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How a local couple turned their landscaping into lunch

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

Latest posts by JoAnn Hallum (see all)

It’s nearly spring in FresYes and many of us are enjoying our green lawns and blooming flowers. But for Dawn and Justin Renwick, their yard is currently full of dirt and tiny green shoots.

A few years ago, the Renwicks ripped out all of their sod and created a backyard garden of the edible variety. When the time is right, they’ll have armfuls of produce that they will share with neighbors, friends, and Dawn’s co-workers at Valley Children’s Hospital, where she works as a NICU nurse. It’s a delicious labor of love that takes advantage of the Central Valley’s growing climate.

edible garden

Dawn Renwick shows off their backyard bounty

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your yard work for your stomach, Justin and Dawn share their tips and gardening advice.

FresYes: What inspired you to start a giant backyard vegetable garden?

The Renwicks: We were inspired by the drought. Neither of us likes mowing the lawn, we didn’t want to pay for a service, and we’d prefer to pay for something that will feed us and others. We first got started because of a good friend in Missouri who gardens, and partially to connect with God. Justin is a stay-at-home homeschooling dad and working in the backyard was his way of seeking peace and connection with God. God’s original design was a garden and we both long for that.

edible garden

Justin Renwick in his edible garden

FY: What is the toughest part about gardening?

The toughest part is knowing things might not go according to our plans! Weather is a huge factor in that. For example, January had highs in the 60s and no overnight freezes, so we took a chance and planted things earlier than what is recommended. Then in February the freeze came and we lost some seedlings. But we live in one of the best climates for growing food and we know we can always “bounce back” or come up with an alternative plan.

FY: What is the best part of gardening?

It’s hard to come up with just one best part of gardening because there are so many wonderful things we glean from it. Enjoying the outdoors, growing and connecting in our marriage, teaching our sons, and working with our hands are all huge benefits. But being able to share our crops to feed others tops the list.

edible garden
FY: Any tips or encouragement for people wanting to convert their yard to a vegetable garden?

Learn about your climate and think about how self-motivated you are and what you’re able to commit to time, energy, and money-wise. We make the time to do this because it’s important to us and because our schedule allows it. You get out of it what you put in, but it’s best to start with sure-fire, fast germinating plants to help you feel successful and motivate you to keep going. Learn about your seeds (heirloom versus non-GMO verses hybrid), your soil (potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen ratios). Be okay with failure, which is just a learning opportunity; learn from things that didn’t work and move on. 

edible garden

The Renwicks’ dog, Moose, lends a hand … er, paw

…

The Renwicks have found a delicious way to landscape and they keep expanding on it, adding citrus trees and rows of chard. They’ve even added an apiary to encourage bees to visit. And they’re not alone! Gardening for food is a growing trend you might want to try this year. To read more about backyard vegetable gardens, check out “We can grow our own in the Central Valley” by FresYes.com contributor Craig Scharton.

 

Photos courtesy of Dawn Renwick.

Enjoy a winter wonderland at Willow Gardens this Thursday

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

Latest posts by JoAnn Hallum (see all)

At one point in my life, I would’ve declared it too early to talk about Christmas, but this is 2017. As I write this, stores are frantically clearing Halloween decorations to make room for white lights and wrapping paper (if they didn’t do that halfway into October).

If you love Christmas decorations and holiday boutiques, and don’t care who thinks it’s too soon, you’ll want to check out Willow Gardens this Thursday, Nov. 2, when it transforms itself into a Winter Wonderland. 

Willow Gardens

Professionally decorated trees for sale

Willow Gardens is a family-owned nursery offering acres of trees, flowers, and more. Located on Willow Ave. between International and Behymer avenues, it’s been a FresYes institution since 1971, and was named the 2017 Best of Clovis first place winner in the category of Nursery or Garden store. Currently the Valley’s leading supplier of mature box trees, you can rent mature trees from them for weddings and other events.

It’s fitting then that the nursery transforms itself into a holiday destination complete with professionally decorated Christmas trees that are available for purchase. There’s also a holiday boutique where you can purchase gifts for the people on your nice list.

This is a free, family-friendly event, so make sure to take your tikes and mark “holiday family photo” off your list of things to do this season. Aside from Christmas trees, there’s also a vintage train you can use as a photo opportunity.

Snacks and drinks will be provided and guests can grab a Willow Gardens wine glass while supplies last. Additionally, discounts and raffles will be in effect during this event, including a 25% discount on most purchases, so now is the time to stock up on those garden supplies you need.

If it sounds weird to be thinking about gardening in November, don’t worry—now is a great time to plant for spring. The Valley’s fall weather is perfect for establishing roots and making happy plants. So if you’re looking for something fun, free, and festive to do this Thursday, stop by Willow Gardens.

Event details

Willow Garden’s Winter Wonderland is Thursday, Nov. 2 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Willow Gardens Nursery
10428 N Willow Ave, Clovis CA 93619
(559) 299-5402
Click here for the Facebook event page.
Website: www.willowgardensclovis.com

Want to Spend Time in a Garden This Spring? Visit These 6 Locations & Events

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

Latest posts by JoAnn Hallum (see all)

develop a green thumb

Spring time is my favorite. The weather is amazing, trees turn pink and white, grass is green, puppies frolic… it’s magical.

Now is the time to be outside, hanging out with plants. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb – you can learn by visiting one of the many amazing gardening locations we have in the Fresno and Clovis area.

And if you don’t want to learn but still want to be around pretty plants and flowers? There are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the season, too.

Here’s a list of 6 ways to spend some time in local gardens.

Develop a Green Thumb

Garden centers are gorgeous this time of year! Stop by Evergreen Garden Center for a peaceful moment and a plant.

1. Evergreen Garden Center (and Other Great Green Spots)

Evergreen Garden Center in Clovis has a wide variety of plants and flowers, including TONS of roses and succulents. Take your kids with you to this one because there are doggies to see, four nursery cats that wander the grounds, and a jar of free lollipops by the cash register. (Check out a previous FresYes post on Evergreen.)

Evergreen Garden Center is a great place to get started with gardening since the staff is friendly and happy to answer questions. Plus, it’s gorgeous, with a park-like atmosphere (if parks had a lot of metal goats and other garden sculptures).

Also, if you’re closer to the 99, Riverside Nursery and Landscape is a good bet if you want a wide variety of plants and pots. And Sierra View Nursery is closer to the Sanger crowd and is family owned.

You really just can’t go wrong with a local garden center.

Develop a Green Thumb

Succulent selection at Evergreen Garden Center.

2. Gazebo Gardens Yoga and Hops

Adding beer and yoga to gardening is sure to make yard work more exciting. Therefore, Gazebo Gardens has partnered with COIL Yoga to bring this unique partnership of beer and yoga to Fresno’s garden lovers.

Yoga ‘n Hops will take place April 30 from 2-4 p.m. It includes a 75-minute, all-skill-levels yoga class, live music and a beer; also, a food truck will be on hand post-session.

Tickets are available at Gazebo Gardens for $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Check out the Gardens’ Facebook page for updates.

3. Gazebo Gardens Beer Garden and Food Trucks

Okay, I know I just told you to go to Gazebo Gardens but seriously, go to Gazebo Gardens! On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the nursery plays host to a beer garden, food trucks galore, and live music from 5-9 p.m. You can even bring your puppy and relax, surrounded by spring flowers.

If that isn’t tempting enough, local favorites like Ampersand Ice Cream and El Premio Mayor are often on site. That’s right, you can enjoy the spring weather with your puppy, a beer, a taco, and some ice cream while you sit amongst the flowers and listen to great music. Whew! What more could you want?! For the March schedule of music and trucks, check out the Gazebo Gardens website here.

develop a green thumb

Conny Weinmann and Christina Larson enjoying Food Truck fare at Gazebo Gardens.

4. Fresno State Veggie Plant Sale

I know I’ve been waxing poetic about flowers but let’s not forget tomatoes. See, it’s really hard for me to survive the whole winter with greenhouse tomatoes. During those dark months, it’s a comfort to know I live in America’s agriculture mecca, and fresh tomatoes are just around the corner.

Now is the time to plant your summer vegetable garden. So, if you’re wanting a way to get started, consider the Fresno State Horticulture Nursery’s annual Veggie Plant Sale, which is happening Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tomato, pepper, eggplant, squash, and other plants will be available at the Fresno State Gibson Farm Market. You can take your pick from organic, heirloom, hybrids, and beyond. This sale is the place to be if you want to make salads from your backyard garden this year.

5. The Garden of the Sun

If you want to garden but can’t keep a plant alive, or if you’re simply looking for inspiration, the Garden of the Sun is a great resource. It’s a one-acre Master Gardener demonstration garden that’s right next door to the Discovery Center on Winery Ave. It’s open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Master Gardener volunteers are on site to answer questions about all things garden. Tours are also available; to schedule one, call (559) 241-7535.

develop a green thumb

Ornamental kale, a spring favorite

6. Clovis Botanical Garden’s Spring Into Your Garden

Finally, head over to Clovis Botanical Garden where it’s all about water-wise gardening. Located at 945 N. Clovis Avenue, it’s a three-acre public garden of delightful drought-tolerant landscaping. I know, we’ve had a lot of rain this year, but it’s still going to be a hot summer, so you want plants that can take the heat. You can visit the garden from 9 a.m to 4 p.m Wednesdays through Sundays.

And you might want to consider attending the Garden’s Spring Into Your Garden event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25.  There will be walking tours, kids’ activities, and a plant sale.  Speakers will present on topics ranging from allergy-fighting gardens to native California plants. Tickets priced at $5 for non-members.

Happy planting!

Fleurie Flower Studio: Local flowers grown with love

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Kendra Gilbert

Writer at FresYes.com
Kendra Gilbert is a writer born and raised in Clovis. She has written for publications from Boston to Los Angeles and loves writing about fashion and people most of all. The abbreviated list of things she enjoys outside of writing includes: thrifting, photography, harmonica, beer, movies, hiking and skee ball.
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Fleurie Flower Studio

Flowers and love go hand in hand. They are given out by the dozen on Valentine’s Day and carried in bunches down the aisles of countless weddings. But before they can take center stage in a grand display of affection, they must be grown. And that takes a love all its own. No flowers are given more love than those grown in the garden of Laurie Garza.

Garza grew up in the garden, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. From day one, she had her hands in the dirt, she says. By age 20, she had designed flowers for her first wedding. And six years ago, she opened her own floral design business, Fleurie Flower Studio. You could say that her career in the flower business has really blossomed. What’s truly special about the arrangements Garza is making these days for brides and events across the Central Valley, is that the flowers come from Garza’s home garden in Reedley. Adding in blooms sourced first from California and American growers, she whips up some truly spectacular arrangements.

Today, Garza is busier than ever, but still spends as much time as she can either in her garden or her studio. It’s no surprise that people love her flowers, because Garza loves her flowers. And that shows in each and every arrangement she makes. The downside to all this love? It often makes the flowers hard to part with. Here, Garza talks about her inherited love of gardening, why the business of arranging flowers is personal for her, and explains what she does during the cold winter months.