The last couple years I've been marveling at the rich bird and native bee and other insect populations at our California native plant-heavy yard. I've promoted native plants for home landscapes for years, giving local talks and harping on their benefits to anyone who will listen. In that vein, …
Stories (and a few Lessons) from our Habitat Yard
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 - …
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Favorite Hikes: Vivian Creek near Forest Falls CA
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 …
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It’s Butterfly Time!
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 …
Blooming Agave – a Habitat Heaven
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 …
Garden Takeaways at Season’s End
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 …