Magnolia Cottage is a remodeled, move-in-ready Ojai Valley home that sits on approximately one-quarter acre and boasts two primary bedrooms, two dual-sink vanities, laundry room, fresh paint, upgraded appliances, breakfast bar, and mountain views.

All three bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, and you will find easy-care, wood-look vinyl flooring throughout the home.

Multiple outdoor living areas provide plenty of space for entertaining, including a wood deck shaded by a magnolia tree that is a perfect spot for al fresco dining.

The large, fenced backyard features three fruit trees, RV parking accessed through double gates, a door to the enclosed carport, and plenty of space for gardening, playing, or hobbies.

Hop on your bike and head to the Ojai Valley Trail or the eclectic shops and cafes in Meiners Oaks or enjoy a short drive to downtown Ojai for the two weekly farmers markets, two golf courses, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and spas.

Features include:

• Three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms
• Remodeled kitchen with upgraded appliances
• Breakfast bar
• Two dual-sink vanities
• Walk-in closet
• Freestanding, oval soaking tub
• French doors to main outdoor living area
• Easy-care, wood-look vinyl flooring
• Freshly painted
• Approximately .25-acre lot
• Enclosed carport
• Multiple decks and patios for entertaining
• Fruit trees
• Gated RV parking
• Mountain views
• Close to Ojai Valley Trail
• Close to Meiners Oaks shops and restaurants
• Short drive to downtown Ojai

Contact Nora Davis for more information or to schedule a private tour.

Weeds are an issue for nearly every homeowner, but conventional options of ridding your yard of these unwanted plants are not exactly appealing. Pulling them might get you outside in the fresh air and help you burn a few extra calories, but who wants to spend hours pulling weeds in Ojai’s heat? Using chemical-laden herbicides might save time, but they are also not that appealing, particularly if you have children or animals who play in your yard.
 
You will probably never be able to completely avoid pulling the occasional weed, but there are several all-natural weed control methods that can help you kill the weeds you have and limit future weed growth.
 
You can always purchase organic herbicides online or at some garden centers. This is definitely a step in the right direction; however, if you would like to save money and go greener, you can also use some all-natural products you probably already have in your pantry.
 
If weeds are an issue in your yard, try one of these five inexpensive, simple, natural weed killers:
 
1. Vinegar – It’s no secret that vinegar can be used for just about anything, and killing weeds is one of its many talents. Spraying weeds with distilled white vinegar is an effective, chemical-free way to kill them, but it generally requires multiple applications – and at least a few days for them to die.
 
2. Salt – Mixing a little salt into the soil is very effective for wiping out your weeds; however, it cannot be used in areas where you plan on planting desirable plants. Use this one with caution and only in areas like driveway cracks and gravel areas where you do not plan on growing anything. Also, keep an eye on the runoff to make sure it does not make its way to your flower beds.
 
3. Boiling Water – If you can avoid burning yourself or your desirable plants as you pour it on your weeds, boiling water is a simple, inexpensive weed killer.
 
4.  Cornmeal – Cornmeal prevents seed germination, which makes it a perfect choice for all-natural weed control. Because it prevents all seed germination without discrimination, it is best to use this method around mature plants. Using organic cornmeal in your garden also attracts worms, which is great for your soil.
 
5. Non-Living Ground Covers – Natural ground covers, such as gravel, bark, wood chips or mulch increase the visual appeal of your yard while also limiting weed growth. If you use landscaping fabric under your ground cover, you can limit weed growth even more.
 
When using natural weed control methods, it is important to remember that these effective, inexpensive, healthier options do not discriminate between weeds and desirable plants. This means you will need to use these chemical-free weed killers with caution around plants you want to keep and in areas where you plan to plant.

If you haven’t already, it is time to get your vegetable garden going. You can plant seeds directly in the ground now that we are not worried about freezes, so you don’t even have to start your seeds indoors. Just get out there in the sunshine and fresh air and get some food plants planted.
 
Of course, there is the issue of water and how we really do need to be conserving it everywhere we can. Since we are not in an area where we can rely on April showers to bring those May flowers, this means best practices for gardening here include water-saving measures. Fortunately, small changes in how we plan and irrigate our gardens can make a big difference.
 
Let’s go over some options that will allow us to save water while enjoying the benefits of growing our own food.
 
1. Replace your lawn.
I know this sounds like it has nothing to do with your vegetable garden, but if you remove or reduce your natural grass lawn, you will save so much water that it will offset your water usage elsewhere on your property.
 
Water usage studies on community gardens in Denver showed that traditional bluegrass lawns used up to 18 gallons of water per square foot per year, whereas, the community gardens used just 11 gallons. (denverwater.org)
 
California Farm & Garden found that an edible garden in the same space as a lawn reduced water usage by up to 75%. (cafarmandgarden.com)
 
2. Choose lower-water food plants.
There are lots of food plants that are drought-resistant and thrive with less irrigation, including black-eyed peas, summer squashes, tomatoes, sunflowers, pole beans, fava beans, eggplants, peppers, mustard greens, Swiss chard, pomegranates, and grapes. Also, most herbs, as well as some legumes and grains, require less water than other choices.
 
3. Install ollas.
Sometimes it amazes me that we continue to jump on the latest, high-tech trends when our ancestors have been using elegant, effective solutions for centuries. Ollas are a great example of this and show how looking to the past just might help save our future. These low-tech, low-cost irrigation systems are used around the world in dry climates to help gardeners successfully grow bountiful crops in areas where wasting water is not an option. 
 
Ollas are large, porous, non-glazed pots that are buried among your fruit and vegetable plants with their necks above the soil. Once in place, these water-conserving pots are filled with water about once per week. Plant roots grow towards this water source, and water seeps into the soil only as needed, making this an incredibly efficient irrigation system. Delivering the water directly to the roots beneath the surface also helps you avoid runoff, evaporation, soil compaction and weed growth.
 
4. Install a drip system – or upgrade the one you have.
If you are currently watering your garden by hand, you can save time and water by installing a drip system. This is a far more efficient way to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants. If you already have a drip system, check for leaks, make sure your emitters are working and watering the right spots, and install a smart controller that automatically adjusts your irrigation system according to weather conditions.
 
Using an automated drip system also allows you to more easily adjust timers to save water by irrigating your garden in the early morning or late evening and allows you to water your plants more when they are young, and then reduce water once they are established. Keep in mind that it is best to water food plants in the morning. This helps fortify them to get through hot days while avoiding the diseases and pests that sometimes come with evening watering.
 
5. Add mulch.
A layer of mulch around your food plants will help retain soil moisture and keep soil temperatures cooler. It has the added benefit of limiting weed growth and breaking down over time to add nutrients to the soil.
 
If you pull back on water too much, your plants may wilt, bolt, produce little or no fruit, or die, so be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

Spring is coming, which means it is time to prepare our gardens for this season’s planting. As we flip through seed catalogs, order potting soil for curbside pickup, and put together our garden plan, it can be easy to forget that our gardening tools could use a little prep as well.
 
Since we can grow food and flowers throughout the year here, you probably have been using your garden tools all winter, so they might be dirty, dull, and bit worse for wear. Garden tools that are kept in good repair are safer to use, last longer, and function better, which is better for the environment, your plants, and your wallet.
 
Here are some simple ways you can make sure you get the most out of your gardening tools.

1. Keep Your Tools Clean.

Keeping your tools free of dirt and debris can help prevent rust and helps to ensure that they are ready to go next time you need them. Metal and plastic tools can be cleaned with soap, water, a rag, and a scrub brush. If you are concerned about spreading disease or pest eggs, you can also use vinegar, antibacterial wipes, or an antibacterial soap, and follow that with wiping them down with linseed oil or vegetable oil.

1. Remove Rust.

If your tools are a bit rusty, you can remove the rust with sandpaper or a wire brush. Follow this with a coat of oil or store them in a bucket of sand mixed with oil to prevent further rusting. You have probably read somewhere that mixing sand and motor oil in a bucket for garden tool cleaning and storage is a good idea. It is not. While it is effective in cleaning your tools and keeping them from rusting, it also means introducing motor oil to your garden when you use the tools, so let’s stick to linseed oil or vegetable oil.

1. Oil Wood Handles.

Wood handles on shovels, hoes, rakes, and hand tools do not always age well and can dry out and crack. You can avoid this by oiling them a few times a year. Be sure to use oil that is safe for skin contact and for your plants, such as linseed oil. Apply the linseed oil to the handles, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then wipe off any excess oil. If your handles are beginning to feel rough or like you might get splinters from them, sand them with sandpaper before oiling them. Make this one of the tasks you complete each time the season changes to make it easier to remember.

1. Sharpen Shovels, Hoes, and Hand Tools.

Regularly sharpening your gardening tools makes them safer and easier to use. If you are comfortable sharpening them yourself, you can do so with a mill file or flat file that you can purchase for less than $20 at a home improvement store or hardware store. If making sharp edges even sharper does not sound fun (or safe) to you, you can always have them professionally sharpened.

1. Store Tools Properly.

Store your tools in the above-mentioned bucket of sand and oil, hanging on a wall, or handle down in a yard tool organizer. Avoid storing tools with the metal end touching the ground, since that can dull the blades and encourage rust.

Build your dream home on this private, 20-acre parcel with 360-degree views that include the Topa Topa Mountains, Oxnard Plains, and the Pacific Ocean.

There are not many Ojai properties that offer both a country setting and ocean views, so do not miss this opportunity to take advantage of what is already on the property to help you get started.

Features include gated entry, concrete driveway, well, two 5,000-gallon water storage tanks, electrical, parking structure, house pad, avocado orchard, and a citrus orchard.

The house that once occupied the existing house pad burned in the Thomas Fire, which is why there are so many amenities on the property but no house.

The property was most recently purchased through a foreclosure sale, so there is limited information available.

See more photos and information on the property information page.

Features of this Ojai horse property include:

Six bedrooms, six bathrooms
Three custom fireplaces
Covered porch
Granite counter tops
Walk-in pantry
Travertine floors
Jetted, over-sized tub in primary en suite
Dual-sink vanity in primary en suite
Dual shower heads in primary en suite
Walk-in closet in primary bedroom
Ceiling fans
French doors from each wing accesses courtyard
Approximately 1.41 acres
Gated entry
Guest houses or ADUs
Stocked pond with dock, beach, and island
Mature palms, conifers, and cacti
Raised garden beds
Yoga deck
Detached, two-car garage
Storage sheds
Short drive to downtown Ojai
Short drive to Lake Casitas
Mountain views

The gated entry opens to reveal your private oasis complete with palm trees, a large pond with a beach and dock, and a courtyard-style yard with a covered, wrap-around porch.

Once inside, the expansive great room is a perfect example of how the owner-builder built this unique home for both entertaining and comfortable everyday living.

The large kitchen offers plenty of storage and granite counter space to prep meals or make drinks while guests gather at the breakfast bar or enjoy the custom fireplace in the living room.

Six bedrooms provide ample space for guests, extended family, or using these versatile spaces for a home office, yoga studio, craft room, or game room.

Other interior features include six bathrooms, two additional fireplaces, walk-in pantry, and laundry room.

Outside, the approximately 17-foot-deep pond has a large island and is stocked with koi, catfish, and turtles.

There is also a detached, two-car garage and a separate entrance leading to the guest houses or ADUs.

Visit the property information page for more photos and information.

The Omicron variant running rampant isn’t making it any easier to reintroduce old favorites like traveling more and hitting the gym, so we have to continue to get creative when making our list of resolutions this year. If you had any interest in trying a new hobby or learning new recipes, you probably pursued those interests during your time at home over the last couple of years, so those are also out of the running. But resolutions are all about enhancing our lives and improving the way we interact with the world, so there are still plenty of options left.
 
 If you need a bit of inspiration, here are four you might want to consider.
 
1. Increase your water-saving efforts.
Don’t let our recent rain fool you: We are still in a state of increasing drought and are looking at more mandatory water use restrictions in the coming year.
 
If you need to level up your water-conservation skills, you can start with some water-saving resolutions I included in my New Year’s column a few years ago, including installing a rain barrel, participating in Meatless Mondays, insulating your pipes, covering your pool, and installing a graywater system. If you already have these practices in place, take it a step further by installing an automatic drip system, saving your cooking water to use for irrigation, or using a bucket to collect water while your shower warms up.
 
2. Make time for self-care.
We have all had a rough couple of years. Although we are settling into our new normal, managing mask mandates, figuring out who is and isn’t vaccinated, and having to weigh the risks and benefits of every dinner out with friends or trip to grandma’s house continues to take its toll.
 
Commit to making time for self-care this year. This might include COVID-friendly camping at Lake Casitas, scheduling hikes or outdoor dining with friends, treating yourself to an energy healing session, or having regular at-home spa days.
 
3. Support local businesses and contractors.
I know local contractors are booked solid and have been difficult to schedule throughout the pandemic and that Amazon is the most convenient way to buy pretty much everything you need. It can be tempting to take the easy way out, but we build a stronger community when we keep our money local and support local businesses.
 
Make it one of your resolutions to continue using local contractors and supporting local businesses so that we can all come out of the pandemic stronger and more connected. One easy way to do this even if you are following pretty strict protocols is to head to the farmers market to support local farmers and makers.
 
4. Live in line with your values.
One thing that many of us gained from the pandemic is a clearer list of priorities. We know what is important to us, know where we want to focus our energy, and have a better understanding of our life goals. This provides us with an opportunity to clarify our values and take steps to live by them.
 
Create resolutions that help you define and live by your values.

Whether you are relocating to the Ojai Valley or simply looking for a country retreat to enjoy with friends and family, this historic home is a unique find to fit your needs.
 
Just a short drive from downtown Ojai and tucked behind an electric security gate, this U-shaped hacienda is surrounded by 40 acres of avocado groves, which helps to preserve the tranquility of this peaceful oasis.
 
The original adobe home built in 1830 is the central core of the hacienda, which has been expanded and updated in a manner that preserves its rustic charm while adding modern conveniences and much more space for you and your guests to enjoy.

Features include:

• Historic Ojai Valley Adobe
• 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms
• Formal dining room
• Country kitchen with breakfast nook
• Spacious master bedroom with three closets
• Furnished optional
• Lots of storage
• Courtyard with fountain

• Pool and landscape maintenance included
• Water and trash included
• Large swimming pool and spa
• Fully fenced backyard
• Mature landscaping
• 360-degree views
  
• Surrounded by avocado groves
  
• Short drive to downtown Ojai
  

Monthly rent: $6,800.00
Security Deposit: $10,200.00

One small pet considered with additional $500 pet fee.

Water, trash, pool maintenance, and landscaping maintenance included.

Visit the property information page for more photos and information.
This Ojai rental home is shown only by appointment. Please contact AimeeJo to schedule a viewing.

Winter is a great time to update and upgrade outdoor living areas. With shorter days and colder weather, you likely are not entertaining on your patio quite as much right now, which gives you the opportunity to spruce it up a bit between gatherings.
 
If you have tried to have any type of home improvement completed over the last couple of years, you know how busy contractors are right now and how difficult it is to get on their schedules. If you have something that requires a contractor, call them now to get your job in their queue. Then, while you are waiting your turn, consider some of these upgrades that you can do yourself in the meantime.
 
1. Spread no-water ground covers.
You can quickly increase the visual appeal of your outdoor living areas by covering bare earth with a no-water ground cover like bark, wood chips, or gravel. Spread it around plants, in walkways, and in any spot that needs a little sprucing up. This option is easy to do and easy to maintain, since all you really need to do moving forward is refresh it whenever it starts to look a little sparse.
 
2. Hang string lights.
String lights are inexpensive, easy to hang, and a great way to add soft lighting to outdoor living areas. Add a festive flair to your patio or yard with a few strands of string lights that you can likely hang yourself.
 
3. Add a fresh coat of paint to patio furniture.
If your metal, wicker, synthetic wicker, plastic, or other painted patio furniture is looking a little worse for the wear, head to one of our local hardware stores to pick up some spray paint in fun colors. Watch a couple of videos online to make sure you know what you are doing, and then update the look of your furniture with a fresh coat of paint.
 
4. Add a fire pit.
Fire pits are not necessarily easy to install or inexpensive, but there are certainly options that fit both of these categories. You can pick up a portable fire pit for less than $100, bring it home, and have it set up and ready to go all within a couple of hours.
 
5. Put together a bar cart.
Look around the house for a two-tier table or rolling cart that could be transformed into a portable bar. Stock it with your favorite beverages, outdoor drinkware, and some bar snacks to have a handy bar cart ready to go for impromptu social gatherings.
 
6. Add a rug.
Adding an outdoor rug to your patio décor is a quick and easy way to instantly add color and texture to your outdoor living area. If you are not sure you want to deal with caring for textiles, you can also paint a rug design on your patio.
 
7. Add a shade sail.
Shade sails provide protection from the sun and make your outdoor living areas more comfortable and more functional. As an added benefit, they also happen to be great for blocking the view of your patio if neighboring properties sit higher than yours or if second-story windows overlook your yard.
 
8. Hang a hammock.
Hammocks provide the perfect spot to curl up with a good book or take an afternoon nap. They are easy to hang between two strong trees or sturdy posts, or you can purchase a hammock stand that allows you to place your hammock anywhere you’d like.
 
Things to remember this month:

• If you haven’t already, clean your gutters to prepare for any rain we might receive and to reduce fire risk.
• If you haven’t changed your furnace filters since heater season began, change them now to keep your system functioning as efficiently as possible and to keep your home – and the air in your home – cleaner.
• If you need to call in a professional to help with a home improvement project, choose local contractors and keep your money in the local economy.
  

Just a short drive from downtown Ojai and even closer to the eclectic village of Meiners Oaks, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for rent is a perfect country getaway to retreat to at the end of the day.
 
Tucked amongst orchards and mature oak trees behind a gated entry, this home has much to offer if you are looking for an Ojai home for rent in a country setting. There is plenty of parking, a fenced backyard with grass, a storage shed, and, of course, mountain views.
 
Inside, wood-look, easy-care flooring is found throughout the common areas, while the bedrooms all have cozy carpet. The kitchen has a laundry area, small breakfast nook, and a door to the backyard. Enjoy mountain and orchard views from the living room and dining area, as well as all three of the bedrooms. There are also two linen closets and a coat closet for extra storage.

Features include:

Three bedrooms
Two bathrooms
Wood-look, easy-care floor
Laundry area in kitchen
Coat closet and two linen closets
Breakfast nook
En suite bathroom in primary bedroom
Gated entry
Fenced yard with grass
Mature trees
Storage shed
Orchard setting
Mountain views
Water, trash, and landscape maintenance included

Rent: $3,000
Security Deposit: $4,500
Small pet considered with additional pet fee.
 
This one is sure to rent quickly, so contact us today if you would like an application.