News reports – international, national and local – of a wildflower superbloom this spring were not overstated. Although we visited the Mojave and Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego and now Carrizo Plain, I don’t think that we made it to any spot on the “peakest” day. Nevertheless, the wilds of California are always beautiful, and flowers were plentiful.
Carrizo Plain Wildflower Trip
Desert Wildflower Trip #1
Early March Yes we did make it out to the desert – a bit early for the wildflowers however. Since we were visiting our daughter and her boyfriend in Yucca Valley we decided to try to stay on the north side of Joshua Tree National Park. From what I have been hearing Anza-Borrego would have
Native Plant Garden Tour
Everyone is talking about this year’s heavy rains, and the promise they bring of spectacular wildflower displays throughout the state. I will be taking some wildflower trips – hopefully starting this weekend – and will post about these as time allows. Our native plant gardens have also responded to the life-sustaining and cleansing rains. There is no better way to experience wonderful
Parks & Gardens Featuring CA Native Plants
Nothing like a rainy day to get me to check and correct info on this website! I spent the day converting an old pdf file of “Where to See Native Plants” to a new and hopefully more accurate webpage of Parks & Gardens Featuring CA Native Plants. This all came about because I forget to include the
Oregon white oak
Oregon white oak restoration project on Orcas Island
Orcas Island Garden Tour
Garden tour of five special gardens featured by Orcas Island Garden Club
Prisk Native Garden
Prisk Elementary School in Long Beach is fortunate to have the most amazing native garden. The garden was started in 1996 by teacher, Candy Jennings, and three dedicated volunteers. The garden has grown over the years with the care and loving attention of Mike Letteriello. Each year Mike holds an open house in spring. This
Desert Wildflowers
Superbloom? Well, maybe, but the desert is magnificent with or without all of the hype. In fact, I enjoy the more secluded spots on enticing dirt roads in the desert. We took this trip on March 1 – 3, 2016, driving to Lone Pine and then spending the next day in Death Valley. Badwater Road
Devil’s Punchbowl hike
We hiked Devil’s Punchbowl trail to Devil’s Chair over Memorial Day weekend. It was a gorgeous spot. And there were a surprising number of wonderful wildflowers and amazing manzanitas. The hike was about 3.7 miles each way and not too steep. Well worth the walk. I’ve included a slideshow below with pictures of some of the
Drought?
Summer was too short and way too busy. I spent most of it driving. Drove from LA to NYC, and back again. Then flew back east for another family gathering. This was followed by a backpacking trip in the Hoover Wilderness. Finally home, feeling exceedingly guilty about my carbon footprint. At home I ride my