 |
| Soaking up a gentle December rain |
 |
| anti-rabbit fence |
I was overcommitted and not getting around to anything so
probably it should have been October…but it was still pretty hot so maybe all
worked out for the best! Finally I planted seeds (lettuce, greens, scarlet
runner beans, cilantro, parsley, arugula, chard, bok choy, Brussels sprouts,
chinese greens) and broccoli, romaine, and kale plants. We knew the rabbit
would clean us out
this time, so on the day that all the planting happened, Wolfi built this lovely fence. By the end of November there was lots of activity.
 |
| Chinese cabbage and arugula |
|
 |
| nasturtium, Swiss chard, Bok choy |
|
In September we noticed that something had eaten most of our
very hardy Nicotiana glauca, aka Indian or tree tobacco. Not that we minded – we
have cut this particular plant down to the ground numerous times, and within
weeks it is back with lush growth, unfazed by our insults. Rather we were
amazed, as this is one of the most poisonous plants we know – ingestion of the
leaves can be fatal. At first we felt sorry for the unsuspecting creature,
assuming it suffered a painful death. The foliage continued to disappear, and
it wasn't until I noticed black specks which I identified as caterpillar poops
in my walk up the driveway that I looked more closely. Sure enough, it was the
tomato hornworm caterpillar, and a fine specimen, none the worse for wear. It
all makes sense – Nicotiana is also a nightshade. Amazing adaptation.
 |
| Galvezia: bush snapdragon |
|
 |
| non-invasive bamboo |
|
|
My non-edible garden is providing lots of interest too. Heidi picked out a bush at a local nursery which has turned out to be one of my favorites. It's a native too: Galvezia has the most wonderful scent which lingers on the nose. The bamboo we planted a year ago is starting to form bigger shoots but is a bit at the gangly stage at the moment. This lovely rose grew from a tiny gift from Mom's classmate Eileen. It didn't look good for several months but it's coming back.
I planted some extra lemongrass which looks alive.
A few more random items. We had a cold snap this year that lasted longer than last year's. When we got back from our Christmas trip it had been cold for a couple days already, and we were told there had been snow on the medium-sized hills south of Loma Linda, a rare occurrence. The low on our thermometer was 31, and it might have been colder while we were gone. Sever plants got nipped, for example this little tomato.
In the understory of the broccoli plants, tiny beets, carrots, and Russian red kale are awaiting their turn in the sun.
The garden has continued to grow. Yesterday we had our first
salad, red romaine and arugula. It looks as though we won't be wanting for
arugula – it is a weed, isn't it! I planted beans, not thinking temps or day
length would be sufficient, but several germinated and they might just make it.
Cilantro and parsley also came up – though they may stay pretty dormant until spring;
we’ll see. The sweet potatoes that sprouted in my cupboard developed such a
beautiful root system on the counter that I couldn't resist planting them. They
clearly don't like the cold. But again, maybe they'll make it until warmer
weather and take off. The alyssum appear to be doing well, though I don't see
signs of the violas sprouting. It is a great pleasure for me to go inspect the
garden each morning.
 |
| cilantro and arugula |
|
 |
| Jan. 1 garden |
|
 |
| kale starts |
|
 |
| It looks like gravel... |
 |
| ...but it's snails! |
A couple days after one of our rains, I noticed tiny pebbles strewn around - but on closer inspection they were baby snails!
 |
| note shoots! |
Last spring we suddenly had clouds of insects around the orchids
on the patio. I ignored them, but soon Wolfi figured out they were mosquitoes!
Of course we couldn't stand for that, so I suggested we put them out in the
sun. On the patio they get little if any direct sun. That turned out to be a
poor decision – after one day they were all burned. Most leaves died. I put
them back in
the shade (the mosquito problem was solved) and hoped for the
best. They have been pretty ugly since, but some new leaves grew. Now I am
delighted that there are several shoots! Perhaps there will be orchids yet.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving visit with the Peshecks. It was wonderful to spend time with they whole family. Belinda sent me home with many special gifts from her garden: lemon balm, lavendar, rosemary, a cactus, parsley, penstemons, feverfew. I am so blessed! And the cool weather and rain upon our return made it seem that the plants didn't even notice they were transplanted. Here's one
view of her beautiful garden - it doesn't do it justice though.
Our hills are already green! What a sight for sore eyes.
Usually, as I hear, it's January before we get enough rain to make a
difference, but this year we have had lovely rains, gentle and well-spaced,
since November. I haven't watered in 6 weeks or so! I am not usually a worrier,
but in Boston I started regretting that I hadn't asked someone to water. I
imagined arriving home to a crispy raised bed and felt sick. Thankfully, we got
a lovely rain a couple days before we got back and everything was fine!
