The Science Behind Nature - in Layperson Speak
When we moved from the San Diego area nearer to Los Angeles, old coast live oaks -- the native oak that epitomizes California - were dying off from a new pest. We lived in the east part of San Diego County and were concerned about the pest as we heard reports of it moving westward. Especially since …
Continue Reading about Infected Firewood is Transporting Oak Beetle
Buying organic or shade grown coffee is an easy way to support biodiversity. We've been buying bulk coffee beans online - from Higher Trading Grounds - for about eight years now. You might come across the term 'shade-grown' coffee and wonder what that means, so here is some info on it. Jennifer …
Continue Reading about Buy Organic or Shade Grown Coffee for Birds and Biodiversity
I've been fishing up to a dozen bees - both European honeybees and native bees (Note: there are 1600 in California) - out of our pool the last few days (about 2/3rd survive if I make my rounds frequently) so I knew something was blooming in the vicinity. Yep, looking nearby, the loquats were in …
Continue Reading about Plants for Bees: 12 month log of plants
I attended a local Audubon talk by Monika Moore on the experiences with her butterfly garden. In 2002 she started transforming the hardscape in her Fullerton, CA backyard into a butterfly haven, particularly for Monarchs. I think photos tell the story better than words so will begin with photos …
I’ve been following the campaign dollars and the newspaper endorsements surrounding Proposition 37 --where a yes vote would approve the genetically engineered foods labeling initiative. Polls conducted two months ago showed 2/3 voters supporting it. Now, after a huge ad blitz against the …
Native California salvias (commonly called sages) make my favorite list for many reasons: their spectacular show of flowers spring through summer, their aroma that permeates the air, especially after rainfall. Also, the sages in our landscaping offer great wildlife habitat. I have photos of …
Continue Reading about Favorite Natives: Salvias (Sages) for Aroma, Wildlife and Spectacular Flowers
