We all know that March came in like a lion, with consecutive days of rain, we all experienced it!  Our March miracle has ensured that it will go out like a lamb with sunny days and frost free nights.  This brings my thought to digging…particularly in my garden.
* Amending is the ticket to a bountiful outcome.  Dig up that soil (with your paws or a shovel) and add in some humus, growers blend, worm castings or planters mix.  We all need some extra nutrients after a long winters nap.
* The better quality your soil, the less water required.  In your amended quality soil, you will be able to place garden veggies closer together. Sharing the water and the nutrients.  Thus more space for me to hide my bones
* Unused space can be your new vegetable garden.  An urban garden can be created in small courtyard or patio.  Containers, pots hanging on a fence, or small garden boxes can be transformed.  Just make sure the sunshine hits your garden.
* Do the math…Soil can be purchased by the cubic yard or in bags.  One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, and will cover 100 square feet 3″ deep.  My humans are really good at calculations and can assist you!
Most importantly just tend to the garden areas, we all grow in different ways.  Or in my case dig in different ways.  Happy Digging!  

To sit and gaze at my dog-nation surroundings on a freshly sodded area is one of my favorite things.  With sod blends developed right here in Northern California, focusing on drought and disease resistance along with excellent color and texture. Here are a few tips when installing sod.

• Remove and kill existing lawn.  Make sure you have your irrigation marked to eliminate damage.
• Mix (rototill) in new soil, my owners recommend planters mix. Figure out your soil based on square footage at 4 inches deep.
• If you irrigation is installed, mark it to avoid damage.  Test it and make any necessary repairs.
• Rake soil till smooth; make the soil level one inch below sidewalk level.  Use a roller to ensure all low and high spots are smoothed out. Once soil is amended and leveled, add Mission Grow Fertilizer (granulated) on top.
• ORDER YOUR SOD 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE FROM MY OWNERS – YOU WANT IT FRESH!
•  Start laying your sod from the back at the longest straight line, work forward and try not to step on sod.Trim to fit edges, but avoid cutting small pieces to fit in spots.
• Use the roller again to help with sod contact with the soil.  Once completed try to stay off for two weeks.  Set your timer for watering (between midnight and 5am). Your first mowing will be approximately two weeks later.
  Enjoy your lush green surrounds, Happy digging!

Dirt vs Soil?   Which one wins this battle?  Well in the arena of gardening, soil will always be the victor.  But why asks a curious dog….the same reasons us dogs love soil, are the same reasons that soil is marvelous for your garden.

*  Organisms build structure, structure holds moisture; growers blend, planters mix, compost and humus all contain organisms. Dirt does not have organisms and will not hold moisture.
* When soil has structure, the nutrients remain longer in the soil.  Water is retained and moves slowly in soil; in dirt, water moves through causing leaching and run off.
* And oh the smell…the richer the soil, the stronger the smell.   The lovely fragrance originates from organic plant matter or dairy bi-products. One of the easiest ways to improve our clay soil is to amend. Humus is compost that is broken down.   Planters mix and growers blend are amended and ready for you to plant and sow.
* Even though I can not see colors as well as you humans, the colors of the soils are also a factor.  Black soils often have a stronger structure, which is what you want for planting and great for digging.  Red soils are often deficient in nutrients and need to be amended.
As we all strive to have better tomatoes than last year, remember the soil is the key.  Happy Digging!

“Whether or not we are together”…or “what great weather we are having”; either way, both statements a makes a dog happy.  February has so much to cheer about; Mardi Gras, Chinese New Year (Hello Mr. Monkey), Valentine’s Day (Miss you Lucy Bell), and mostly importantly honoring our Presidents.  In the garden here are some things all our paws can be doing.
*  Prune your roses.  Put those long sleeves and gloves on, grab your clippers and go at it.
* Start amending your garden beds.  Fresh soil, such as Growers Blend is an excellent choice.  Turn and rotate that soil, and mix in the fresh new soil.  I can’t wait to smell the fresh flowers and taste the yummy veggies.  Not only does it smell bark-ili-ous, but the plants love it too!
* Check on your equipment.  Clean your lawn mower, garden tools, modify landscape lighting times, and inspect your irrigation system.  Good preparation makes dogs and people happy.

As our days get warmer and the sun stays out just a little bit longer, every creature begins to feel renewed.  Tend to that yard and give my master a call at Valley Rock.  All paws are on deck and ready to help.  And as always Happy Digging!

It rains, then the sun comes out.  Pretty soon we will have more sunny days and less rainy days. But Plan-u-ary is a perfect time to get organized and ready for your projects!  And that excites me, I am always up for changing my surroundings. My master tells me that planning is the largest portion of any project.  But I disagree, I believe it is the digging.

* Start with a scale drawing – Note which way your home/project faces (north, south, east or west).  Don’t forget to note the scale (1″=5 feet, etc).
*Site Analysis does not mean site paralysis… Include drainage, house location, trees, driveway, exits and entrances.
* Needs vs. Wants- This is always the most difficult one for me.  I want people food; but I need dog food…ugh.  So we must prioritize which chunk to bite off (no pun intended), for our project.
* How will my master ever maintain this? – Always consider how to keep it all looking good once completed.  If you want low maintenance, do more hardscape, pavers, sitting walls, trees and shrubs.  Regularly replenish your bark (4″ deep) around perennials to keep weeds down.
* Establish the budget- We all need to know how many bones we have to work with.  My master can help you with estimates on products…just call or go to the webiste.
* Define Spaces and don’t forget mine-What is the public space, the area you see from the street and the vision for it.  And your private spaces, your back door patio and my dog house.  Are your private spaces accessible from the house?  Now is the time to make that happen!
So take the time to plan, February is right around the corner.  And remember, we are your provider for life, here to help you…Happy Digging!

Boy does this January rain mess with my paws and coat.  My master tells me I have an odor when I am wet, but I don’t notice it. After all of us living in a three year drought; this precipitation is welcome.  Just think about it….
* Builders can keep building, with the new permits they will issue, because now we have water for additional housing (I prefer a good dog house).
* Vintners and farmers a like can plan for the 2016 harvest…we all enjoy fresh food and drink
*  All of our yards and gardens can add some color this year (besides brown) in our planting beds. Personally, I can’t wait because fresh soil is my fav to roll around in.
* More jobs will be created this all this activity around me.  More soil will be bought to start the gardens; more rock will be purchased to accent my walkways and more garden walls will be built for me to perch on.  And most importantly, my master will buy me those expensive treats!
So in the first month of twenty-sweet sixteen, remember one kind word can warm three winter months.  And if we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.  Just as if we never tasted adversity; prosperity would not be so welcome.  Happy Digging!

I will have much howling to do come midnight on December 31st. And boy what a year it has been, I have had many joys and a few losses.  As the New Year is celebrated by all around the world,  I will enjoy a good juicy bone, laying by a roaring fire.  Here are some traditions other dogs celebrate around the world:

Japan- Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven by scrubbing down the houses.  Thus wiping away the past.
Spain – Eat twelve grapes at midnight; one for each month, ensuring prosperity and health.
Greece- Bake a silver coin into a cake.  Whomever finds the coin is guaranteed good luck in the coming year.
Italy- On New Years Day, red underwear is worn….good karma I suppose…
Scotland – The ritual of first footing (or pawing) is done at midnight. Go visiting neighbors, enter through the front door, exit through the back door and don’t forget to bring a gift.
Canada – The Polar Bear Plunge – to jump in  ice cold water to mark a fresh start to the New Year.

As the New Year approaches a special tail wag and Auld Lang Syne, to Lucy Bell, my companion.  And to all you dog lovers out there, we here at Valley Rock, wish you, health and happiness, to you and your owners….Happy Digging!

So as our temperatures dip, my master brings me in to be by the warm fire.  And boy do my paws appreciate it.  But my friends the plants, they really have a hard time out in the yard.  When we do have a frost warning, be sure and heed it!
During the day the plants are smart enough to store the heat. Once the sun goes down, the soil and plants cells lose their heat. The dew that has formed on the plants will freeze and cause plant damage.
To extend your growing period, keep my friends the plants happy. Invest in frost cloth, a little protection goes a long way.  For only $9.99 your can purchase a roll of 6’x50′.  This should take care of your sensitive plants.  And as always, Happy Digging!