Author Archives: Lou Murray, Ph.D.

Unknown's avatar

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.

Our Thanksgiving Dinner

Our southern California Thanksgiving dinner is shown in photos. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 8 Comments

Harvest Monday in southern California, Nov. 30

On Mondays, some gardeners publish what they harvested during the previous week. See what is growing in southern California vegetable gardens now. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Cinnamon apples for Thanksgiving

Cinnamon apples, served chilled in a cinnamon-sugar syrup, were an old time dish that was made from cinnamon Redhot candies and cooking apples. This variation uses allspice, stick cinnamon, Meyer lemon, grated orange peel, and cranberries to make a delicious fruit sauce to accompany turkey. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

She who dies with the most seeds wins

Gardeners often buy more seeds, bulbs and plants than they need, but who is to say what someone needs? Plant and seed buying may address a deep-seated genetic desire to have enough food. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

The Honest Scrap Award

Daphne of Daphne’s Dandelions bestowed the Honest Scrap Award on my blog. Thanks Daphne! Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Don’t plant daffodils with onions

Plant daffodils and narcissus in the fall for spring bloom, but be cautious where you plant them. The bulbs contain a toxic alkaloid and are poisonous. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

French sorrel in tomato bisque

Sorrel is an easy herb to grow and adds a nice lemony tang to soups and sauces. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Best of Monterey in photographs

My photographs of Monterey and Salinas taken on a photo club tour of the area. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Saga of the dead iris

Negative experiences with one employee can influence public opinion about an entire chain and its products. Fair? No. But it’s a fact of corporate life. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Fall is the time to plant iris

Proper soil prepation and good planting technique will get your bearded and Douglas irises off to a good start. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments