Magazine

Courtesy of Dennis Cater

Growing the California Dutchman’s Pipe on a trellis against a fence
highlights the interesting flowers in this Los Altos garden.

In the native garden, summer and early fall are a good time to assess your existing plantings and figure out what to do once the rainy season begins. If you are planning a new garden, this is the time to look for ideas and source plants.

Courtesy of Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens

As the shelter-in-place orders continue, some homeowners may consider creating a nicer outdoor living space and kitchen.

Q: A leak was just discovered behind a wall in our shower. We’ll have to remove the tile to repair it. What are some of the newer options for people who are remodeling a shower?

Courtesy of Johnna Brooks

A winding garden path bordered by drought-tolerant plants leads to a fire bowl and seating circle of basalt columns in this Los Altos Hills project by landscape designer Johnna Brooks.

What do the Big Green Egg, the American Muscle Grill and Bull products have in common?

They’re among hot items (pun intended) in cool outdoor kitchens. These appliances and the kitchens themselves are growing in popularity.
In fact, outdoor kitchens topped the project list in the latest American Institute of Architects’ survey.

A few stolen moments of relaxation, maybe over a lunchtime sandwich. A shared ritual during the slower moments of the 3 p.m. “Newshour.” Readers of this newspaper turn to its puzzles page to fill an idle minute, or mark a ritual moment in the day.

Megan V. Winslow/Town Crier

Hikers set off on a trail within Monte Bello Preserve, a 3,133-acre space located near Palo Alto in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Due to shelter-in-place rules brought on by COVID-19, many residents have taken to exploring local outdoor spaces near their homes that they may not have previously frequented.

The increase in visitors has caused overcrowding at some of the open-space preserves in recent months, prompting new regulations to balance the health and safety of residents while allowing them to enjoy the great wide open.

Courtesy of Dr. Aifra Ahmed

Naiel Chaudry shows off a room filled with Joy Boxes, collections of customized cards and games sent to local seniors from community members.

The coronavirus and its social-distancing implications have left many people lonely and isolated from their loved ones. That includes several seniors living at the Grant Cuesta Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center, who are not allowed to have visitors amid the pandemic.