The Science Behind Nature - in Layperson Speak
9/5/14 Note: I've added an article on care of oaks during drought I love our majestic old native oaks here in California. And like many, I get distressed when I see one dying, especially from improper care. Background: There are nine species of native tree oaks in California - In SoCA most of our …
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Wherever you live, if you want to attract bees to pollinate your garden or you want to add more butterfly plants to your yard, you can't find a better plant than buckwheat (Eriogonum) -- or the many varieties available today. I just returned from a favorite walk, which winds through a neighborhood …
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My husband and I have landscaped two homes now with California natives and other drought-tolerant plants. We even won a local award in a Western waterwise landscape contest sponsored by our area's water district. So while we’re not experts I thought I would share our favorite California native …
It's the time of year of high water bills - and perhaps time to think about replacing plants that need too much water, or maybe even taking out some of your thirsty grass. I recently came back from the Midwest where drought conditions have prompted many folks to let their lawns go dormant. When I …
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My husband and I often test berries from native plants that we know are safe, especially after seeing birds and other wildlife eat them. Some of the past grazings have included native currant berries or hollyleaf cherry berries - both bright red and pretty good tasting. Sometimes it's non-natives, …
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Note: I've started a new category "Great Hikes" which features especially good hiking experiences in native habitat and wildlife (for now in Southern CA.) I tend to prefer hikes where I have the place to myself. Frankish Peak north of Upland CA satisfies that need, and a recent May late afternoon …
Continue Reading about Great Hikes: Steep but Satisfying Frankish Peak (Upland CA)
