Dreaming of California Truffles
I’m quick when it comes to spotting potentially edible foods in the wild; partly from lots of reading about California flora, and how the native...
California’s Native Cornucopia: Plentiful Food for the Birds!
It’s a bit artificial to create a listing like this which is defined by the months of the year; as we all know, nature does not follow the human...
It’s for the Birds!
I love watching the birds at my feeders, which are strategically placed away from potential danger and in such a way that I get a great view...
Poison Oak and Its Relatives
A native plant that we all know (or certainly should!) is Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobium) because it is so widespread in the Bay Area. Many...
Two Redbuds
Early in March, the Redbud is ready to burst into bloom; the beautiful zig-zagging tracery of its branches soon to be disguised in a cloud of pink...
Mule’s Ears
A plant that is definitely not easy in garden culture is Mule’s Ears (Wyethia species) and there are several look-alikes—all native California...
Managing Compostables for a Healthier Ecosystem
From November through February my chipper pile grows steadily bigger. I begin cutting back perennial plants and shrubs as the fall blooming...
Thinking About Weeds and Wildflowers
Micro-Habitats; Knowing Your Land My husband and I live on a south facing hillside situated above the Novato Creek floodplains; it’s a beautiful,...
My Experience Raising Butterfly Larvae
Before bringing caterpillars (larvae) into your home or classroom be sure that you know what species of butterfly they are and what their larval...
The Family Asclepiadaceae
The genus name, Asclepias, derives from the Greek god and healer, Asclepios. The Roman god of healing and medicine was named Aesculapius, and there...
The Other Monarchs on our Hill
In early October, I’m monitoring larvae in all stages on the narrow-leaf milkweed that grows in several large stands on my property. But Monarchs...
Our “Torties”: California Tortoiseshell Butterflies
I’m seeing more California Tortoiseshells (Nymphalis californica) than usual; it’s a high population year for these butterflies! During the summer...