The Science Behind Nature - in Layperson Speak
As our California native plants grow and expand their footprint in our front and backyard, we’ve noticed increasing numbers of critters. They range from teensy millimeters-long bees to coyotes and foxes. Why are native plants in a habitat garden so important? Here’s a good Audbon article - …
Continue Reading about Stories (and a few Lessons) from our Habitat Yard
This is a continuation of favorite hikes that feature hikes with beautiful Californian natives and the nature they usher in. This is my go-to hike (only 4 miles) in my beloved San Bernardino National Forest when I'm wanting a very steep work-out, gorgeous views and a wonderful reward of a running …
Continue Reading about Favorite Hikes: Vivian Creek near Forest Falls CA
It's here. April and March are prime butterfly months in Southern California. (other regions - see below) For this article I tapped environmental consultant and butterfly expert Michael Klein. I know Michael from his years consulting for the Back Country Land Trust (BCLT) in San Diego County …
Our huge Agave bloomed. In After 11 happy years in our yard, our Agave -- which I thought was a Mr. Ripple but is some kind of Mexican Agave hybrid with rippled edges -- started its shoot last spring. Agave flowering stalks are habitat heavens, so we watched the wildlife parade come through. It …
It’s finally cooled down here in California and fall is a great time to reflect on what’s done well and what hasn’t in our yards. And also ponder what we might do differently. In Southern California - unlike in the Midwest where I grew up - there’s no rest for the weary since fall through winter are …
My last article on habitat gardening introduced some basics and exciting things I learned about beneficial insects in gardens. This was after attending an all-day Habitat Gardening workshop given by Frederique Lavoipierre, Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. This column …
Continue Reading about Habitat Gardening (Part 2): Butterflies, Moths, Flies and Favorite Plants
