Brrrr, very cold today and the rain storm that was supposed to come seems to have passed us by, though there are thick clouds in all directions, nothing more than a few spits of rain today.
It was quite a shock to come back from a short trip to Panama and find the devastation that accompanies a very hard freeze. Apparently we had three days where the temps were never out of the 30s day time and into the mid teens at night.
My friend and animal tender tried to cover plants and animals, but even if I would have been home, I don't think I could have prevented the damage to some of the plants. My striped bamboo which I knew was problematic took a really hard hit, as did my kumquat. I even had put Cloud Cover on the Kumquat, so it is surviving, but sure not thriving.
Interestingly, a small planter of succulents in the greenhouse totally bit the dust, but everything else in there is fine. Oh the perils of gardening. All the leaves are down now, and my lettuces and chard survived, so maybe if we get a warmer spell and some sun, things won't look quite so bleak.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Fig Harvest continues
When Quiz approached, Koko kept pulling on the fig, and began to growl most menacingly! Weirdo!
Koko Harvesting Figs
Koko is the strangest dog. She has learned to recognize hanging fruit. She started with grapes within reach and was very agile in standing on her hind legs and nipping down the ripening grapes. She progressed to breaking off branches and taking the grapes away to eat at her leisure.
When I was pulling out the tomatoes, she turned her attention to those small globes...mostly she spat them out.
I didn't even think of the figs as I had offered her leftovers after I had my yard snack, almost daily this summer. When the dwarf Black Jack fig was hit by frost, a huge number of low hanging fruit was revealed. And that is when Koko moved into action. First she would sniff for the ripest fruit, then put the fruit in her mouth and pull it from the tree. I never actually saw her eat one, but she defended her find from all comers, especially Quiz who was curious about the ruckus.
When I was pulling out the tomatoes, she turned her attention to those small globes...mostly she spat them out.
I didn't even think of the figs as I had offered her leftovers after I had my yard snack, almost daily this summer. When the dwarf Black Jack fig was hit by frost, a huge number of low hanging fruit was revealed. And that is when Koko moved into action. First she would sniff for the ripest fruit, then put the fruit in her mouth and pull it from the tree. I never actually saw her eat one, but she defended her find from all comers, especially Quiz who was curious about the ruckus.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Frozen Bird Bath
This morning we had thick frost on my neighbors roof and the very top of my studio roof, but I didn't think there was any frost lower down...until I walked the yards and found that the metal bird baths had frozen! I was certainly surprised to find that and no damage to my more tender plants. I expected to see a black tomato bush and had even harvested the last of the green tomatoes yesterday, but the bush/vine is still fine today. But we are so close to that first killer frost.
I am going to spray my kumquat with Cloud Cover this afternoon...I think it is in a pretty protected space, but it is my only citrus that is outside so I want to make doubly sure it is safe.
I am going to spray my kumquat with Cloud Cover this afternoon...I think it is in a pretty protected space, but it is my only citrus that is outside so I want to make doubly sure it is safe.
Crepe Myrtle in Autumn
In Lake County we don't often get such vivid fall colors but this year with the delay in the first major freeze, we are getting more showy colors on trees other than the Black Oaks. The Blue oaks are turning more golden this year before the leaves fall, the valley oaks are beautiful as well, but nothing can compare to this crepe myrtle in the new yard. I am so glad it is in the giant bush form. The only competition it has is the wild grapevine near by which is also quite beautiful.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Dinner Plate Dahlia
The first killing frost is just around the corner and in the meantime, the giant dahlias are just gorgeous. They are full of ants but I still am cutting them and bringing them in or putting them out on the deck. They are just wonderful to see at this time of year.
While I was in the garden a short while ago, on a very very windy afternoon, I saw down in a protected space and watched the bushtits and hummingbirds visit the Pineapple sage, the Hollyhocks and the Joseph's Coat rose...beautiful in spite of the icy wind.
I was going to plant my lettuces and swiss chard this afternoon when the winds die down, but just noticed that one of my oldest cats has an abcess in her mouth. Instead of working in the yard, I will be taking Samson to the Vet and probably having her put to sleep. She doesn't weigh more than a feather and I don't think she would withstand any invasive procedures. She is about 16 years old if not older.
While I was in the garden a short while ago, on a very very windy afternoon, I saw down in a protected space and watched the bushtits and hummingbirds visit the Pineapple sage, the Hollyhocks and the Joseph's Coat rose...beautiful in spite of the icy wind.
I was going to plant my lettuces and swiss chard this afternoon when the winds die down, but just noticed that one of my oldest cats has an abcess in her mouth. Instead of working in the yard, I will be taking Samson to the Vet and probably having her put to sleep. She doesn't weigh more than a feather and I don't think she would withstand any invasive procedures. She is about 16 years old if not older.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Still Life: Dahlias with Ants
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Rexfree_99 Pro User says:
Wanted to bring in some fall flowers, and cut some dahlias...got into the house and realized that they and me were crawling with ants. I plunged them into my favorite floating bowl that I picked up in Japan, and rushed them outside for an outdoor arrangement.
Living and gardening by the creek does have some drawbacks. The ants are just everywhere.
Rexfree_99 Pro User says:
Wanted to bring in some fall flowers, and cut some dahlias...got into the house and realized that they and me were crawling with ants. I plunged them into my favorite floating bowl that I picked up in Japan, and rushed them outside for an outdoor arrangement.
Living and gardening by the creek does have some drawbacks. The ants are just everywhere.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Turkey looking for a spot to roost
In the spring, we had a fairly large flock of turkeys, but by mid-summer, we were down to two, and now we have only one. Hopefully this one will be able to join up with another flock. It is roosting very near the oaks over the house, but I haven't spotted the place yet.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Common Buckeye on bolting parsley
Yesterday this accomodating butterfly just sat and posed and posed and posed. He is pretty tattered and had nearby competition from a huge preying mantis, but he won my shot of the day in the garden award. I just made that up. I have been very lax here, but the garden has totally gotten away from me.
To harvest tiny tomatoes and fiery peppers, I had to blindly reaching into huge walls of morning glories and feel around. Even finding my radicchio was a real challenge the other day. And good luck with the cukes...they are so intertwined with the dwarf fig that I have trouble spotting them, but at least they are up off the ground.
I know I should get out the morning glories especially before they go to seed again, but it is so hard as they are so beautiful, climbing and twining their way up the sunflowers and everything else in sight. Perhaps tomorrow morning I will try to photograph them with all the other competing plants. A real jungle.
To harvest tiny tomatoes and fiery peppers, I had to blindly reaching into huge walls of morning glories and feel around. Even finding my radicchio was a real challenge the other day. And good luck with the cukes...they are so intertwined with the dwarf fig that I have trouble spotting them, but at least they are up off the ground.
I know I should get out the morning glories especially before they go to seed again, but it is so hard as they are so beautiful, climbing and twining their way up the sunflowers and everything else in sight. Perhaps tomorrow morning I will try to photograph them with all the other competing plants. A real jungle.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Blooming Sanseveria
Usually at this time of summer, my houseplants are in need of some cleaning, trimming and general refreshment, but this plant suddenly decided to put on a show.
I have never seen a bloom on these good old standby houseplants which are usually tucked into dark spaces and are good for scrubbing air! This one is by a slider on the east side of the sun room so maybe that is why it decided to bloom like this. First tall tall spikes shot up, and then these very delicate flowers opened. It really is quite striking and rivals the nearby hoyas which are also blooming right now.
This one worries me a bit...makes me think of century plants whose bloom signals an end to the plant. We will see.
Other surprises in the garden...with the recent cool weather, the lawn in the new yard has been rejuvenated although I have had to water it. I am so conflicted about keeping a lawn, but the dogs just love it so, and it is so soothing on the eye on hot sunny days.
The acorns are starting to fall, joining all the ones split open by the squirrels...they are good sized and very noisy as they hit my metal roof. Some leaf clusters are dropping too, and that process will accelerate as we get into autumn...I expect that they will all be down before I leave for Panama at the end of November.
All the roses in both yards that rebloom are doing their thing, and the ice bergs in particular are very welcome in the evenings. The morning glories are glorious every morning...they have swamped the vegetable garden which wasn't doing much anyway. Weird weather this year...all the questions at the fair were about why people weren't getting their squash or tomatoes as in previous years. My stock answers were the cooler than usual night, and the higher than usual humidity in places near the water.
Two things gardener's can't control so maybe that helped them feel better.
I have never seen a bloom on these good old standby houseplants which are usually tucked into dark spaces and are good for scrubbing air! This one is by a slider on the east side of the sun room so maybe that is why it decided to bloom like this. First tall tall spikes shot up, and then these very delicate flowers opened. It really is quite striking and rivals the nearby hoyas which are also blooming right now.
This one worries me a bit...makes me think of century plants whose bloom signals an end to the plant. We will see.
Other surprises in the garden...with the recent cool weather, the lawn in the new yard has been rejuvenated although I have had to water it. I am so conflicted about keeping a lawn, but the dogs just love it so, and it is so soothing on the eye on hot sunny days.
The acorns are starting to fall, joining all the ones split open by the squirrels...they are good sized and very noisy as they hit my metal roof. Some leaf clusters are dropping too, and that process will accelerate as we get into autumn...I expect that they will all be down before I leave for Panama at the end of November.
All the roses in both yards that rebloom are doing their thing, and the ice bergs in particular are very welcome in the evenings. The morning glories are glorious every morning...they have swamped the vegetable garden which wasn't doing much anyway. Weird weather this year...all the questions at the fair were about why people weren't getting their squash or tomatoes as in previous years. My stock answers were the cooler than usual night, and the higher than usual humidity in places near the water.
Two things gardener's can't control so maybe that helped them feel better.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Oppps!
Oppps!
While digging a ditch to relocate current electrical lines underground, we found a little surprise.
Long ago, someone had put lines under ground, but not very deeply and not where one would expect. At least they were dead so now harm done. I will be sure to mark the new lines although they will be much much deeper.
At least this was not totally unexpected as I had already found a pipe sticking up from the ground that I couldn't move. On closer examination, we spotted wires in it and determined that they were dead. Probably had been used before the line was put up on the fence the way it is today. Or the way it was before the new line was put in today.
While digging a ditch to relocate current electrical lines underground, we found a little surprise.
Long ago, someone had put lines under ground, but not very deeply and not where one would expect. At least they were dead so now harm done. I will be sure to mark the new lines although they will be much much deeper.
At least this was not totally unexpected as I had already found a pipe sticking up from the ground that I couldn't move. On closer examination, we spotted wires in it and determined that they were dead. Probably had been used before the line was put up on the fence the way it is today. Or the way it was before the new line was put in today.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Checking me out!
One of the most intriguing aspects of gardening is that it bring you into the closest proximity with all sorts of insects, spiders, birds and other tiny items you might otherwise miss.
This fellow is a great example...I must have gone by this bush 20 times yesterday, and when I finally decided to deadhead some of the spent blossoms on this buddlehia, I came face to face with this guy.
If I didn't have to do indoor work this afternoon, I would be near my insect book and look him up.
This fellow is a great example...I must have gone by this bush 20 times yesterday, and when I finally decided to deadhead some of the spent blossoms on this buddlehia, I came face to face with this guy.
If I didn't have to do indoor work this afternoon, I would be near my insect book and look him up.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Real Custom Job!
The is where the electric line from the pump house ends up...from here it powers the creek pump and a hideous night sensor light. This "real custom job" as my electrician put it, is on it's way out...as soon as they can get here and start work!
Very by what we sometimes refer to as typical Lake County jobs, I think this one takes the cake.
It is vital that I be able to water my plants, but there must have been a different way to go about getting the power down to the pumps.
In the meantime, while trying to keep up with the original garden and all it's wants and needs, I am trying to undue two months of damage from sheer neglect, lack of watering and years of not taking care of plants properly.
Thursday we did a lot of summer pruning of the fruit trees, and I am trying to get up all the deadfall under the apples and pick the pears, which are ready right now for picking.
All the iris might be salvageable, and I will have to start work on those too.
The biggest job I have is deciding what kind of retaining wall for the pad that was left in the wake of the mobile home. It was completely protected from the weather but is just fill that has been sitting under the mobile for 30 years...one sloping side will really deteriorate this winter with rainfall, and just traffic from the dogs.
I am hoping to make contact with a distributor of Verdura, a cement wall block system that has space to plant small plants in each block. It sounds like a great green system. The website is Soilretention.com.
So now, by more than doubling my lot size, I have found that I have more than doubled my gardening workload, but oh, it is going to be fun, and the view from here makes it all worthwhile.
Very by what we sometimes refer to as typical Lake County jobs, I think this one takes the cake.
It is vital that I be able to water my plants, but there must have been a different way to go about getting the power down to the pumps.
In the meantime, while trying to keep up with the original garden and all it's wants and needs, I am trying to undue two months of damage from sheer neglect, lack of watering and years of not taking care of plants properly.
Thursday we did a lot of summer pruning of the fruit trees, and I am trying to get up all the deadfall under the apples and pick the pears, which are ready right now for picking.
All the iris might be salvageable, and I will have to start work on those too.
The biggest job I have is deciding what kind of retaining wall for the pad that was left in the wake of the mobile home. It was completely protected from the weather but is just fill that has been sitting under the mobile for 30 years...one sloping side will really deteriorate this winter with rainfall, and just traffic from the dogs.
I am hoping to make contact with a distributor of Verdura, a cement wall block system that has space to plant small plants in each block. It sounds like a great green system. The website is Soilretention.com.
So now, by more than doubling my lot size, I have found that I have more than doubled my gardening workload, but oh, it is going to be fun, and the view from here makes it all worthwhile.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Looking toward the pad from creekside
Finally the job was done...if you want to see all the deconstruction and devastation, you can go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/griswold64/, and look at the set titled Demolition.
The job it's self was so compelling to watch. Donald Epidendio was a real genius with that giant machine working almost entirely within the perimeter or footprint of the mobile. Everything was pulled inward where it was compacted before lifting up to the trucks. He was able to pluck out things like white appliances and steel frames that had to go to a different destination, and leave most of the concrete blocks intact. Really they did just a good jog.
The truck drivers, including Anthony Epidendio had to maneuver thru my narrow gate, around a giant oak tree and into position to be loaded. No easy task with those behemoths!
At one point, Donald put a chain onto Anthony's trailer and pulled the end of it sideways so it was just right. Amazing.
There was very minor to little damage to any existing plants, though one very old star jasmine which had been barely hanging onto an upright of the old awning, tumbled down last night all on it's own. I can't lift it but I am sure that Stuart and I will be able to get it into an upright position, or just grow it as a ground cover.
Again, the most amazing things are the things I never anticipate before moving something, whether it be a tree or a structure. I would think I would learn by now, but I am usually so focused on getting a scary job done that I don't think too far ahead about LIGHT!
There are some plants that might get too much light now, but in the case of my bay laurels, since it is all morning light, I won't worry. Other plants will probably benefit from the increased light, and for sure the Oak Tree will love having all that space cleared. I think I won't have to move out the asphalt to the north of the tree...those roots will be able to breath very well like this.
Now thanks to the Epidendio Construction Co., there is very little clean up to do...just a few random piece of glass. I had been worried about the fiberglass insulation but that is all gone. It was cleaned up so well. Sheer bliss.
When I look out my kitchen window there is a view that will take some getting used to...so I am not in any hurry to do much right now. Still have to wait for the power lines to be put underground out to the well and creek pump, then I can start on stairs down to the new yard from the high deck. Plenty of time for that.
The job it's self was so compelling to watch. Donald Epidendio was a real genius with that giant machine working almost entirely within the perimeter or footprint of the mobile. Everything was pulled inward where it was compacted before lifting up to the trucks. He was able to pluck out things like white appliances and steel frames that had to go to a different destination, and leave most of the concrete blocks intact. Really they did just a good jog.
The truck drivers, including Anthony Epidendio had to maneuver thru my narrow gate, around a giant oak tree and into position to be loaded. No easy task with those behemoths!
At one point, Donald put a chain onto Anthony's trailer and pulled the end of it sideways so it was just right. Amazing.
There was very minor to little damage to any existing plants, though one very old star jasmine which had been barely hanging onto an upright of the old awning, tumbled down last night all on it's own. I can't lift it but I am sure that Stuart and I will be able to get it into an upright position, or just grow it as a ground cover.
Again, the most amazing things are the things I never anticipate before moving something, whether it be a tree or a structure. I would think I would learn by now, but I am usually so focused on getting a scary job done that I don't think too far ahead about LIGHT!
There are some plants that might get too much light now, but in the case of my bay laurels, since it is all morning light, I won't worry. Other plants will probably benefit from the increased light, and for sure the Oak Tree will love having all that space cleared. I think I won't have to move out the asphalt to the north of the tree...those roots will be able to breath very well like this.
Now thanks to the Epidendio Construction Co., there is very little clean up to do...just a few random piece of glass. I had been worried about the fiberglass insulation but that is all gone. It was cleaned up so well. Sheer bliss.
When I look out my kitchen window there is a view that will take some getting used to...so I am not in any hurry to do much right now. Still have to wait for the power lines to be put underground out to the well and creek pump, then I can start on stairs down to the new yard from the high deck. Plenty of time for that.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Delicious tomatoes
Today is D-Day in the new addition to my yard and garden. I thought I would start the day with a photo of my tomatoes...it is rather awesome to consider that I am more than doubling the size of my gardening area though at this point, it is mostly lawn with a few trees, and a jungle on one side. Once the mobile home is demolished that is...
The tomatoes, esp. the Black Cherokees are small, nonstandard in size, slightly cracked, but amazingly delicious. The Costalutos are good, but not near as densely rich and wonderful as the Black Cherokee. Yum...I might have to buy a little package of peppered bacon so I can have a couple of bacon and tomato sandwiches before the summer is out.
The tomatoes, esp. the Black Cherokees are small, nonstandard in size, slightly cracked, but amazingly delicious. The Costalutos are good, but not near as densely rich and wonderful as the Black Cherokee. Yum...I might have to buy a little package of peppered bacon so I can have a couple of bacon and tomato sandwiches before the summer is out.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Moving the Excavator thru the gate!
Moving the Excavator into the new garden area prior to Monday's demolition of the existing structure. It barely squeaked thru the gate.
Since escrow closed almost two weeks ago, we have been cleaning up the lot and getting ready for the day that the old mobile home could be demolished.
That will happen on Monday morning, and then the rest of the day will be spent hauling out all of the debris. Should make for some interesting photo ops.
Then the entire lot will be a new project in the ongoing gardening sage rather than starting a new blog.
Since escrow closed almost two weeks ago, we have been cleaning up the lot and getting ready for the day that the old mobile home could be demolished.
That will happen on Monday morning, and then the rest of the day will be spent hauling out all of the debris. Should make for some interesting photo ops.
Then the entire lot will be a new project in the ongoing gardening sage rather than starting a new blog.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Turkey in Distress
Another thrill of living on the banks of Cache Creek are the wild turkeys who come through. Lately I have seen these two females on their own and they seem mighty disorganized.
I see them above my strip by the road, and think they might have been the ones to strip my hollyhocks of their seeds. I see them pecking around the new mailboxes, and I hear them landing in our very tall oaks at dusk for roosting.
This morning I could hear one calling and calling as she paced back and forth across from my window. She really was putting up quite a racket and later when I was down by the creek, I could hear another one responding from the other side of my place.
After about an hour, I happened to look up at my neighbor's roof and there was this turkey. Very nervous and distressed. My dogs didn't even see her, but they knew something was up and kept running back and forth from the gate to the creek, poking their noses in any place a turkey might be.
The hidden turkey began to call from across the creek, and when my back was turned, the roof turkey must have made the flight back to her companion. Whew! I was worried she might land in my yard and Koko is a known turkey killer. Weill, she killed one once. Only sign she was ever a hunting dog.
Aside from harm to the turkey, I was worried about the havoc a turkey could wreak in my veggie and flower gardens. And today of all days, I found what looks like the first of the zucchini at last. I am not one hundred percent sure, since I didn't see it when the blossom was open, but it looks likes. And I am sure she wouldn't have been able to pass up my ripening tomatoes and cukes.
So lots of reasons to be happy the turkey moved on today. Roosting in the oaks is messy, but they are usually only there overnight.
I see them above my strip by the road, and think they might have been the ones to strip my hollyhocks of their seeds. I see them pecking around the new mailboxes, and I hear them landing in our very tall oaks at dusk for roosting.
This morning I could hear one calling and calling as she paced back and forth across from my window. She really was putting up quite a racket and later when I was down by the creek, I could hear another one responding from the other side of my place.
After about an hour, I happened to look up at my neighbor's roof and there was this turkey. Very nervous and distressed. My dogs didn't even see her, but they knew something was up and kept running back and forth from the gate to the creek, poking their noses in any place a turkey might be.
The hidden turkey began to call from across the creek, and when my back was turned, the roof turkey must have made the flight back to her companion. Whew! I was worried she might land in my yard and Koko is a known turkey killer. Weill, she killed one once. Only sign she was ever a hunting dog.
Aside from harm to the turkey, I was worried about the havoc a turkey could wreak in my veggie and flower gardens. And today of all days, I found what looks like the first of the zucchini at last. I am not one hundred percent sure, since I didn't see it when the blossom was open, but it looks likes. And I am sure she wouldn't have been able to pass up my ripening tomatoes and cukes.
So lots of reasons to be happy the turkey moved on today. Roosting in the oaks is messy, but they are usually only there overnight.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Illusion of cool space
Yesterday, hotter than hell, I wrote a long entry about the current state of my garden when we had a most abrupt and long lasting power outage...threw my whole watering schedule off since none of the drippers went on time, and if they did, there was no water going thru the lines.
today at 4:21 it is only 103o, better than yesterday's reported 110o, but really you get over 100 and it is just miserable combined with the high humidity down here by the creek and the pervasive stench of the blue green algae which is going nowhere now as the dam is closed.
Really, gardening and life on the creek can be a challenge. I haven't written for more than a week as my dog had an accident and has been suffering and pretty immobile though she seems to be on the mend now. Hard to tell with an 111/2 year old 88 lb dog...in this heat she isn't moving much, but still eats and drinks with gusto.
The garden is mostly a matter of watering, deadheading, pruning back stuff and trying to find morning cool time to do it in. This heat is just deadly for working out there...Later in the evenings works but I am not always home then. Makes me wonder what I am thinking of to more than double the size of my yard, but that is another blog that will start up in one week.
Current status of plants:
Veggies: Cukes are growing fruit as are tomatoes but nothing ripe yet. I have one eggplant, long asian, and one padron pepper. NOTHING on the zucchini...still no female flowers on any of the plants. The Brandywine has finally set some tiny fruit and my sweet 100s are starting to be ready to eat.
Fruit...a good crop on the Bartlett pear tree, lots of figs, ate my first two this morning in the yard, and lots and lots of grapes are starting to get color. I learned last year to wait a long time to eat those purple ones, they just get sweeter and sweeter...so delicious.
Flowers: Roses, are doing great, esp. the icebergs...ha ha. Dahlias are huge but not lasting in this blistering heat, Canna's are coming along in different places, and my zinnias while huge water hogs are looking good.
It is actually too hot to sit here and do this...I am just out of range of the ceiling fan and am going back under it. The notebook comp. would be too hot to handle on my lap, so ending this post.
today at 4:21 it is only 103o, better than yesterday's reported 110o, but really you get over 100 and it is just miserable combined with the high humidity down here by the creek and the pervasive stench of the blue green algae which is going nowhere now as the dam is closed.
Really, gardening and life on the creek can be a challenge. I haven't written for more than a week as my dog had an accident and has been suffering and pretty immobile though she seems to be on the mend now. Hard to tell with an 111/2 year old 88 lb dog...in this heat she isn't moving much, but still eats and drinks with gusto.
The garden is mostly a matter of watering, deadheading, pruning back stuff and trying to find morning cool time to do it in. This heat is just deadly for working out there...Later in the evenings works but I am not always home then. Makes me wonder what I am thinking of to more than double the size of my yard, but that is another blog that will start up in one week.
Current status of plants:
Veggies: Cukes are growing fruit as are tomatoes but nothing ripe yet. I have one eggplant, long asian, and one padron pepper. NOTHING on the zucchini...still no female flowers on any of the plants. The Brandywine has finally set some tiny fruit and my sweet 100s are starting to be ready to eat.
Fruit...a good crop on the Bartlett pear tree, lots of figs, ate my first two this morning in the yard, and lots and lots of grapes are starting to get color. I learned last year to wait a long time to eat those purple ones, they just get sweeter and sweeter...so delicious.
Flowers: Roses, are doing great, esp. the icebergs...ha ha. Dahlias are huge but not lasting in this blistering heat, Canna's are coming along in different places, and my zinnias while huge water hogs are looking good.
It is actually too hot to sit here and do this...I am just out of range of the ceiling fan and am going back under it. The notebook comp. would be too hot to handle on my lap, so ending this post.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Stalking the blue green algae
I was happy to see the night herons arrive as I have had such a time trying to photograph them this year. There are several just waiting for all the little fish trapped by the algae...at least that is my theory.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Heron & egret fishing the blue green algae
The stumps protruding out of Cache Creek provides the perfect spot for the opportunistic flocks of night herons and egrets that are decending on the creek these past two days. It is really wonderful to see them. Wish I had a camera that could capture what I see with my binoculars. Pretty amazing stuff. Because of the algae, on a Friday night, instead of a lot of partying, I had the creek to myself and the birds stayed put. Except when they dove in for the fish. I haven't seen any dead fish yet, but the fish must be right near the surface as the birds seem to just pluck them out, and swallow them.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hunting Egret Cache Creek
I have never seen so many egrets right across the creek from my house. But then I have never seen Cache Creek almost bank to bank with thick thick mats of blue green algae. It is really becoming unbelieveable but one can get used to anything, even if it smells like this.
If there are this many opportunistic birds of all kinds down here, I wonder what in the world it must be like down at the dam! A few minutes ago, I counted at least five egrets, three great blue herons, many small birds all enjoying whatever bounty they can capture in these mats.
I will be going near the state park tonight, and I bet the water there is clear compared to this end of the lake. Location, location,location as they say!
Of course this is perfect for this blog given it's name. I hope they are hunting there tomorrow when the light is better. I will miss them this evening.
If there are this many opportunistic birds of all kinds down here, I wonder what in the world it must be like down at the dam! A few minutes ago, I counted at least five egrets, three great blue herons, many small birds all enjoying whatever bounty they can capture in these mats.
I will be going near the state park tonight, and I bet the water there is clear compared to this end of the lake. Location, location,location as they say!
Of course this is perfect for this blog given it's name. I hope they are hunting there tomorrow when the light is better. I will miss them this evening.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Flowers in the vegetable garden
Today it is supposed to be 106o...I hope that is not the case, but out where these flowers are in the full sun, in boxes on the hot hot gravel, it might be a reality.
I tried to make sure that there was supplemental water for them...when it is this hot, the drippers don't always provide enough water for plants in giant containers.
At 1:09, it is 93o in the shade.
I tried to make sure that there was supplemental water for them...when it is this hot, the drippers don't always provide enough water for plants in giant containers.
At 1:09, it is 93o in the shade.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Blue Green Algae on the move
Blue Green Algae on the move
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99
It will pass on to Yolo County, but in the meantime, it is a burden for all of us who depend on the lake for tourism, recreation or irrigation.
Just remember that it is a natural occurrence and that people are working to control runoff and other issues that contribute to these large blooms.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Italian heirloom tomato from Genoa, Costoluto
I chose this tomato plant to celebrate the fact that my family came originally from Liguria and considered themselves to be Genovese. It certainly is an odd shape. It is pear shaped but deeply ridged. This is still only thumb size, but growing rapidly. It will probably start to ripen along with the Black Cherokee Heirloom. The Brandywine still hasn't set fruit!
Tonight I will make pasta con pesto with some of my own basil, some that came in my coop box and some from plants I just bought at Trader Joe's. It will be delicious with potatoes and stringbeans also from the coop...everything but the pasta and Reggiano Parmesano comes from Lake County.
Well, the salt comes from Germany, a recent gift from traveling friends.
Tonight I will make pasta con pesto with some of my own basil, some that came in my coop box and some from plants I just bought at Trader Joe's. It will be delicious with potatoes and stringbeans also from the coop...everything but the pasta and Reggiano Parmesano comes from Lake County.
Well, the salt comes from Germany, a recent gift from traveling friends.
Male & Female squash flowers from California Master Gardener Handbook
Male & Female squash flowers from California Master Gardener Handbook
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99
Male Flower
And another photo that won't rotate. Still the photo shows that this is a male flower with the long stem. Apparently I don't yet have any female flowers yet. I check each morning early and find lots of blossoms on long slender stems, many bees and no female flowers.
A great resource for gardener's in California is their local Master Gardener office usually to be found in office of the UC Farm Advisor, even in urban areas. The California Master Gardener Handbook which is received as part of the training to become a Master Gardener is a wonderful resource. It is published by the University of California, agriculture and Natural Resources, Publication 3382. The price is probably close to $90 but very much something to consider.
A great resource for gardener's in California is their local Master Gardener office usually to be found in office of the UC Farm Advisor, even in urban areas. The California Master Gardener Handbook which is received as part of the training to become a Master Gardener is a wonderful resource. It is published by the University of California, agriculture and Natural Resources, Publication 3382. The price is probably close to $90 but very much something to consider.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Summer's Rose
The garden has been wildly busy this past week with new flushes of roses, like this, as well as a real burst of Dahlias, both yellow and pink. At least one of the new ones looks like it might bloom soon and hopefully won't be pink or yellow. Need a change in color.
The tomatoes are setting fruit, except for the Brandywine...nothing that I can spot at all. I can't see any peppers, eggplant, zucchini or cukes ;yet, but hopefully within days I will have something from all four. The sweet 100's are turning red, slowly though. Our weather has taken another turn to the cool side. Not unwelcome, I can tell you that! I have been able to spend more time in the yard instead of writing about it!
The Chrysanthemums are all starting to bloom as well, the small summer type in a wide variety of colors. Even the wisteria is having a second bloom, quite extensive too.
The pear tree has stopped self-thinning, and looks like I will have another bumper crop. My neighbor's apricot tree has a lot of almost ripe fruit on it. I hope to have more to report about soon.
The tomatoes are setting fruit, except for the Brandywine...nothing that I can spot at all. I can't see any peppers, eggplant, zucchini or cukes ;yet, but hopefully within days I will have something from all four. The sweet 100's are turning red, slowly though. Our weather has taken another turn to the cool side. Not unwelcome, I can tell you that! I have been able to spend more time in the yard instead of writing about it!
The Chrysanthemums are all starting to bloom as well, the small summer type in a wide variety of colors. Even the wisteria is having a second bloom, quite extensive too.
The pear tree has stopped self-thinning, and looks like I will have another bumper crop. My neighbor's apricot tree has a lot of almost ripe fruit on it. I hope to have more to report about soon.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Zucchini Blossom, First of the year!
Now to wait and see if fruit sets. Every year I forget which kind of blossom is the one that fruits. I could look it up, but not today!
Happy 5th of July!
This beauty greeted me this morning, an explosion of orange with red red pistil and stamens. Very beautiful.
Actually the whole garden decided to put on a show this morning, with Dahlias blooming, as well as huge zucchini blossoms. I am craving the first of my own zucchini. I hope this isn't one of those years when it doesn't set.
The weather has really moderated today. Yesterday at this time it was 95o in the shade by the studio, and today it is only 85o. Very pleasant change with a nice breeze.
Actually getting ready to work out in the sun...it is possible when the temps and conditions are like this!
Actually the whole garden decided to put on a show this morning, with Dahlias blooming, as well as huge zucchini blossoms. I am craving the first of my own zucchini. I hope this isn't one of those years when it doesn't set.
The weather has really moderated today. Yesterday at this time it was 95o in the shade by the studio, and today it is only 85o. Very pleasant change with a nice breeze.
Actually getting ready to work out in the sun...it is possible when the temps and conditions are like this!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Pulling the Chard
In 90o weather I finally decided to do the deed. At least last night I had the foresight to thoroughly soak the soil in preparation.
For some time now, I have been cutting back the chard which was bolting, infested with aphids and ants and just generally nasty. But no matter how much I chopped and whacked, it just kept relentlessly sending up infested shoots.
I have never seen anything quite like this...at first I thought it was mostly the red chard, but the yellow, white you name it chard all did the same thing. I also had hoped that the hot hot weather would see an end to the aphids and then the ants, but no!!! The ants became more agressive and bold. To reach into the bed to check on the squash or pepper, or eggplant was to recoil with ants racing up and down one's limbs! Yikes, not very pleasant.
so yesterday I started yanking out the chard. It was amazing how root bound they were, more than just j-root, but really contorted. Pretty fascinating actually, in very bright colors, depending on the chard.
And now they are all in the compost heap!
The other major ant infestation is on my little lemon tree where the ants are tending the scale. No matter how often I remove it, it comes right back with the ants in attendance. Really aggressive though non-biting at least. Still unpleasant. There are so many of them and only one of me!
For some time now, I have been cutting back the chard which was bolting, infested with aphids and ants and just generally nasty. But no matter how much I chopped and whacked, it just kept relentlessly sending up infested shoots.
I have never seen anything quite like this...at first I thought it was mostly the red chard, but the yellow, white you name it chard all did the same thing. I also had hoped that the hot hot weather would see an end to the aphids and then the ants, but no!!! The ants became more agressive and bold. To reach into the bed to check on the squash or pepper, or eggplant was to recoil with ants racing up and down one's limbs! Yikes, not very pleasant.
so yesterday I started yanking out the chard. It was amazing how root bound they were, more than just j-root, but really contorted. Pretty fascinating actually, in very bright colors, depending on the chard.
And now they are all in the compost heap!
The other major ant infestation is on my little lemon tree where the ants are tending the scale. No matter how often I remove it, it comes right back with the ants in attendance. Really aggressive though non-biting at least. Still unpleasant. There are so many of them and only one of me!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Passion Flower '09
Every year I shot the Passion Flower but I think this shot from a slightly different angle is the best shot yet...very 3-D, showing all the intricate levels.
It has formed a living wall on one side of the small deck where I would like to put a small spa/hot tub.
Now that the neighborhood is changing, I am not so sure about doing that because of possible privacy issues. Pondering on it.
It has formed a living wall on one side of the small deck where I would like to put a small spa/hot tub.
Now that the neighborhood is changing, I am not so sure about doing that because of possible privacy issues. Pondering on it.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Lit From Within
This morning glory was just one of those glorious specimen, an example of why I love to plant morning glories. I don't plant them anymore as they have naturalized in my garden. It is my chore to make sure that they don't strangle out other plants and flowers.
I just had to remove one from my basil...it was twining it's way right round it.
I just had to remove one from my basil...it was twining it's way right round it.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Orange Zinnia
I must confess that I just bought three one gallon pots of Zinnias a week ago, and managed to get them planted before they bloomed this morning.
I have always thought of Zinnias as the quintessential summer flower...and this year they have appeared to me though I usually plant them each year, usually from seed. This year the time got away from me, and I was very lucky to find these, thanks to the Barber Family Farm booth at the Clearlake Friday Night Farmer's Market!
I have always thought of Zinnias as the quintessential summer flower...and this year they have appeared to me though I usually plant them each year, usually from seed. This year the time got away from me, and I was very lucky to find these, thanks to the Barber Family Farm booth at the Clearlake Friday Night Farmer's Market!
Chicoria Bloom
I have been wanting to get chicory established in my yard for a long time. One of my favorite dishes that my Genovese grandmother made was composed of chopped chicory leaves, potatoes, green onions and olive oil. Bitter, smooth, rich and delicious.
finally this morning, to celebrate the start of summer, I found that the plant I had let bolt had bloomed. I will let it go to seed among the poppies, calendula and arugula.
This was grown from a seed packet I brought back from Italy. I see lots of blue flower chicory along roadsides, but when it died out in my mother's yard, I had thought I had lost it for good. This is a different variety, but tartly delicious and I will make radichetto as I remember my Nonna calling it.
finally this morning, to celebrate the start of summer, I found that the plant I had let bolt had bloomed. I will let it go to seed among the poppies, calendula and arugula.
This was grown from a seed packet I brought back from Italy. I see lots of blue flower chicory along roadsides, but when it died out in my mother's yard, I had thought I had lost it for good. This is a different variety, but tartly delicious and I will make radichetto as I remember my Nonna calling it.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Earwig in the Matilija Poppy
The poppy blossom is starting to droop a bit, so I was taking a closer look and found this earwig, happy as could be.
This has been a fierce year for earwigs. Every bouquet of flowers I have brought in has been full of them, and the swiss chard, and salad mixes have also been host to these little devils.
This has been a fierce year for earwigs. Every bouquet of flowers I have brought in has been full of them, and the swiss chard, and salad mixes have also been host to these little devils.
Tomato Blossom
I have the most lush tomato plants, with many many huge blossoms, but no tomatoes. Here is what About.com says about blossom drop:lossom drop can be attributed to several causes, most often related to either temperature and / or stress.
* Temperature Too High or Too Low
* Lack of Pollination
* Nitrogen - Too Much or Too Little
* Humidity Too High or Low Humidity.
* Lack of water
* Stress from insect damage or disease
* Too Heavy Fruit Set
I am pretty sure that it is the abnormally cool and humid weather we have had for the month of June. And of course, that is out of my control. Warmer weather is forecast for later this week, and hopefully, the fruit will start to set. It is very frustrating sometimes to garden so close to the water.
* Temperature Too High or Too Low
* Lack of Pollination
* Nitrogen - Too Much or Too Little
* Humidity Too High or Low Humidity.
* Lack of water
* Stress from insect damage or disease
* Too Heavy Fruit Set
I am pretty sure that it is the abnormally cool and humid weather we have had for the month of June. And of course, that is out of my control. Warmer weather is forecast for later this week, and hopefully, the fruit will start to set. It is very frustrating sometimes to garden so close to the water.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Examining Mosquito Larva
This is a strange photo that was inspired when I leaned over to check out the larva and thought to photograph them...and got myself in sort of a negative effect.. In any case, I will have to pick up some Mosquito fish when I am in Lakeport on Wednesday and pop them into Koko's bath. Usually I can tip it up and over before it gets to this state, but it is wearing out, and the rim has cracked so I can't lift it to empty it. I will have to replace it this week.
It is a neat solution for a dog who overheats with that thick coat, and it is surrounded with lots of big potted plants so it has a rather tropical ambiance under the deck. Unfortunately, the Mosquitos love the same ambiance. Fish to the rescue.
It is a neat solution for a dog who overheats with that thick coat, and it is surrounded with lots of big potted plants so it has a rather tropical ambiance under the deck. Unfortunately, the Mosquitos love the same ambiance. Fish to the rescue.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Matilija Poppy
Last year, the Matilija poppy in my yard didn't bloom at all, it was overwhelmed by the grapes, oak and willow. I figured that it was in just too much shade and wasn't ever going to bloom in that spot. And as happens in a jungly backyard, I rather forgot about it. This year, it has triumphed over all the other densely growing plants and shot up to surprise me this morning with this beautiful blossom.
I think I will have to put consider putting some of these over on the land...they should do great! And as an extra bonus, they are a California native!
I think I will have to put consider putting some of these over on the land...they should do great! And as an extra bonus, they are a California native!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Blue-Green Algae on ClearLake
http://lakeconews.com/content/view/9068/764/
Here is the current update on the blue green algae which is now causing huge problems at the south end of ClearLake.
I think I will put off my kayak tour for a few days until conditions change and the water is tested.
Here is the current update on the blue green algae which is now causing huge problems at the south end of ClearLake.
I think I will put off my kayak tour for a few days until conditions change and the water is tested.
Heart of Darkness
The black hollyhock is blooming profusely which made me realize that while I scattered the seeds last year, none apparently germinated...very unhollyhocklike!
The garden is growing wildly even in this unseasonable cool weather. The grape vines are shooting up at an alarming rate and I am having to get after them before they block off some areas entirely.
The only disappointment is that my tomatoes have not set any fruit. My Brandywine has exhibited a really awful blossom drop...the stem leading to the blossom is withering into brownness and doing nothing. There is not too much to adjust, but I will try taking the dripper out completely for a bit and let them dry right out. They are so huge and lush that I don't want to lose them now.
The garden is growing wildly even in this unseasonable cool weather. The grape vines are shooting up at an alarming rate and I am having to get after them before they block off some areas entirely.
The only disappointment is that my tomatoes have not set any fruit. My Brandywine has exhibited a really awful blossom drop...the stem leading to the blossom is withering into brownness and doing nothing. There is not too much to adjust, but I will try taking the dripper out completely for a bit and let them dry right out. They are so huge and lush that I don't want to lose them now.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Blue Petunia
Inspired by another flickr member, I am after my petunias. It is amazing that I have neglected to photograph them. It is much trickier than I had thought. It totally depends on the time of day, the wind and the particular flower. I know that might be true of most photos, but with these, say as opposed to the hollyhocks, the difference is startling. I have deleted many many shots, and I know I can do better than this with practice.
KOKO & The FIG
I have found it very difficult to photograph Koko with a straight on shot...she alwyas turns at the last second, but this time I caught her in the act of turning from an intense investigation of a Brown Turkey Fig tree.
She is a very loving but odd odd dog.
She is a very loving but odd odd dog.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
While my back was turned...
While the bee retrieval scaffolding was up, even though I watered the Black Bamboo, I did not notice this huge shoot that was busy working it's way to the sky! As the scaffolding was being dismantled yesterday I suddenly spotted this...it is twice as big as any other stalk on the plant, and fully three times as tall as the tallest...must be 20' tall. It will be very interesting to watch it leaf out.
Plants are amazing!
Plants are amazing!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Shooting into the Creek
I think I must be very tired of people, and late this afternoon, even my garden couldn't bring me solace. I was planting some zucchini plants and basil when I realized that someone was shooting an airgun into the creek.
I let it go until one of the shots landed in the water in front of my kayaks. I finally leaned over the fence to see a young lad busy shooting into the water. After I had shouted, "Knock it off, " he was being careful to shoot directly in front of him. I asked him to stop, but ya know, as a former middle school teacher, all I got was lip as my father would have said.
No parents were home at the time but soon arrived and of course I could hear him making all sorts of wild claims and a few more shots of bravado.
I finished my watering and poop patrol and came in. I might have to go out and take a photo to post later.
When I work on this computer, the SD drive is corrupt and crashes if I try to put the disk in. Not good. I will have to buy an external card reader or work up where it is hot!
And boy this followed right on the heels of a pretty disgusting discovery over on the land. Makes me tired alright.
I let it go until one of the shots landed in the water in front of my kayaks. I finally leaned over the fence to see a young lad busy shooting into the water. After I had shouted, "Knock it off, " he was being careful to shoot directly in front of him. I asked him to stop, but ya know, as a former middle school teacher, all I got was lip as my father would have said.
No parents were home at the time but soon arrived and of course I could hear him making all sorts of wild claims and a few more shots of bravado.
I finished my watering and poop patrol and came in. I might have to go out and take a photo to post later.
When I work on this computer, the SD drive is corrupt and crashes if I try to put the disk in. Not good. I will have to buy an external card reader or work up where it is hot!
And boy this followed right on the heels of a pretty disgusting discovery over on the land. Makes me tired alright.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A permanet resident?
The gosling and pair of Canada Goose were back in the creek right next to the garden today. I wonder if they will summer here and just stay on now that they have produced this rapidly growing item.
I wonder about the changes to the ecology of Clear Lake and Cache Creek. They are big birds and must have a significant impact if there will be large groups of them staying around.
I wonder about the changes to the ecology of Clear Lake and Cache Creek. They are big birds and must have a significant impact if there will be large groups of them staying around.
Butterfly on Coreopsis
This butterfly was very small and lavender in color, but not as the camera sees it. There were many of them all over the Coreopsis plant which is almost more like a bush. Very odd indeed.
The weather is cooler today and there is a chance of sprinkles this week...it would be a relief. When we were working to reset the timers for watering, we found that some of the timers didn't have their time set fixed...I am lucky that I only lost one plant.
I am sure we will have to make a few adjustments still, but hopefully we are almost done with that. I just need to order some spare parts from dripworks in Willets and then hopefully the watering issues will be undercontrol.
The weather is cooler today and there is a chance of sprinkles this week...it would be a relief. When we were working to reset the timers for watering, we found that some of the timers didn't have their time set fixed...I am lucky that I only lost one plant.
I am sure we will have to make a few adjustments still, but hopefully we are almost done with that. I just need to order some spare parts from dripworks in Willets and then hopefully the watering issues will be undercontrol.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Pair of Canada Geese with gosling
This is the first time that we have had the geese stay and produce offspring here on the creek. RAther unfortunate probably. At least with the dogs, they don't come into my garden but I see them on my neighbors' lawns. I wouldn't like that mess on my place.
I think one of the reason they stay is some people just down the way have been feeding them. I will be curious to see what happens as the summer heat progresses.
I also saw the first mallard duck with duckling this week, but wasn't fast enough with the camera to catch her. I check the pond over on the land every day now, hoping to catch some there, but so far no luck.
I think one of the reason they stay is some people just down the way have been feeding them. I will be curious to see what happens as the summer heat progresses.
I also saw the first mallard duck with duckling this week, but wasn't fast enough with the camera to catch her. I check the pond over on the land every day now, hoping to catch some there, but so far no luck.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Coreopsis
Something new from seed this year...a giant Coreopsis plant in the box with one of the fig trees.
Rocks, Pebbles, mulch
I have started to take this beautiful display of plant life for granted, but realized that not every one would know or remember that seven years ago when I first moved in here, this whole space on the creek was nothing more than barren red rock.
There was also an old deck behing the red roses. The only plant life out here was the vines that my neighbors had let grow on the fencing, and my long suffering willow tree, and a few scrabbly oaks pushing up from the rocks. The oaks were tiny, but even they are thriving now.
Everything in this photo has been grown in raised beds or barrels, or some kind of container. Other plants such as arugula seem to love the rock, and they and the poppies reseed freely.
There was also an old deck behing the red roses. The only plant life out here was the vines that my neighbors had let grow on the fencing, and my long suffering willow tree, and a few scrabbly oaks pushing up from the rocks. The oaks were tiny, but even they are thriving now.
Everything in this photo has been grown in raised beds or barrels, or some kind of container. Other plants such as arugula seem to love the rock, and they and the poppies reseed freely.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
My Giant Volunteer Sweet Pea
This sweet pea, which is actually more than one, volunteers every year in a wine barrel occupied by a very anemic Carolina Jessamyn. This year it outdid it's self and is at least six feet tall.
There is no way to capture the beauty and the fragrance of this bush with a camera. It needs a personal visit!
There is no way to capture the beauty and the fragrance of this bush with a camera. It needs a personal visit!
Iceberg Cluster
Every year I am amazed at the prolific Iceberg Roses. Some I brought to town from Morgan Valley, some are in this dense clay soil, some are in raised beds, and all just put on an amazing show.
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