Tools for tilling

Essential Garden Gear

by LIsA CuLLen

Fall is the time when serious gardeners get down to business. The weather has cooled, the kids are back in school and the garden is calling. Autumn is the best time for planting for a number of reasons but chiefly, fall planting allows the establishment root growth before winter rain and cooler weather sets in. Here’s my list of essential tools for forays into garden bliss.

1. Atlas 370 Garden Gloves: I don’t normally tout a particular brand of tool, but here is the exception. In talking with gardeners, the main objection to wearing gloves is that gloves prevent them from “feeling” plant and earth. Atlas 370 Garden Gloves fit like surgical gloves and allow you to do even the most delicate work. Wear them as liners when using leather gloves for heavy pruning. Besides all the practical reasons I adore that they come in such cheerful colors (and you can throw them in the wash).

2. Felco F2 hand pruners: When it comes to hand pruners, Felco is the choice of every professional. Swiss made, Sturdy and comfortable, these babies will last you a lifetime. Keep them sharpened and clean and they will become your constant companion. The slogan “Don’t leave home without it” should have been in reference to your Felco F2 hand pruners.

3. Pruning saw: For those bigger jobs, you’ll need a pruning saw. There are many types to choose from. I love my folding pruning saw because it can fit easily into my gardening bag or apron. Shopping for a pruning saw is as subjective as shopping for a new pair of shoes. There are different sizes and shapes depending on the size of the job. The home gardener is generally going to need something that will take care of a 2-inch diameter branch. Find something that is comfortable to your hand and does the job. Don’t skimp when it comes to hand tools like pruners and loppers, it’s a long-term investment.

4. Hoe: You know the old joke, “Ask Santa what he’s doing in his garden in the fall and he says ‘Ho Ho Ho’”. Groan. But a hoe is indispensible for weeding and prepping garden beds. There are many kinds of hoes. For weeding, I like a circle hoe because it’s easy to negotiate in hard to reach places without damaging roots of other plants. For forming and planting rows for veggie gardens, I like a heavier hoe. For weeding larger areas, a hula or stirrup hoe is a good choice. Every garden shed should have two or three different kinds depending on the task at hand.

5. Shovel: A good shovel will set you back a few bucks and you will need a couple depending on the kind of work you are doing. You will want a round point shovel for digging and a square point for working flat areas. Long-handled shovels give you some le- verage. I haven’t quite worked out how to use those short ones but that could be me. Invest in good shovels you’ll thank me later. you a lot more time if there’s a deluge. As an added benefit, these soil amendments will also improve the overall health of your soil.

6. Watering Can, 5-gallon bucket: I love my old watering can but if you don’t want to spring for one, use a 5-gallon bucket. In fact I think everyone should have a few buckets of varying sizes. I use buckets to mix orchid food, make compost tea and dip into my rain barrel then transfer to my watering can for application. On the subject of buckets and watering cans, I love foliar-feeding with my favorite combo of Fish Emulsion and Kelp then a once a month compost tea drench keeps everyone happy and healthy.

7. Wide Brim Sun Hat: Garden hats will protect your entire face, ears, and the back of your neck, while simultaneously easing your eyes from glare. Gardeners know the value of sun protection for delicate crops, so protect yourself as well by wearing a tightly woven straw garden hat. The tighter the weave, the more sun is blocked. Straw hats are lighter than most fabric hats and they breath better, too.

I could keep going on the subject of tools of the gardening trade like a good hat and a gardening apron, but I’ve run out of room, so that will have to do for now.

Lisa Cullen, landscape designer and organic gardener owns Montecito Landscape with her husband, Chris. She can be reached at 805.969.3984 or www. montecitolandscape.com.

PROBLEM AREA #6: COASTAL PROPERTIES

If you live on the beach, take precautions to protect your home from heavy surf. During storms, especially with extremely high tides, rocks can get thrown against beachfront homes, with the potential of breaking windows and causing flooding in and around the home. Make or purchase storm shutters that can be placed over windows—particularly those on the beach side—to reduce the potential for damage. Sandbags are also a good thing to have stockpiled to reduce erosion and prevent water from entering your home.

Following these tips now can save you lots of problems, along with their associated headaches. When it rains, you can sit and read a book or watch a movie, with the peace of mind that your home will survive the storm.

Bryan Henson is the president of Allen Construction www.buildallen.com For additional info on “being winter wise” from the County of Santa Barbara’s Flood Control and Water District, visit: cosb.countyofsb.org/pwd/pwwater.aspx?id=45293

Pillows Of Flavor

One of the signature offerings from Chef Dario is his Ravioli Al Burro E Salvia; a first course that will send your taste buds to heaven. Pasta pillows filled with fresh spinach and ricotta cheese are slowly sautéed in butter and sage until slightly browned. The range of flavors pairs well with the house Merlot and sets the tone for the main course. For that , you might try the rib eye steak; it’s one of the best, and at 24 ounces, one of the biggest in town! 37 E. Victoria St, 805-884-9419. Photo by Ashley

Carpinteria

Garden Market. Offering very tasty sandwiches, salads, smoothies and casual fare. Open Monday–Sunday 10am-3pm. [L] $ (BW) 3811 Santa Claus Lane (805) 745-5505

Sly’s. James Sly, formerly of Lucky’s in Montecito, is back to cooking the finest steaks anywhere. Sly’s is open daily for dinner from 5 pm, features a full bar and extended wine list. (LD) $$ (FB). Reservations are suggested. 686 Linden Ave. 805-684-6666.

Montecito

CAVA. Experience the bold flavors of Spain, Mexico and Latin America in a romantic garden setting in the village of Montecito. Happy Hour 4-6, Weekend Brunch from 8am. [BLD] $$, (FB) 1212 Coast Village Road, 969-8500.

Lucky’s. Montecito’s only premium steakhouse. Great wine list and martini selections. Great weekend brunch served 9am-3pm. [BrD] $$$, (FB) 1279 Coast Village Road, 565-7540.

The Montecito Café. Eclectic menu with great service. Desserts to die for! Open Daily from 11:30 (LD) $$ (FB) 1295 Coast Village Rd. 805-969-3392.

Stella Mare’s. Overlooking the Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara…a glass greenhouse, sofas by the fire, casual French décor and traditional French Country Cuisine. Full bar and extensive American & French wine list, great private rooms for your event needs and Live Jazz on Wednesdays. Closed on Mondays $$ [LDBr] (FB)

50 Los Patos Way. 969-6705. (Cafe Stella is located at 3302 McCaw Ave, on upper State Street in Santa Barbara. www.stellamares.com)

The Stonehouse. Located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, The Stonehouse features a relaxing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with crackling fireplace and creekside views. Open for dinner from 6-10 p.m. daily.[D] $$$ (FB) 900 San Ysidro Lane (805) 565-1700.

Santa Barbara

Aldo’s Italian Ristorante. Since 1986. Experience lunch in the sun or dine by candle light in their enchanting courtyard. Friendly servers deliver fresh Italian specialties and creative dishes with a California flair. [LD] $,B&W. 1031 State St., 963-6687.www.sbaldos.com.

Blue Agave. Elegantly decorated two-story restaurant