Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect

Tag Archives: garden


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Fresh Homemade Apple Jam from my tree ;-)

I picked a bunch of tree ripe red apples from my garden tree.  So many of them were bruised by the wind or lightly chewed by squirrels so I decided the best way to save them was to make fresh apple jam.  The recipe is very easy, just clean and chop apples, add fresh squeezed lemon juiceI and organic sugar to taste.  I used only the juice of one lemon since my tree gives me such large juicy lemons, and about 2 tablespoons of brown organic sugarcane sugar.  Bring to a gentle boil for about 10-12 minutes mix well and store in a glass jar/ air tight container in the fridge.  Enjoy! Don’t forget to compost your apple peels and cores 😉

Apple trees can thrive in Los Angeles when the right varieties are chosen and properly planted. Because LA has a mild, Mediterranean climate with short winters, success depends on selecting low-chill varieties such as Anna, Dorsett Golden, Fuji, Gala, and Ein Shemer, which require fewer hours of cold temperatures to produce fruit. Planting is best done in early spring or late fall, choosing a sunny spot with well-draining, loamy soil, and ensuring the tree receives 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While apple trees are somewhat drought-tolerant, they do need regular irrigation and benefit from cross-pollination with compatible varieties planted nearby. In Los Angeles, both dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees are popular for home gardens due to their manageable size and productivity. With proper care and variety selection, LA gardeners can enjoy crisp, homegrown apples even in the city’s warm climate.


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Planting Basil in my Garden

I’m planting some beautiful fresh Thai basil in my garden from stems that I purchased from a farmers market. These beautiful stems are easy to root to propagate to make new plants to grow into full basil plants that can be harvested and use in all sorts of delicious food. In this video, I show how easy it is to plant basil into pots and in directly into the soil in my garden. Thai basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora, is a staple herb in Southeast Asian cuisines. It is easily recognizable by its striking purple stems, small and narrow bright green leaves with serrated edges, and clusters of pink-purple flowers that bloom in late summer. Cousins to the sweet basil; Thai basil has a robust, spicy-sweet flavor profile with pronounced notes of anise and licorice, making it highly prized for its ability to withstand high cooking temperatures and infuse dishes with bold, aromatic complexity. Commonly used in dishes such as Thai curries, Vietnamese phở, and stir-fries, Thai basil is valued for both its culinary versatility and its nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamins A and K. Its sturdy leaves and stems are all edible, and the plant is often grown as an annual in temperate climates, thriving in warm, sunny conditions. This plant is very easy to grow in the warm temperatures of SoCal as long as it gets enough water. Enjoy the fragrant and beauty of Thai Basil in your garden and home cooking! #Composting, #GardenCompost, #DIYComposting, #CompostTips, #WormComposting, #Vermicomposting, #LazyComposting, #CompostBin, #OrganicGardening, #GardeningForBeginners, #HotComposting, #SustainableGardening, #EcoFriendlyGardening, #HomeGardening, #UrbanGardening, #SoilHealth #PlantNutrition, #GardenHacks, #FallGardening, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #rooftopgarden #guava #herbs #fruitbearingplant #fruittrees #fruitrees #greenparenting #ecofriendly #gardeningtips, #rooftopplants #reducecarbonfootprint, #rooftopplants, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #basil #greenlove #herbs #cookingwithlove #plants


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Monstera Deliciosa in my home & garden

I love my Monstera plants, and I love the entire pothos plant family! Just a small branch, leaf cutting can be propagated to grow into a beautiful lush new plant to enjoy for years to come! Monstera plants thrive both indoors and outdoors in Southern California, thanks to the region’s mild climate and USDA hardiness zone 10+ conditions. Indoors, monstera prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept away from intense, direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 85°F, with moderate to high humidity-conditions that can be maintained by misting the leaves or using a humidifier. Well-draining, organic-rich soil is essential, and watering should occur when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding both overwatering and drought stress. Outdoors, monstera can be grown year-round in Southern California, provided it is placed in dappled sunlight or partial shade, such as under a tree canopy or on a covered patio, to mimic its native rainforest environment and prevent sunburn. While monstera can tolerate brief dips to around 50°F, it is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors or protected during rare cold snaps. Whether grown inside or out, providing a climbing structure like a moss pole or trellis encourages healthy, upright growth and larger leaves. With these care practices, monstera can flourish as a striking tropical accent in Southern California homes and gardens.

Propagating Monstera plants is widely regarded as easy and beginner-friendly, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. The most common and straightforward methods include water propagation, soil propagation, and air layering. Water propagation is particularly favored for its simplicity and the ability to observe root development directly: simply take a cutting with at least one node, place it in a jar of water with the node submerged, and keep it in bright, indirect light-roots typically start to form within a few weeks. Soil propagation is similarly easy: plant a node-bearing cutting in moist, well-draining soil, keep it warm and well-lit, and roots will develop in a few weeks as well. Air layering is another effective method, especially for larger plants, as it allows roots to form on the stem while still attached to the parent plant before being separated and potted.  Monstera propagation is so rewarding and highly successful allowing you to expand your collection and share new baby plants with friends and family!  Aloha and I’m happy to share the joy of monsters from my home to yours! DM me if you would like a cutting to propagate yourself! kidscancompost.com


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Making Avocado toast with local ingredients!

I love making this for a quick and healthy breakfast! When I add fresh local ingredients and rustic country bread its even better! Add what ever fresh herbs you have in season from your garden making the best Avocado toast to a nutrient-dense meal that offers a variety of health benefits; The combination of whole grain bread and avocado provides a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol and support cardiovascular health. Avocados are also packed with dietary fiber, aiding digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer, which may assist with weight management. Additionally, avocado toast delivers a spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals-including potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and B vitamins-along with antioxidants that support immune function and overall wellness. Compared to traditional toast toppings like butter or jam, avocado offers a lower-carb, more satiating option without added sugars, making it a smart choice for sustained energy throughout the day.


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Cut your own MANGO and Papaya Yummy!

I love to prepare delicious fruits for my family; Papayas and mangos are so good to eat and good for you!  Great share with my family and I will save the seeds to try to grow them! Mango and papaya are tropical fruits packed with nutrients that offer a wide range of health benefits for the heart, skin, eyes, digestive system, and immune system.

Mango Health Benefits

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Mangoes are loaded with more than 20 vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium. One cup of sliced mango provides nearly 70% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which supports immunity, improves iron absorption, and helps protect cells from damage.

Supports Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in mangoes help lower cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Boosts Eye and Skin Health: Mangoes are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are essential for good vision and healthy skin.

Aids Digestion: Mangoes contain digestive enzymes and fiber that promote healthy digestion and regularity.

Antioxidant Protection: Mangoes are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce cancer risk.

Weight Management: The fiber content in mangoes helps you feel full longer, supporting weight control.

Papaya Health Benefits

Nutrient Dense: Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, beta-carotene, and lycopene. One small papaya can provide more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Supports Heart Health: The antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in papaya help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Protects Vision: High beta-carotene and vitamin A content support healthy eyes and vision.

Improves Digestion: Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which aids in protein digestion, and its high fiber and water content promote regularity and gut health.

Boosts Immunity: The high vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects: Papaya’s antioxidants, particularly lycopene, reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.

Both mango and papaya are low in fat, hydrating, and versatile in recipes. Including them as part of a varied diet can help support overall health and well-being.


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Herb Gardening harvesting & making Herb gift bundles to share! Aloha Spring!

Come visit my garden and see all the wonderful herbs and flowers in bloom! Growing herbs like lavender, thyme, basil, oregano, chamomile, and calendula in your garden offers a wealth of benefits for both your health and your outdoor space. These herbs attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity and improving the productivity of your garden. Lavender and chamomile add soothing fragrances and calming properties, while also repelling certain pests. Culinary herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano not only elevate your cooking with fresh flavors but also provide vitamins, minerals, and natural remedies for common ailments. Calendula and chamomile are valued for their gentle medicinal uses and their ability to draw beneficial insects and protect garden soil from erosion and weed growth. Together, these herbs create a vibrant, low-maintenance, and multi-functional garden space that enhances your well-being and the environment.

After harvesting my herbs and flowers, this second part video shows you how I make herb bundles, and arrangements as gifts for friends and family. Easy way to bundle and keep your herbs for later use or gift giving. I also like to use jars and containters and upcycle them as vases to present the flowers beautifully! It smells wonderful, and feels great to make and give gifts from mother nature to brighten someone’s day! Feel free to come visit my garden and harvest some herbs and flowers for you! follow me on instagram @wenchia and facebook on Wenchia Parker and kids can compost!

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Succulent Gardening and Making Holiday Gifts to Share and up-cycle your containers

Gardening with succulents in Southern California is not only visually stunning but also remarkably easy, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor planters. These resilient plants thrive in the region’s warm climate, requiring minimal maintenance while adding vibrant colors and unique textures to any garden. Propagation is particularly simple; gardeners can easily multiply their succulent collection by using cuttings or leaves. By following straightforward steps, direct planting them in well-draining soil, one can watch new roots develop and transform into beautiful new plants. This process is not only cost-effective but also rewarding, as it allows enthusiasts to create lush arrangements that reflect their personal style and creativity. Have fun collecting succulents creating beautiful arrangements you can use as gifts for friends and family this holiday season!  Also you can repurpose and upcycle pots, cups, bowls and all sorts of containers including coconut shells! Check out my video and have fun gardening!
https://youtu.be/_h-uurqJBUw?si=_GVS6yv3arBbv2TT