Send us Fan Mail

Spring hits, and suddenly it seems like everything blooms at once. I’m talking about the kind of spring gardening that feels like a reset: wandering a gorgeous local plant nursery, getting pulled in by rows of color, and convincing myself I’m only buying one thing before walking out with petunias and violas. Along the way, I admit a very real temptation to shop QVC, including the moment I realized I didn’t even know whether violas were just pansies (spoiler: they’re not).

Then reality shows up in the most predictable form possible: squirrels. I share what’s actually working for me right now, like using hanging baskets and light netting to protect sweet peas, plus the ongoing patience required when plants take their time. We also get into camellias, from early bloomers to late waves, and the frustration of buds that drop year after year. Add heavy rain, blown-out blossoms, oak tree debris, sap, and fast-growing weeds, and you’ve got the full messy backyard update.

The most meaningful part of the conversation is how gardening can turn into community care. I talk about propagating succulent cuttings and creeping Charlie to donate through Regrow Altadena, a spot helping neighbors replace plants after the Eden fire. If you’re craving practical garden tips, honest problem-solving, and a reminder that small wins still matter, you’ll feel right at home here. Subscribe to Only Child Diaries, share this with a fellow plant person, and leave a rating and review so more listeners can find us.

For the Only Child Diaries:
Check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/onlychilddiariespodcast/
or
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onlychilddiaries/
or
Threads
https://www.threads.net/@onlychilddiaries
and on
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/onlychilddiaries.bsky.social