Under the Solano Sun

One of the cheeriest parts of spring, in my opinion, is the Johnny-Jump-Up. No, not the Irish drinking song, but the flower, known officially known as Viola tricolor or Viola cornuta. The white, yellow and purple pansy-like flower is an ancestor of the modern pansy.

Plants that have adapted to the conditions found in a desert-scape are called Xerophytes. They tend to have smaller leaves and many have a waxy surface which helps the plant retain water.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Silicon Valley. While there, we visited Apple Park, the new headquarters for Apple, Inc. Naturally, I took pictures of their drought-tolerant landscaping on the way to Steve Jobs Theatre.

I have just returned from a trip that included Angkor Wat in Cambodia. One of the most interesting things about ancient ruins is the state they are discovered in. This particular site is about 900 years old in a very hot location.

Last winter I bought a portable grow light on sale (for $10 with free shipping) to help with indoor seed germination during the winter. I was lucky that the light I bought was exactly what I needed and works great.