This is the first time I have tried to grow artichokes since I moved to Lake County 35 years ago. I have a dim memory of buying roots and having nothing happen out in Morgan Valley, so this was an experiment, and a late one at that.
However I was surprised to see artichokes forming in late June and early July. Bad timing as I went off to Ojai for a few days and the 'chokes got away from me. Now they are growing to be a subject for a painting, and in the meantime, they are providing something for the bees. I was amazed yesterday to find this bloom covered with bees! Of course they flew off when I wielded the camera, except for this one.
I know star thistle honey is pretty desireable around here, but I never thought of artichoke honey.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
S Mutation
This year's mutation of the Blackeyed Susan, has the center forming an S shape and almost three series of petals forming. Impossible to photograph in all of it's strangeness. Apparently asteracea are known for producing lots of mutants and this year I have at least three sets similar to this.
Iceberg Rose
I had an idea for photographing some of my flowers at night. It just so happened that there was a full moon that evening, but it wasn't a blue moon.
I love the way the photos turned out and plan on taking more soon.
I love the way the photos turned out and plan on taking more soon.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Trumpet vine
My my, the new flickr made it a little hard to find my blog, but here I am.
I have been working so much in the yard this summer that I haven't been doing any writing though that is about to change.
The new side yard is flourishing thanks to an abundance of water in late spring, a revitalized creek pump, a brand new drip system over there and a good watering schedule.
Even the giant green space so beloved by dogs and the human eye is benefiting from a pretty regular water rotation. As it progresses toward a meadow environment, probably only the paths will be green at this time of year, but we shall see.
The trumpet vine was on the property long before the demolition of the mobile home...planted right up next to the east side of the building. It got a bit of morning sun, and then nothing but shade. No regular watering as far as I know until last year when I took over in early August.
Wow! what a difference...one little one gallon a day dripper, a new trellis and filtered sunshine with a little direct thrown in. It has just about doubled in size. A real joy to behold.
As to the watercolor...Let me just say that practice will be ensuing! Lots and lots of practice!
I have been working so much in the yard this summer that I haven't been doing any writing though that is about to change.
The new side yard is flourishing thanks to an abundance of water in late spring, a revitalized creek pump, a brand new drip system over there and a good watering schedule.
Even the giant green space so beloved by dogs and the human eye is benefiting from a pretty regular water rotation. As it progresses toward a meadow environment, probably only the paths will be green at this time of year, but we shall see.
The trumpet vine was on the property long before the demolition of the mobile home...planted right up next to the east side of the building. It got a bit of morning sun, and then nothing but shade. No regular watering as far as I know until last year when I took over in early August.
Wow! what a difference...one little one gallon a day dripper, a new trellis and filtered sunshine with a little direct thrown in. It has just about doubled in size. A real joy to behold.
As to the watercolor...Let me just say that practice will be ensuing! Lots and lots of practice!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Heart of the Iris
Today, after all the wind and rain we finally have a mild day and to celebrate this bicolored iris decided to open up and share it's beauty with the world. It is in the new side yard, and for many years hidden from sight by the old mobile home that stood right next to it. With water and sunlight, many of the old iris are flourishing. It is great to see.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Old Iris, New Life
This is my first spring in the new yard. Of course I have been a neighbor of the yard for almost 8 years now, but with the mobile home gone, the whole aspect is different.
Many plants that I only viewed from a distance are now right in my face! It is thrilling to see the changes in them now that they get more sun and had much more water in the late summer and early fall.
Some of the changes in the yard that I notice on the last day of March, are all the daffodils we planted last fall. They started blooming on Feb. 13th before I left for India and are still blooming freely now. It was a great welcome home after a month away.
The huge Ceanothus bush which had always been hidden by the mobile home, has almost doubled in size since last year and is starting to get some of it's delicious blue color! I think the extra water last fall really helped it, it should be fantastic!
The enormous white climbing rose that spreads out into the swamp to the east has also really grown since last year, and is already starting to sport blossoms. I have ordered six more different climbing roses to plant over there along the fence line. Next year might really be spectacular though they will still be small. Hopefully they will get here soon so we can get them into the ground.
I scattered a lot of my wild and native seed mix over here too, mostly on the steep slopes to try to rein in erosian, and they seem to have had a great germination rate. Already the miniature blue lupine are blooming like crazy along with the usual buttercups, but the yellow lupine and the California Poppies are also starting to open up.
This late rain can only help.
Also having the water level so high in the creek is making the swamp full again and the otters are active over there from all reports. I haven't seen them myself, but I have seen the red shoulder Hawk who has a nest right above the swamp. Fabulous place to live and observe.
Opppps, I almost forgot the fruit trees that are blooming, apricot, pear and most beautiful, the nectarine. Bud break occurred in my random grapevines on Sunday though some haven't come along yet. Hoping we don't get an April surprise like we had a couple of years ago...just nice rain and light frosts if they have to come.
Many plants that I only viewed from a distance are now right in my face! It is thrilling to see the changes in them now that they get more sun and had much more water in the late summer and early fall.
Some of the changes in the yard that I notice on the last day of March, are all the daffodils we planted last fall. They started blooming on Feb. 13th before I left for India and are still blooming freely now. It was a great welcome home after a month away.
The huge Ceanothus bush which had always been hidden by the mobile home, has almost doubled in size since last year and is starting to get some of it's delicious blue color! I think the extra water last fall really helped it, it should be fantastic!
The enormous white climbing rose that spreads out into the swamp to the east has also really grown since last year, and is already starting to sport blossoms. I have ordered six more different climbing roses to plant over there along the fence line. Next year might really be spectacular though they will still be small. Hopefully they will get here soon so we can get them into the ground.
I scattered a lot of my wild and native seed mix over here too, mostly on the steep slopes to try to rein in erosian, and they seem to have had a great germination rate. Already the miniature blue lupine are blooming like crazy along with the usual buttercups, but the yellow lupine and the California Poppies are also starting to open up.
This late rain can only help.
Also having the water level so high in the creek is making the swamp full again and the otters are active over there from all reports. I haven't seen them myself, but I have seen the red shoulder Hawk who has a nest right above the swamp. Fabulous place to live and observe.
Opppps, I almost forgot the fruit trees that are blooming, apricot, pear and most beautiful, the nectarine. Bud break occurred in my random grapevines on Sunday though some haven't come along yet. Hoping we don't get an April surprise like we had a couple of years ago...just nice rain and light frosts if they have to come.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Possum Scat in new yard
For the third time in a week, I found this distinctively colored scat left prominently in the new year...the first time on a small cement slab, and the second and third times on the asphalt where we just took down the last of the old carport.
After looking in Animal Tracks of Northern California, I think I have identified this scat as possum poop. I think he has been feasting along with an assortment of birds on the last of the bumper crop of apples.
I am not at all sure why the poop is left in such exposed places. The dogs really avoid it, and I collected it when I am doing Poop Patrol.
The gardens are all pretty dormant, and most of my work right now consists of small pruning jobs, poop patrol, and keeping the bird feeders filled so the finches, towhees, scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers and flickers will continue to amuse and amaze me.
It is great to be able to look out the kitchen window and only see the yard and wildlife. Yesterday from a distance, the deer looked back until Koko spotted them.
After looking in Animal Tracks of Northern California, I think I have identified this scat as possum poop. I think he has been feasting along with an assortment of birds on the last of the bumper crop of apples.
I am not at all sure why the poop is left in such exposed places. The dogs really avoid it, and I collected it when I am doing Poop Patrol.
The gardens are all pretty dormant, and most of my work right now consists of small pruning jobs, poop patrol, and keeping the bird feeders filled so the finches, towhees, scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers and flickers will continue to amuse and amaze me.
It is great to be able to look out the kitchen window and only see the yard and wildlife. Yesterday from a distance, the deer looked back until Koko spotted them.
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