- Author: Peggy Smith
One of the interesting things about living in a town that is surrounded by farmland and open countryside is the interface between wildlife and human civilization. Familiar now are the local horned owl and barn owl calls as they set out to hunt for the night; raccoons peering in the back porch door; possums hurrying along the fence; the not-so-welcome rats and squirrels who seem to have the goal of consuming all my apricots and mandarins before I can pick them. I treasure the first call of theSwainson's hawks returning from their long migration to their nest site nearby, then watching the parents calling to their young to encourage them to fly farther and soar higher each day before they begin the long migration south. These have all become part of the annual incidental wildlife rhythm of home.
Occasionally, one gets to observe closely one of the beauties of nature, which is not so common. A couple of years ago, a pair of white-tailed kites, seemingly unperturbed by the children playing at the elementary school and the sometimes-busy traffic, chose a tree for their nest that allowed the neighborhood to watch and marvel. We saw the courting behavior where they would tangle talons together and fall through the air. We watched the steady collection of twigs as the nest grew in a position in the tree that to us seemed precarious. Nests are shallow cups about 21 inches wide in which a clutch of up to 4 eggs are laid in a cup lined with grass about 7 inches deep, 4 inches wide. Then the wait as the parents incubated the eggs for about 30 days with sorties for food. Eventually, we could see two fledglings with voracious appetites. Their ‘fluff' slowly transformed into adult plumage. As they tried out their wings and figured out how to use their tail feathers it looked as though any minute they would fall. Each day I would go and set up my camera as they seemed to be on the brink of flight. One morning watching I was lucky enough to capture the moment of first flight, the magic, the glory of nature and the beauty.
Be patient as you watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbKyajoDZac
- Author: Heloisa Kinder
In May 2024, my husband Michael and I ventured to the south of Spain, focusing our travels on Andalusia.
Our arrival in Córdoba coincided with the city's vibrant Spring festivals, a highlight of which is the renowned Patios of Córdoba competition, a cherished cultural tradition. These patios, beautiful interior courtyards brimming with colorful flowers and plants, have a history that stretches back to Roman times. They were later significantly influenced by the Moors, who introduced elements such as water features, tiles, and the central patio design.
The competition evaluates patios on a variety of criteria, including the diversity, arrangement, and health of the plants; the architectural design and preservation of traditional elements; and the inclusion of decorative items like ceramics and wrought ironwork. Judges also consider water features, lighting, cleanliness, and maintenance. Originality and creativity are highly valued, with unique personal touches making a significant impact. Eco-friendly practices are encouraged, and patios are categorized by size and type, ensuring a diverse celebration of Córdoba's rich cultural heritage.
A unique rule of the competition is that families or individuals must reside in the houses with the participating patios. This ensures the patios are not only maintained for the competition but are lived in and cared for year-round. The residents' daily involvement in the upkeep and decoration of their patios adds authenticity and charm to the spaces, which is a key aspect of the festival's appeal.
Patio owners reported that caring for their patios takes between two to three and a half hours each day. During our visit, we noticed that most caretakers were of retirement age.
As we wandered through the city, we met a local woman who informed us that patios are spread across various neighborhoods. She kindly guided us to several patios, sharing historical facts and expressing pride in her Spanish heritage.
Next, I will share some of the patios we had the pleasure to visit. If you are a garden aficionado planning a trip to the south of Spain next spring, make sure to experience this delightful tradition for yourself.
- Author: Joy Humphrey
I've never been a fan of garden art. I get a kick out of it in other people's gardens—twee fairy abodes, a face attached to an oak tree like a huge Mr. Potato Head—but in my own garden, plants are serious business and there is no time for whirly birds or bunnies sporting blazers. However, shortly after we moved into our home and I began to dig around in the backyard, I started discovering small treasures left behind from the previous owner—iridescent glass pebbles, a strange ceramic face with wire and beads for hair, an abstract glass elephant. I started gradually adding these art pieces to my herb bed. When we trimmed back the boxwoods, we discovered a stone Buddha frog. When we cut back the 30-year-old honeysuckle, we found a smiling sun attached to the fence. A metal turtle with a stained glass shell was hiding under piled up debris by the fence. I kept adding all these objects to my garden because it felt more like honoring the history of the property rather than me turning into a “garden-art person.”
But then I kept seeing bicycle sculptures in my local garden center. Well, I thought, I do live in Davis. However, they were all too brightly colored and decorated with balloons and sunflowers, and various other gewgaws. Not for me. I wanted something classier, more like real art, not something akin to a pink plastic flamingo or, God forbid, gnomes. It took a while but I found an understated, suitably weathered bike sculpture at a nursery in Loomis. No bright colors, just rust. Very classy. One piece of purchased garden art was not too bad. Although, there was a plain white bike sculpture at a boutique in Sutter Creek that wasn't too obvious so I also bought that. Two bike sculptures. Kind of a theme, so that was okay.
But then some weird switch got flipped when my husband and I were at a pottery store, and I saw a statue of a dragon eating gnomes. It was a bright green dragon with bulging white eyes, and clenched in his pointy teeth was a blue and red attired gnome. He held two more struggling gnomes in his hands and another he pinned to the ground with his foot. It was the most garish piece of garden art I'd ever seen. It wasn't rusty, it wasn't understated, it wasn't classy. And I thought it was awesome, so I bought it. My husband suggested we not feature it front and center in our garden. Fair enough. It is currently peeking out of the rosemary in the herb garden along with Buddha Frog.
After the gnome-eating dragon, I decided that I was done buying anymore garden art. What could I possibly add to my collection that would top that? One day recently I received a long box delivered to my front porch from my sister. “What is that?” my husband asked. I opened the box. “It's garden art,” I said. I pulled out a sign that said, “Choose Joy.” Well, one more piece would not hurt. Especially since it was so suitably finished in an understated rust. Very classy.
- Author: Peggy Smith
As the summer heat creeps up on us once again, we think about how to support our gardens to keep them growing and healthy with careful watering through our long hot days. Our plants and trees are not the only components of our gardens that need the support of water. One of the identified sustainable practices for a garden is the provision of water resources. A quiet spot to sit with a cup of a favorite beverage near a water source in your garden can give a view of garden critters as they stop for a visit to bathe or drink. A healthy garden has lots of movement within it as birds, bees and insects visit the plants that not only delight us but give them sustenance, shelter, and food. A steady water source will draw bees, birds, insects, and butterflies to the garden.
There are many ways to provide water resources from the simple to the more costly and complex.
1) A very simple arrangement that will provide for both bees and birds is a plant drip tray. Take a drip tray and place some stones in it, place it in a shaded area.
2) A variety of hanging water source arrangements are available and they are great for attracting birds to the garden.
3) A moving water source can provide water for birds and entertainment for you as the birds come in and go through their drinking and bathing routines.
4) If you have the room a pond is also an excellent water supply with the added benefit of providing support for insects such as dragonflies and damselflies.
If you install a pond Mosquito Vector Control will provide small fish to take care of any mosquito larvae. https://www.fightthebite.net/services/request-service/
https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/eco_health/wetlands/images/d_delta_changes.jpg
With the disappearance of California wetlands beneficial insects such as dragonflies and damselflies have severely reduced habitat. Dragonflies and damselflies will be attracted to a pond environment. “The female Dragonflies and Damselflies lay their eggs in the water. The Dragonfly lays its eggs directly in the water, while the Damselfly inserts its eggs in underwater vegetation.” The eggs hatch within a few days and the larvae grow quickly. Each larva molts 8 to 16 times during its growth. https://sacsplash.org/learning-resource/dragonflies-and-damselflies/#:~:text=Life%20Cycle%3A,16%20times%20during%20its%20growth. Dragonfly larvae are a preferred food for small fish, so small rock piles, or tight brush piles will give them shelter. Damsel flies will eat flies, mosquitoes, and other tiny insects.
Butterflies need moisture but are unable to land on water, a patch of muddy soil is the best place for a butterfly to access water so if the ground around your drip tray or fountain is a little muddy that is a perfect place for a butterfly to sip.
Birds bathe in a water source as part of maintenance to keep feathers working well. Birds will also flock to the spray of a stationary sprinkler and perch and bathe. https://youtu.be/2hTc9vC1rZc
As with so many things balance is the key, provide water sources for our co-habitating garden critters but make sure there is not stale stagnant water that will encourage mosquito breeding.
Build it and they will come for your garden's benefit also for fun and frolic!
- Author: DJ Andriessen
As spring ushers in warmer weather and longer days, it is the perfect time to embark on the journey of planting tomatoes. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice with a green thumb, growing tomatoes can be a rewarding experience. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to successfully plant tomatoes in the spring, from selecting the right varieties to nurturing your plants to fruitful maturity.
Choosing the Right Varieties
Before you start planting, it's essential to choose tomato varieties that are well-suited to your climate and gardening space. Consider factors such as the size of your garden, sunlight exposure, and whether you prefer slicing tomatoes for sandwiches or cherry tomatoes for snacking. Some popular varieties for spring planting in Region 9 include 'Early Girl', 'Celebrity', and 'Ace'.
Preparing the Soil
Tomatoes thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Begin by preparing your garden bed or containers by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Aim for a slightly acidic soil pH of around 6.0 to 6.8, which is optimal for tomato growth.
Planting Seedlings or Transplants
While tomatoes can be grown from seeds, many gardeners opt to start with seedlings or transplants for a head start on the growing season. When planting seedlings or transplants, dig a hole deep enough to bury the root ball and the bottom few inches of the stem. Space tomato plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows or in large containers to allow for proper air circulation and room for growth.
Providing Adequate Support
Tomato plants are notorious for their sprawling growth habit, so it's essential to provide adequate support to keep them upright and off the ground. Options for supporting tomato plants include stakes, cages, or trellises. Choose a method that suits your garden layout and the size of your tomato varieties, ensuring that the support structure is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the growing plants and fruit. Our area gets a lot of wind, so we use old rebar to hold down our cages.
Watering and Fertilizing:
Consistent watering is crucial for healthy tomato plants, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Water deeply and evenly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Additionally, feed your tomato plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer to promote robust growth and abundant fruit production.
Pest and Disease Management
Tomatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, tomato hornworms, and fungal infections such as early blight and powdery mildew. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pest damage or disease symptoms and take proactive measures to manage infestations or outbreaks. This may include handpicking pests, applying organic insecticides or fungicides, and practicing crop rotation to minimize disease pressure.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Tomatoes
With proper care and attention, your tomato plants will reward you with a bountiful harvest of delicious, home grown tomatoes. As the fruits ripen, harvest them when they reach their full color and firmness, gently twisting them from the vine. Fresh tomatoes can be enjoyed straight from the garden in salads, sandwiches, or simply sliced and seasoned with salt and pepper. For excess harvest, consider preserving tomatoes through canning, freezing, making sauces and salsas to enjoy throughout the year or even sharing with your neighbors and friends.
You will find that planting tomatoes in the spring is a delightful way to embrace the joys of gardening and enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the summer months. By following these simple steps and tips, you can cultivate thriving tomato plants and savor the incomparable taste of home grown tomatoes in your favorite dishes. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in, and get ready to reap the rewards of a successful tomato harvest!
