Author Archives: Lou Murray, Ph.D.

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About Lou Murray, Ph.D.

I'm a retired medical researcher, retired professional writer/photographer, avid gardener, and active environmentalist living in southern California. I wrote a weekly newspaper column on environmental topics in the Huntington Beach Independent for many years. I also supervised environmental restoration projects and taught at the Orange County Conservation Corps before retiring in the summer of 2016. This blog chronicles my efforts to live a green life growing as much food as possible for my husband and myself on a 4,500 sq ft yard that is covered mainly by house, garage, driveway, and sidewalks. I am also dedicated to combatting global climate change.

Harvest Monday, Feb. 1, 2010

Every Monday, some gardening bloggers post a summary of what they’ve harvested in their fruit and veggie gardens. Here’s what’s in my southern California garden. Continue reading

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My hens are here!!!

I just added three hens to my backyard urban “farm.” A video shows how they’re settling in. Continue reading

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Spring garden chores

Spring brings of rush of things to do for the home gardener. But unless you sow, you can’t reap. Continue reading

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What’s in bloom in my yard, Jan. 2010

Different flowers bloom at different times of the year in coastal southern California. Here are photos of flowers in bloom in January in my yard. Continue reading

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My pond and veggie garden in southern California, January 2010

Status of our southern California yard, pond and vegetable gardens in January, with photos. Continue reading

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Setting up and using rain barrels

Rain barrels are back in fashion. We use a number of different types of rainwater collection and storage devices in our yard to help conserve water during these times of drought in the American Southwest. Continue reading

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Fabulous German pancake recipe

Recipe with photos for a fabulous German pancake with fresh fruit. Continue reading

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Harvest Monday Jan. 25, 2010

I harvested a total of 8 lbs, 8 oz. of fruit, vegetables and herbs from my coastal southern California garden over the past two weeks. Continue reading

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More storm videos and pics

Videos of rain, hail, flooded streets, and heavy surf that hit Huntington Beach CA during the week of January 18-22, 2010. Continue reading

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Winter storms and tornado in Huntington Beach, CA

The week of Jan. 18-23 brought a series of four winter storms to Huntington Beach, CA, causing damage throughout town. Continue reading

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