of bicycle riders and dog walkers everywhere, producing sharp, 4-pointed seedheads that break off and puncture tires and paw pads. It thrives in sunny, barren areas such as roadsides and dirt trails, where it is perfectly positioned to cause havoc. It starts to germinate […]