OF CALIFLOWERS & EGRETS

Bee on Artichoke!

2010-08-15T16:09:00.001-07:00

Bee on Artichoke!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

S Mutation

2010-07-28T13:54:00.001-07:00

S Mutation
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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

2010-07-28T13:27:00.001-07:00

Iceberg Rose
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Trumpet vine

2010-07-22T15:06:00.001-07:00

Trumpet vine
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

Heart of the Iris

2010-04-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Old Iris, New Life

2010-03-31T12:37:00.001-07:00

Old Iris, New Life
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Possum Scat in new yard

2010-01-11T14:27:00.001-08:00

Possum Scat in new yard
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Brrrr, almost winter

2009-12-15T16:39:00.001-08:00

Brrrr, almost winter
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Fig Harvest continues

2009-11-19T15:34:00.001-08:00

Fig Harvest continues
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

When Quiz approached, Koko kept pulling on the fig, and began to growl most menacingly! Weirdo!

Koko Harvesting Figs

2009-11-19T15:33:00.001-08:00

Koko Harvesting Figs
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Frozen Bird Bath

2009-11-08T10:25:00.001-08:00

Frozen Bird Bath
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Crepe Myrtle in Autumn

2009-11-08T10:21:00.001-08:00

Crepe Myrtle in Autumn
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Dinner Plate Dahlia

2009-10-28T14:30:00.001-07:00

Dinner Plate Dahlia
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Still Life: Dahlias with Ants

2009-10-19T10:50:00.001-07:00

Still Life: Dahlias with Ants
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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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.

Turkey looking for a spot to roost

2009-10-16T08:14:00.001-07:00

Turkey looking for a spot to roost
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Common Buckeye on bolting parsley

2009-09-16T13:46:00.001-07:00

Common Buckeye on bolting parsley
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Blooming Sanseveria

2009-09-07T11:23:00.001-07:00

Blooming Sanseveria
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Oppps!

2009-08-27T13:25:00.001-07:00

Oppps!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Checking me out!

2009-08-24T13:40:00.001-07:00

Checking me out!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

A Real Custom Job!

2009-08-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

A Real Custom Job!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Looking toward the pad from creekside

2009-08-18T12:59:00.001-07:00

Looking toward the pad from creekside
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Delicious tomatoes

2009-08-17T06:24:00.001-07:00

Delicious tomatoes
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Moving the Excavator thru the gate!

2009-08-15T14:19:00.001-07:00

Moving the Excavator thru the gate!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Turkey in Distress

2009-08-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

Turkey in Distress
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Illusion of cool space

2009-07-28T16:31:00.001-07:00

Illusion of cool space
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Night Heron fishing

2009-07-18T14:20:00.001-07:00

Night Heron fishing
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Stalking the blue green algae

2009-07-18T13:51:00.001-07:00

Stalking the blue green algae
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Heron & egret fishing the blue green algae

2009-07-17T21:54:00.001-07:00

Heron & egret fishing the blue green algae
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Hunting Egret Cache Creek

2009-07-16T15:41:00.001-07:00

Hunting Egret Cache Creek
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Flowers in the vegetable garden

2009-07-14T13:10:00.001-07:00

Flowers in the vegetable garden
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Blue Green Algae on the move

2009-07-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

Blue Green Algae on the move
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

The BlueGreen Algae on Clearlake and Cache Creek cleared up greatly for the 4th of July weekend but it has come down the creek with a vengence.
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.

Italian heirloom tomato from Genoa, Costoluto

2009-07-12T15:15:00.001-07:00

Italian heirloom tomato from Genoa, Costoluto
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Male & Female squash flowers from California Master Gardener Handbook

2009-07-12T15:08:00.001-07:00

Male & Female squash flowers from California Master Gardener Handbook
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Male & Female squash flowers from California Master Gardener Handbook

Male Flower

2009-07-12T15:07:00.001-07:00

Male Flower
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Summer's Rose

2009-07-11T14:34:00.001-07:00

Summer's Rose
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Zucchini Blossom, First of the year!

2009-07-05T15:06:00.001-07:00

Zucchini Blossom, First of the year!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

2009-07-05T14:19:00.001-07:00

Happy 5th of July!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

Pulling the Chard

2009-07-03T13:50:00.001-07:00

Pulling the Chard
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

Passion Flower '09

2009-06-23T16:38:00.001-07:00

Passion Flower '09
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Lit From Within

2009-06-22T15:23:00.001-07:00

Lit From Within
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Orange Zinnia

2009-06-21T16:14:00.001-07:00

Orange Zinnia
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

Chicoria Bloom

2009-06-21T16:02:00.001-07:00

Chicoria Bloom
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Earwig in the Matilija Poppy

2009-06-16T21:11:00.001-07:00

Earwig in the Matilija Poppy
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Tomato Blossom

2009-06-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

Tomato Blossom
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Examining Mosquito Larva

2009-06-15T16:53:00.001-07:00

Examining Mosquito Larva
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Matilija Poppy

2009-06-14T10:56:00.001-07:00

Matilija Poppy
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

Blue-Green Algae on ClearLake

2009-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Blue-Green Algae on ClearLake

2009-06-13T07:49:00.001-07:00

Blue-Green Algae on ClearLake
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Heart of Darkness

2009-06-13T06:28:00.001-07:00

Heart of Darkness
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Blue Petunia

2009-06-03T20:17:00.001-07:00

Blue Petunia
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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

2009-06-03T20:07:00.001-07:00

KOKO & The FIG
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

While my back was turned...

2009-06-02T07:05:00.001-07:00

While my back was turned...
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

Shooting into the Creek

2009-06-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

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.

A permanet resident?

2009-05-31T17:31:00.001-07:00

A permanet resident?
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Butterfly on Coreopsis

2009-05-31T16:52:00.001-07:00

Butterfly on Coreopsis
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Pair of Canada Geese with gosling

2009-05-23T10:34:00.001-07:00

Pair of Canada Geese with gosling
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Coreopsis

2009-05-22T16:13:00.001-07:00

Coreopsis
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Something new from seed this year...a giant Coreopsis plant in the box with one of the fig trees.

Rocks, Pebbles, mulch

2009-05-22T16:12:00.001-07:00

Rocks, Pebbles, mulch
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

My Giant Volunteer Sweet Pea

2009-05-21T12:27:00.001-07:00

My Giant Volunteer Sweet Pea
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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!

Iceberg Cluster

2009-05-21T12:17:00.001-07:00

Iceberg Cluster
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Last New Iris

2009-05-16T12:44:00.001-07:00

Last New Iris
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

After all the trauma in the yard the last couple of days, it was a real delight to spot this after the arborist left.
Actually, he had good news for me. He feels that the Valley Oak is fundamentally sound, and that this was just an example of spring limb drop which Valley Oaks are notorious for and of which I was aware.
He further diagnosed the rot in the section that went as white rot as opposed to brown rot which is a good thing. And lastly, he feels the cabling I had put on the trees above where this happened was the right thing to do and will really help the trees to maintain it's integrity. Of course, small limbs will still possibly drop, but there probably won't be a major catastrophe. I did note all the if's and's and buts in my note here, but at least, at this point in time, I am going to leave the tree alone.
Whew! I had been really worried and while I still have some concerns, I feel better...at least until the next big windy event.

The Bees are gone!

2009-05-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

And they left riding in the back of an old Mercedes Diesel station wagon at 9:30 at night. I hope they are happy in their new home.
I have put the whole saga on my flickr page and this is the link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/griswold64/sets/72157618117632197/
I am tired right now, of Mother Nature, Bees, Falling Trees and little dead birds. Tomorrow will be another adventure when the arborist arrives to assess the health of the remaining part of the tree.
I remind myself that life is wonderful and that we are all small blips on the larger radar screen.
Sorry I missed John Muir Laws tonight, but I bet he would have understood.

Whoa!

2009-05-14T21:34:00.001-07:00

Whoa!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Michael first cut out the bottom of this section and no hive. At the bottom is a huge pile of acorns and debris. Then he cut the top section of the siding off, and this is what he saw as he pulled it off. According to my calcuations of when the swarm first arrived, this was built in a week. The whitish parts are the comb...
This might be the most dramatic of the photos, but I am annoyed that I took so many and still have to edit to tell the story from the time the scaffolding went up to the removal which is still going on.

Swallowtail on Dianthus

2009-05-14T20:29:00.001-07:00

Swallowtail on Dianthus
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

My 7th year anniversary in town, and I love this capture. The rest of the day was a nature filled riot of contrasts, trying to save the bees that had moved into the wall, and then having a huge limb fall from an oak. Major damage, but nothing like it could have been.
Three dead woodpeckers, newly hatched?, but not yet alive? I don't understand them, but it was so sad to see the acorn wood peckers coming back to the tree searching and searching.
More pix to come of bees and birds, but not right now.

Bee Update

2009-05-13T16:27:00.001-07:00

Bee Update
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

This is the status of the bees two days after the swarm first appeared. They instantly found the small woodpecker holes which we were unable to reach from either the roof, or the ladder.
According to the Bee-Triever, there is probably already a hive in the wall.
The current plan is as follows:
Tomorrow a scaffolding company is coming from Santa Rosa to install scaffolding so the Bee-Triever has a place to work while getting the bees, and Stuart will have a place to work while repairing the wall. The Bee man has to be here because if the bees become active, he will have to do the last of the scaffolding with them giving directions. Then he will proceed with opening the wall, and beginning his part of the operation. The scaffolding will be up for a minimum of two weeks which hopefully will be enough time to get the bees and repair the side of the house.
Oh JOY! I won't even mention the cost at this point...but believe me, it ain't gonna be cheap to save those bees.

Attack of the Bees

2009-05-07T13:46:00.001-07:00

Attack of the Bees
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

As a gardener, I love the idea of bees in my garden and yard and am very well aware of the plight of honey bees in the US. But this is ridiculous.
I stepped out on the deck after lunch, and heard this incredibly loud buzzing. From prior experience, I started looking up and to my horror saw this huge swarm on the highest corner of my roof. There were more bees on the way as you can see here.
They have since either found a hole in the wall thanks to the woodpeckers, or are making plans to leave as their number has diminished somewhat though there are still a lot of them.
The ominous thing is that when I ran upstairs and checked the area below them, I found a dead bee on my bed. Think they might already be in the walls!
I called The Bee-Treiver and he will come tomorrow afternoon to take a look and make recommendations. The walls will have to be opened like we did on the other side, but this time from the inside...oh my god! What a nightmare. I will have to look for photos of the previous event on the other side of the house.
Yikes.

Bud on Creek

2009-05-05T16:38:00.001-07:00

Bud on Creek
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

I could change the name of this blog to rose buds and cormorants...just out of range a cormorant swam by.
Sigh...this poor Joseph's Coat looks great in this photo and all the years past photos, but this might in fact be the last year. I have never seen such a suffering rose bush, and I am not sure why.
Symptoms: Whole branches turn brown from the tips moving toward the trunk...then they turn black and are totally dead. Small leaves fry suddenly. Lots of leaf drop...some black spot. This very cheap rose has it all...a real disaster.
But year after year it wins me over with the beautiful flowers and the hope that THIS will be the year that it will extend along the chain link fence and hide it from the world.
And each year, all of the above happens. It is the first rose I planted when I moved here except for my Iceburgs which I brought in containers from the country. They are fine! What is the problem with this guy?
I am a no spray person, except for water and I tend to remove a lot of aphids manually...with my gloves on...this sucker has the worst thorns. I have fertilized it though not yet this year, added new soil to the barrel it grows in, let arugula grow all around it to keep the glare down...and it just wants to die!
This year for sure I think it will have to go. Hard to say that much less do it.

Columbine

2009-05-03T16:23:00.001-07:00

Columbine
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

My other volunteer Columbine...another beauty. I don't dare do anything with the pot it is in for fear of losing it. It gets sort of smothered by lemon balm in the summer, but maybe that protects it for it's annual reappearance.

Rhododenron

2009-05-03T16:21:00.001-07:00

Rhododenron
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Another rebloomer...this year the red one rebloomed as well, but nothing like this purple one.

Clematis

2009-05-03T16:20:00.001-07:00

Clematis
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

A little change from Irises, these perennials are just as dramatic and rebloom every year. This is one that blooms several times first in the spring and then again in the summer and if I am lucky, a couple of blossoms in the fall.

Iris

2009-04-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

Iris
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

The garden is doing it's best to make me forget all the work that happens at other times of the year. Every day there is another new Iris opening. I am so glad that I decided to invest a bit this year. I will be very curious to see if the supposed reblooming iris really do that.
In the veggie garden, I am happy to announce that my tomatoes, marigolds, eggplant and padrone pepper that I planted early have survived two frosts this week. Only the little basil got a bit of frost on one side where the row cover had blown up. Otherwise, all looks fine.
The radicchio seems to be fine as well, and the established lettuces and greens are doing really great. I have had two huge salads with the mesclun mix I planted at the base of the miniature Peach tree. Delicious, both of them.
The very first of the roses are coming on, led by the Lady Banksia and one apricot miniature rose. The Icebergs have a lot of buds and I expect them next.
We should get rain for our entrance into May and I am hoping that it will be a goodly amount. We are still in dire straits here, and hopefully this late rain will help.

Lady Beetles on Swiss Chard

2009-04-28T16:06:00.001-07:00

Lady Beetles on Swiss Chard
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Naturally occurring beneficial Lady Beetles feasting on something on my Swiss Chard.
Hurray for Mother Nature.

Columbine

2009-04-28T15:46:00.001-07:00

Columbine
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

One of the most beautiful columbines in my yard...a volunteer from some past planting which came up between my big flagstones. Lucky for it, it is right next to a support for the willow tree so it is out of the traffic zone...I should say, lucky for all! It is a gorgeous small flower.

Wisteria hanging over Cache Creek

2009-04-28T12:48:00.001-07:00

Wisteria hanging over Cache Creek
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Spring, despite the intense winds, is bring out all of the wonderful flowers. My wisteria which I planted last winter is really doing well, although it is only planted in a wine barrel, errr, a half barrel. I am not sure how long it will stay healthy and happy there...I think with soil replacement and fertilizer it might work for a while.

First Iris 09

2009-04-19T15:23:00.001-07:00

First Iris 09
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

One of my favorite gardening events...the first Iris to bloom! I love it because it is so beautiful and it seems effortless at this time of year. The planting is far behind me and the reward is always so magnificent.

Home of the tomatoes to be...stay tuned.

2009-04-16T20:03:00.001-07:00

Home of the tomatoes to be...stay tuned.
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

So very strange, I posted to the wrong blog...in any case, if anyone wants to read the entire post, you will have to go to Back To the Land blog.
This is my new tomato planter and I am thrilled with it even though I can't plant any tomatoes or tender plants for a whole month.
But at least I got all the soil in today on the day my mom would have been 96 years old!.
Hope these tomatoes will be tasty or this will become a planter for the peach tree.

Spring Swiss Chard

2009-04-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

Spring Swiss Chard
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

My Swiss Chard is coming on again, for a last full burst before the heat of summer. The Brussels and Broccoli behind them are so infested with aphids that they will be coming out this weekend. I think I will be planting zucchini and flowers in their place.
See the next photo for the future home of the tomatoes

Foo Dog with maples and mungo

2009-04-11T08:24:00.001-07:00

Foo Dog with maples and mungo
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Today, I had so much work in the yard, that it was great to find one place where the work is all done! My containers on the front deck need little tending and give me great pleasure at this time of the year. It is great to see that the maples made it again after all my poor luck with them in the past. Hopefully they will continue to thrive.
As to work, I had a jungle of vetch to pull out and managed to get to most of it...now it will require vigilance to make sure that it doesn't climb down from the hill again before weed eating time.
In the rest of the yard, I had to deadhead all the daffodils, and consider mowing a slightly wider path thru the tall grass. And again, the problem of what to do with the aphid infested cabbage and brussel sprouts...I think the sprouts are salvageable, but the cabbage is pretty disgusting. The aphids are so think that you can't even wipe them off my hand. Gross.
The oaks down here by the creek and just starting to show a little bit of green, the figs and grapes continue to leaf out and I have the beginnings of a jungle again.

First Fig to leaf out

2009-03-30T21:18:00.001-07:00

First Fig to leaf out
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Not quite big enough to cover many private parts, this is the first fig to leaf out this spring. After noticing it and the Clematis, I noticed that today the grapes are into bud break as well as the lilacs.
Hope things hold for me to get back from Nebraska.

First Day of Spring Tulip 2009

2009-03-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

First Day of Spring Tulip 2009
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

A gift from a friend returning from Europe via Amsterdam gave me a great gift today...a blooming tulip on the first day of spring. It is very orange and very small and will be very lonely when this warm weather ends and snow falls tomorrow! Spring in Lake County!

Peach blossom

2009-03-18T15:10:00.001-07:00

Peach blossom
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

The little bud laden peach I bought on Saturday, cold windy day, has begun to blossom in this warm balmy weather...what will it all be like on Friday, the first day of Spring?

Spring Broccoli heads...tiny but delicious

2009-03-18T15:08:00.001-07:00

Spring Broccoli heads...tiny but delicious
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Just going down to the garden to cut these before they all started blooming gave me a great idea for dinner...which sent me flying back up to the kitchen to get out the already cooked pork tenderloin which I had frozen and some leftover rice I had also frozen...tonight a delicious stirfry with these and some broccolini I had bought.
This is one of the many things I love about gardening....inspiration on the spot!

Garden Gold Miniature Peach buds

2009-03-15T13:02:00.001-07:00

Garden Gold Miniature Peach buds
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

I could NOT resist this miniature peach tree. It has been years since I have planted any fruit trees, and on a cold windy day, volunteering at the nursery, it just perked me up.
I planted it in a container and have it very near the rocky creekside so I can monitor it. I may eventually put it in the box where my dwarf fig is now. That poor plant really suffers out there and might like another home. We will see how this does. Around the base of the tree, actually around the edge of the huge pot, I planted a six pack of mesclun mix for my spring salads.

Pansy "Whiskers"

2009-03-15T12:59:00.001-07:00

Pansy "Whiskers"
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

This is a small flower that I planted last fall after working at the nursery as a volunteer with the Master Gardeners of Lake County.
It is so vibrant and beautiful...it has really sparked my spring, or almost spring.

Clematis Armandii

2009-03-15T12:58:00.001-07:00

Clematis Armandii
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

One of my earlier bloomers, this vine will be a huge mass of fragrant white five petal stars.
It is slow to bloom this year though but has a lot of buds.

Double Daffodil

2009-03-15T12:56:00.001-07:00

Double Daffodil
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

It isn't officially spring, and most of my daffs are early ones, but they do make me feel so springy...This double daff is a beauty, and I am considering getting more from Breck's to put in this fall. The only drawback was that when we were having the alternating frosty mornings and warm afternoons, they were having trouble keeping their heads up.
OF course that meant that I was able to cut a couple of lovely bouquets for the house.

Willow Bud Break

2009-03-12T19:51:00.001-07:00

Willow Bud Break
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

While reveling in all the daffodils blooming in my garden right now, I noticed a pinkish tinge to trees across the creek. I grabbed the camera and focused in on my huge old willow, and voila! Bud Break had happened!
There are so many plants and flowers breaking out right now that I just hang out and look and have been forgetting to post and document.
We are having freezing mornings and warm into the 70s afternoons and so plants are very conflicted. None of my grapes have tried to leaf out, but my hydrangea is leafing and my lilac is budding. After last year's late killer frost, I worry a bit, but then again, I had the most delicious grapes!
It is all a crap shoot sometimes, gardening in Lake County.

Creek really arising!!!

2009-03-02T08:51:00.001-08:00

Creek really arising!!!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

What in the hell?

2009-03-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

You might be wondering what on earth a Koala Bear is doing in my garden blog, but it is pouring rain, and I wanted to show him off to a few friends who aren't on facebook...so here he is. Click if you like and you can see him as he appears in a video I just uploaded to facebook.

Rubus ursinus

2009-02-28T09:25:00.001-08:00

Rubus ursinus
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Today is another day before a storm, and I find these very productive in the garden at this time of year.
AFter photographing this California Blackberry over on the land, I realized that mine here in the yard were thrusting out just begging to be cut back, and so I shall go after them today.
The weeds are coming up like crazy from the sun shine following the rain, and all my raised beds but one need assistance. I think I have my work cut out for me, but it is delightful to be out and about as more daffs open every day. Always another surprise for me.

Cache Creek 12 hours of rain

2009-02-23T08:38:00.001-08:00

Cache Creek 12 hours of rain
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Here is the 4:00 pm update on the rain gauge. This morning it seems to have gone down a bit even though the rain continues as does the runoff. It looks like the dam might be opened a bit...hard to tell as the wind makes the water look as though it is flowing to the dam.

Garbage/recycling bin enclosure.

2009-02-21T13:25:00.001-08:00

Garbage/recycling bin enclosure.
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

The caption said it all...
Finally they are out of sight for people entering the yard. The south side by the slider is open for easy access.

Rain Gauge Tuesday 2/17/09

2009-02-17T15:03:00.001-08:00

Rain Gauge Tuesday 2/17/09
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Seen side by side on Flickr, the rise of the creek is perceptible and over all the creek is much much wider as the run off continues to flow in, and the creek expands into low lying areas.
And I don't think the rain is finished yet!

Creek Gauge

2009-02-16T14:19:00.001-08:00

Creek Gauge
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Yesterday afternoon, during the Tour of California bike race, I watched another speedy action...the rise of Cache Creek. Probably not really perceptible to any but those of us on the banks, the creek is starting to rise again! After such a dry dry winter, and a creek "way down there", it is very exciting to see it start to come back up.
Yesterdays first indicator was a line right across the creek, from bank to bank just east of where Copsey Creek joins in...behind that line heading my way, the water was completely mud colored...some time during the night, all that new runoff reached me as you can see in this photo. Tomorrow during a break in the storm and my schedule, I hope to get over to the other side of the creek and see what action has taken place there, where Copsey and Cache meet up.

Set up of Satellite dish

2009-02-13T16:37:00.001-08:00

Set up of Satellite dish
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Something new in the garden view...but I finally had to break down and get a broadband connection. I think it will make my blogging and flickring so much more fun without all those slow slow uploads and downloads. More time to garden!
The cardboard was only up there for the install!

Rain Gauge

2009-02-13T13:51:00.001-08:00

Rain Gauge
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

This is the first rain gauge that I have ever had that didn't crack and freeze. Good thing today as it rained last night, snowed and then froze solid this morning and the rain gauge came thru it all.
This series of storms is going to make a difference for us I hope and I am happy that I can keep track of the rain with this fine item.

First Bloom

2009-02-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

This small daffodil is the first to open, a week ahead of the usual time. I consider daffodils my Valentine's present, and this year it is early. Not too unusual considering that this is a bizarre year weather wise.

Purple on green striped Amaryllis

2009-02-04T16:53:00.001-08:00

Purple on green striped Amaryllis
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

While indoor gardening isn't exactly what I had in mind when I started this blog, I have realized that having growing plants and esp. flowering plants in the winter is essential.
This winter in particular which hasn't seemed like winter makes it tempting to put out plants which would succumb to the nightly freezes or wither during the hot, dry days.
Still the chores outside go on, and I have had to do supplemental watering for many of my container plants. Can't remember ever having to do that in January before.
The farmers esp. all our vineyards are worried about an early bud break and I eye my fruit trees and grapes anxiously. My grapes were damaged last year, but managed to recover. I wonder how many years they can sustain that?
The pruning is now done, thanks to Stuart climbing the ladders and doing the hard, scary work on the pear, willow and climbing roses.
The days are getting longer and the mornings brighter...all would be well, if only we had some rain.
It is predicted tonight, but the cloud cover is mighty thin.

Nuttall's Woodpecker contemplating feeder

2009-01-25T15:44:00.001-08:00

Nuttall's Woodpecker contemplating feeder
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Gardening in my yard sure has it's surprises. I went down to cut back some of the brassica's and contemplate my devastated peas with the idea of taking some photos as well, when this darling landed first in my willow and then in the pear.
The photo isn't that great, but then I was pretty excited to see something so striking that I had never seen before.
Another gardening distraction on a chilly but beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Kumquat on a gray day!

2009-01-02T16:39:00.001-08:00

Kumquat on a gray day!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

Gardening in winter is more than just doing all sorts of chores. For me, it is trying to find something new and interesting to appreciate. On a gray day like this one, I went looking for some winter color now that all the chrysanthemums are gone and the violas etc. aren't blooming yet. I found some Sweet Alyssum, some barely starting to bloom calendulas, and finally turned to the greenhouse...Ah moment...geranimums, lemons and kumquat...saved from the ravages of the freezing weather we have had. The nicest thing is the scent of both the regular geranium and then the scent of the lemon scented one. delicious.
Back out in the yard, I cleaned out the brassica bed, and pruned suckers off of the pear tree.
For the final as the sun finally came out, I redistributed some of the oak leaves that have piled up by the house. More on this later.