
Dan Vierria
Gardening Columnist
About This Author
As a senior writer for The Sacramento Bee, Dan Vierria covered media, food, restaurants, pop culture/trends and home & garden. Currently, he is a freelance writer, social media page administrator and certified University of California Master Gardener for Sacramento County.
Articles by this author
Fall Guise
Admit it, until leaves transform into dazzling colors and blanket streets and lawns, they are merely a supporting cast to our magnificent trees.
Occasionally we remember to appreciate the shade provided in summer and the glorious compost that leaves spawn. Houseplant enthusiasts value leaves for helping clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Every garden is enhanced and benefits from leaves.
Often, we are too busy or not interested in granting Sacramento’s urban leaf canopy the respect it deserves. In truth, leaves are as Sacramento as farm to fork and tomatoes.
Read MoreCheat Sheet
A garden is an artist’s canvas. Brushstrokes of yellow and red, a green background, swipes of light and shadow. The creative effort is personal and satisfying. But like all masterpieces, gardens age and require attention.
You may fancy yourself the Claude Monet of Sacramento gardens, but perfection is fleeting. Plants die. Tastes and styles change. Plants outgrow space. Moving to a new home, you may prefer to paint over the existing canvas.
Fall is for planting. The lavender that inexplicably expired, the long-suffering salvia and bare spots stir anxiety. Nurseries are stocked with choices, so many that plant anxiety manifests uncertainty and inaction.
Read MoreHot Times
Spring gardening begins with excitement and energy. As August arrives, plants and people experience a trial separation in hopes things work out. We choose air conditioning and shady patios when insufferable heat clobbers Sacramento.
It’s not our fault August gardening begats sloth and surrender. Gardens refuse to cooperate, shedding the lush greens of spring for the crispy browns of late summer.
Read MoreYards Ahead
Sacramentans seem conflicted about the perfect residential landscape. Our preferences range from attempting to control nature with vast lawns and boxwood hedges to creating serene spaces that appear untouched by human hands.
Variations abound, inspired by landscape design choices. Contemporary, modern minimalist, cottage garden, French country, tropical, xeriscape—the menu of artistry and whimsy is abundant.
What nudges us to consider a major renovation, a new look?
Read MoreTwo-Way Street
July is when we celebrate freedoms. For me, few freedoms are as precious as my freedom of religion.
When I served as an Air Force chaplain, I had many conversations about religious freedom. Few went like the one I had with a deputy commander of my base.
She was passing my office and stuck her head in the door. “Watcha doing, Chaplain?” she asked.
I said, “I’m trying to write a prayer for colonel so-and-so’s retirement ceremony, but I’m not getting far.”
Read More