plantgurus

happy holidays!

2011-12-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

busy, busy

2011-10-11T09:40:00.001-07:00

WOW, it's been awhile since we've posted anything on our blog! No, we did not forget about y'all out in the blog-o-sphere. It's just that summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye. And now, my favorite time of year is here...FALL, lovely FALL. This is the best season for us Californians to put those plants in the ground, right before our winter rains. So if you haven't had time to even remotely think about your garden this summer (yes, I know...because the plethora of never-ending summer activities had filled your calendar), it's not too late! So get out there, and unless, the Santa Anas are blowing you and your lovely plants to dust, enjoy the FALL sunshine while you can, baby! --- Cheers

queen of the sun

2011-07-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Queen of the Sun: What Are The Bees Telling Us?
Screening at the Ojai Playhouse:
July 9th at 4:30pm
(Private Screening Hosted by Ed Begley Jr. & Taggart Siegel)

July 11th at 4:30pm
July 12th at 4:30pm
July 13th at 4:30pm

Click below for more info on Screenings and Locations:
Ojai Playhouse
U.S. Screenings
Int'l Screenings

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

The following are interview responses taken with Director, Taggart Siegel by The Press daily newspaper in Christchurch, New Zealand. Feel free to re-print any and all content from this text.

1. What drew you to this as a subject matter for a feature film?

I had no idea about the importance of honeybees until I read an article in 2007 that bees were not only so crucial to our environment, but that they were dying out on a mass scale, a phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder. The article had a quote attributed to Einstein which scared me enough to get me to pick up my camera and dedicate the next three years of my life to this film. The quote read, “If bees die out, man will only have four years of life left on earth.” Even though this quote has been since disputed, it had a lasting effect on me, and the truth is that bees are so vital to our planet that we can’t afford to lose them.

2. How did you find all your interview subjects around the world? In particular how did you choose your NZ subjects?

Many of my subjects were complete surprises and turned out to be very charismatic. There’s bee historian Yvon Achard who tickles his bees with his mustache and recites poetry to his bees, Sara Mapelli, who danced with 12,000 bees on her body, and Ian Davies, who likes to go up on his rooftop in Hackney, London where he keeps his beehives and spend time with “his girls”. Philip, his step son, who was once the youngest beekeeper in the U.K. names all of the queen bees after the Queens of England.

Coming off of making The Real Dirt on Farmer John, which was about an eccentric maverick farmer, I had a passion to find biodynamic, natural, organic and alternative beekeepers who were doing things differently and had unique insight into many of the possible causes for bee decline across the globe. I focused on biodynamic beekeepers because of a prediction made by Rudolf Steiner who lectured on bees and biodynamic farming. In 1923 he stated that bees would die out in 80 to 100 years due to industrialized beekeeping and over queen breeding.

For the New Zealand subjects, what inspired me was spending the last seventeen years living part-of the year in Pigeon Bay in Banks Peninsula. I wanted to capture the beauty of New Zealand and their long history of beekeeping, including Sir Edmund Hilary, who was a beekeeper. In New Zealand I focused on Warren Thompson and his wife and three daughters from the south island around Hanmer Hot Springs. Warren has a passion for the honeybee, which is so small but creates so much honey. Each member of the family is a beekeeper. The daughters roll beeswax candles to sell at the market to help pay for their ponies. I wanted to capture the close relationship this family has with nature and especially Warren’s insights into how to keep bees and nature strong without artificial influences that ultimately weaken the bees. The other great beekeeper was “Big Hands” Roy Arbon, who is an organic beekeeper on the west coast near Punakiki. Roy jokingly says he is a “honey robber” but in his honesty, he has a deep love for his bees and a firm belief that the genetically manipulation of plants and the systemic use of pesticides are really destroying bees. He is worried that many of these neonicotinoid pesticides are already in New Zealand and will cause a lot of harm in the long-term if we don’t do something to stop them.

3. What were the biggest challenges of filming around the beehives?

Believer it or not, often I didn’t wear any protective bee gear. I took my queues from the beekeepers and wore what they wore. The challenge is to be calm and peaceful while you have this big black camera with an intimidating looking microphone, that, with the muff on it, that looks like a bear coming in to steal the honey! Bees seem to sense your fear. If a bee landed on me, I would very still and give it time. Still, after being around millions of bees, I did get stung a few times, but as the beekeeper would often say, “It’s good for arthritis! Plus, remember, they gave their life to protect their hive!”

4. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing beekeepers and what can the general public do to help?

The number one problem with agriculture is monoculture, the growing of one crop over vast expanses of land. Monoculture is also the number one problem for the bees. Beekeepers used to keep their bees in one place, now in order to pollinate the food that we eat, beekeepers must load tens of thousands of hives onto semi-trucks and travel from crop-to-crop, sometimes driving thousands of miles in one season. The bees are often fed genetically modified corn syrup, and as Michael Pollan says, “Nothing is more viscerally offensive than feeding the creators of honey high-fructose corn syrup.”

We’ve created a food system that demands of the beekeeper to buy-into this migratory beekeeping because that’s where the money is, but the problems we are seeing affect the bees are largely due to this very system. This form of industrial agriculture is very destructive for the bees, who are under great stress from the transport and then are set forth to pollinate crops that have been often been sprayed by pesticides. The bees encounter foreign climates by traveling, they encounter foreign diseases from other bees transported to the same crop, the beehives and chemically treated to fight these diseases, which in turn lowers their immune system, and you are creating a domino effect of problem begetting problem.

Beekeepers are seeing high rates of losses every winter, often double the norm–with some beekeepers reporting losses of 90% of all of their hives. These beekeepers are often stretched thin to meet the demand for pollination from these mega-crops. And the European Honeybee now nearly completely relies on man to survive! There is no longer area for bees to live in the wild in many, many areas and the neonicotinoid pesticides we use on our crops are highly toxic to bees, who have a very limited immune system.

There are many ways we can all help from simply planting a diversity of flowering herbs and wildflowers in our yards and gardens, to writing petitions to congress to ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides and stop the proliferation of genetically modified plants. Supporting chemical-free beekeeping buy purchasing local, raw, organic and chemical free honey is also a great way you can support a growing movement of beekeepers who are concerned with fighting the decline of the honeybee.

Recently, the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand introduced a special advance screening of QUEEN OF THE SUN. They have petitioned the government to suspend the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which kill bees, until ERMA has reassessed them.

To learn more about how you can help, we’ve started a new section on our website http://www.queenofthesun.com with ten things anyone can do to help the bees.

5. How easy was it to get financing and distribution for the film? Is it becoming tougher?

We started making QUEEN OF THE SUN during the heart of the economic collapse in 2008. During the worst time you could POSSIBLY ask for money we were writing countless grants and seeking funding. It was very, very tough at points but this made it even more rewarding to see the film to completion. The film was a labor of love for both Jon and I. We believe very deeply that the public needs to know about the decline of our planet’s pollinators, who keep the earth in bloom. As the film came together, we received a great deal of support from a growing movement around the bees, including many small donations. We were also fortunate to receive a number of awards on the film festival circuit.

The distribution realm for documentaries is changing everyday. We are distributing QUEEN OF THE SUN through our own non-profit organization Collective Eye Films which we have grown into an independent distribution company with the release of QUEEN OF THE SUN. We will work strongly with the grass-roots in all of our outreach for the film, and we are ecstatic that a growing number of theaters in the U.S. , Canada, and New Zealand will be playing QUEEN OF THE SUN this spring and summer. We hope that QUEEN OF THE SUN can do what documentaries are meant to, inspire our imaginations, create real discussion and foster change even in those who may never once have thought about the bee.

6. Are you fans of honey and how do you prefer to eat/drink it?

Of course! A teaspoon a day is a wonderful way to start the morning. We love honey, especially Rata honey, Manuka honey from the tea tree in New Zealand which has a great medicinal value and healing properties. Raw honeys are like fine wines, no two are alike. If you can, try eating it straight off the comb.

7. What was the most alarming/surprising fact you uncovered while making the documentary?

Bees are so mysterious and so full of wonder. I was taken by the nuptial flight, where the Queen flies 600 feet up into the air toward the sun to mate with a whole swarm of drones. This allows her to lay 1500 eggs a day, more than her own body weight in eggs, each day! It’s also incredible to think that honey never spoils. They found honey in the tombs of Tutankhamen that is over 2000 years old and still edible.

8. What is up next for you?

Mushrooms. Mushrooms really are important! Like beekeepers, mushrooms hunters and mycologists around the world are a colorful bunch. Mushrooms are poisonous, like bees, but are very beneficial to the planet. Maybe I’m fascinated with how mushrooms can save the world in their own small way.

Ocean Friendly Gardens

2011-06-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Pamela! We have been working with the Ventura Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, the Green Gardens Group (G3) and fellow colleagues to spread the word about Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG).

Click here to learn more about how and why Ocean Friendly Gardens are beneficial toward the health of our Watersheds and Oceans and to find links with updated info about OFG Basics Classes, Hands-on Workshops/Workdays, and more:

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water

Feel free to contact us directly with any questions about design or installation, and hope to see you at the next event!

what's wrong with my tomatoes???

2011-05-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

how to grow an organic vegetable garden

2011-04-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

How to grow an organic vegetable garden

something to ponder while it rains

2011-02-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: We are excited to announce that we are officially certified as G3 Trainers. What does that mean? You may see us working closely with Surfrider Foundation, G3-Green Gardens Group and fellow colleagues teaching the community at large about Ocean Friendly Gardens in upcoming workshops.

Please stay tuned! For more info and updates please visit:

Surfrider Foundation: Ventura Chapter
Ocean Friendly Gardens
G3-Green Gardens Group

In the meantime, feel free to contact us at Channel Islands Landscape for a consultation or to start the Design Process of your very own Ocean Friendly Garden.

"Be part of the solution, not the pollution."

Got Chocolate?

2011-01-17T14:59:00.001-08:00

Do you know what "Fair Trade Certified" means or why it's important? Check out this clip and find out how this little label helps farmers in other countries have a better life.

"The Fair Trade movement is growing as people realize that they can help alleviate poverty and protect the environment by choosing Fair Trade products." - Robert Alan

Click here to find out more about Fair Trade and where to buy Fair Trade products.

hot, hot, hot!!!

2011-01-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's been soooooo freezing cold lately, that I couldn't help but post something that might help turn up the heat. I found a great clip from the Houston Museum of Natural Science about the evolution of spice in plants and their role in nature. Nancy Greig (PhD), Curator of Entomology and Director of the Crockwell Butterfly Center, explains the 'science behind the spice'.

If you are interested in learning more, Smithsonian also has a very cool, informative article "What's So Hot About Chile Peppers?" that is worth checking out, as well.

Humans have been using chilies in food for over 8,000 years
People learned early on that chilies could be used to reduce food spoilage
The use of chilies had spread quickly and had been cultivated worldwide thanks to Christopher Columbus
Capsaicin is responsible for firing neurons resulting in increased adrenaline and heart rate
You can use chilies to deter pests like insects or rodents

I know I might be jumping the gun, but now this has got me thinking about planting my Salsa garden this spring (anything to get my mind off of this cold weather!) If anyone has any delicious recipes that call for chilies, please share :)

happy holidays!

2010-12-21T23:33:00.001-08:00

25 california sites for monarch viewing

2010-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself dodging butterflies whilst driving the 101 Fwy, it may be a sure indication that it is the peak season of monarch migration. They are everywhere. Thousands of monarch butterflies make their way, en route from Canada flying south to central Mexico during the winter months. We are very lucky, as Californians, to have the opportunity to witness this amazing migration as thousands of butterflies find overwintering sites here on the west coast. Monarchs have an incredible journey, and if you take the time to visit a site, it truly is a humbling experience. I don't know about you, but I get excited when I see one monarch butterfly - but to see hundreds and thousands of monarchs, literally clustered together in massive amounts is quite astonishing. So what are you waiting for? Pack a lunch, grab your camera and binoculars, and enjoy the beauty that the natural world has to offer!

WHERE TO SEE THE MONARCHS IN CALIFORNIA

Design, Written, and Compiled by David Marriott

Founder and Executive Director of Education and Research

Edited by

Mia Monroe, Chair, Board of Directors

Waiter Sakal, President

Donna Marriott, Assistant Editor

Published by the Monarch Program

Introduction

The mystery of migrating monarch butterflies has captured the attention of people throughout the world. East of the continental divide in North America, monarchs generally migrate to central Mexico from as far away as Ontario, Canada. Monarchs west of the divide fly to the coast of California to spend the winter. They cluster together on tree limbs during the winter months in California by the thousands, and in Central Mexico by the millions.

In California, migrating monarchs begin appearing along the coast in October. There are over 300 overwintering sites from south of Ensenada, Baja California, to north of San Francisco, in Sonoma County. By mid-November, most monarchs have chosen their winter homes. The butterflies diapause (hibernate) for several months. In late January warmer days and the advent of spring stimulate mating activity. Female monarchs are the first to disperse from overwintering sites. They fly inland, looking for early sprouts of milkweed (Asciepias species) to deposit their eggs. By early March, overwintering sites are abandoned.

Most overwintering sites in California are on private property and not easily accessible to the general public. The Monarch Program recommends public viewing at the overwintering sites listed below. The time to see the greatest numbers of butterflies is mid-November to mid-December. In late December through January, some monarchs shift to other sites, or disperse, others die. However, some sites may have butterflies into early March.

Follow the directions to the sites below and look on the southeast side of the roosting trees. Many listings are on park grounds, thus, a docent or ranger may direct you to the roosting trees. On cool days, the monarchs will look like leaves with their wings closed, hanging from tree branches. A sunny afternoon is a good time to visit a site if you do not know where the roosting trees are located. In the late afternoon, you can follow the monarchs’ flight to their selected trees.

Life Cycle and Autumn Migration Movements

Monarchs that emerge in late August through October and migrate to their chosen overwintering destinations may live 7 or 8 months. Their "children" and succeeding generations only live 4-5 weeks. By the time the 4th or 5th generation emerge, it will be September again and these greatgreat grandchildren will migrate and live through the winter as adult butterflies. This is a good example of strategy for survival since native larval plants are dormant throughout the winter months. In the late spring and summer months, the time from egg to butterfly is about 4 weeks: egg (4-6 days); caterpillar (12-16 days); chrysalis (9-12 days).

25 Selected Sites

(CLICK HERE for printable .pdf guide)

courtesy of
The Monarch Program and www.monarchwatch.org

Listings begin at the southern sites near the Mexican border, and continue to the northernmost range, in Sonoma County. Overwintering habitats in Baja California, Mexico

have been excluded since they are on private property. All sites in California were carefully chosen for easy access onto public property, to foster family events, and educational activities. Please respect all parking and trespassing laws near overwintering sites.

1. Presidio Park, San Diego County

Presidio Park is located on a hill above Old Town State Historic Park and is accessible from numerous exits near the junction of Interstate 5 and 8. From Tayor St., take Chestnut St. and turn left on Presidio Dr. Travel to the top of the hill and turn left on Cosoy Way. The monarchs roost in the Canary Island Pine trees along each side of Cosoy Way. In November, the butterflies often roost in the eucalyptus trees between Serra Historical Museum and the pine trees (no fee).

2. UCSD Campus, San Diego County

The eucalyptus groves on the UCSD campus have been the winter home to monarchs long before the campus was founded. Sightings date back to the 1950’s. The main site is located near the Mandeville Performing Arts Center. Take La Jolla Village Dr. west from Interstate 5. Turn right on Gilman Dr. and continue through the UCSD Gilman entrance. Turn left on Mandeville Ln. The monarchs are located in eucalyptus trees along the blue screen art sculpture (parking fee). Another UCSD site is located by the UCSD Coast Apartments (no fee). Continue on La Jolla Village Dr., traveling right onto North Torrey Pines Rd.,turn left on La Jolla Shores Dr., and turn left on Azul St. The monarchs are located in the eucalyptus grove off Azul St.

3. Hosp Grove, San Diego County

The Carlsbad Hosp Grove was once a very large overwintering site before tree cutting and development. From Interstate 5, go east on Carlsbad Village Dr., left on Monroe St., right on Hosp Way, and turn left at the top of the hill on Grove Ave. Park in the visitor lot and continue walking on Grove Way to the eucalyptus grove at the end of the street. Locate the trail and walk to the right around a large gully. The monarchs are in the trees above the gully (no fee). If you are looking for monarchs, you will be greeted with big smiles from rangers, interpretive specialists, and naturalists. Tagged monarchs are also friendly -- they have something to teach us!

4. Doheny State Beach, Orange County

Doheny State Beach is a great place to bring the family. The monarch roosting trees are next to a sandy beach, water activities, playgrounds, acres of well kept lawns, picnic tables, and nearby ocean front restaurants. Exit Interstate 5 going west on Pacific Coast Hwy. (Beach Cities Exit). A the main intersection, turn left on Dana Harbor Dr. Take the first left into the State Park. Ask rangers to direct you to the roosting trees (entrance fee).

5. Huntington Central Park, Orange County

Acres of park land, ponds, playing fields, jogging trails, and eucalyptus trees can be found at Huntington Central Park. From Interstate 405, travel west on Warner St. Turn left on Golden West St. The park is on the left. Continue past the park and turn left into the Huntington Central Library. Park in the far northeast corner. There are two roosting sites at the park: the eucalyptus trees near the Amphitheater and a short walk to an area below the parking lot and restrooms off of Gothard St. (no fee).

6. Norma Gibbs Park, Orange County

The eucalyptus grove at Norma Gibbs Park is an example of a monarch overwintering site that has been saved from housing development. The property was donated to the City of Huntington Beach as park land, with pathways, picnic tables, and a 400 sq. ft. tile inlay of monarchs and text describing story about the migrating monarchs. From Interstate 5, travel west on Warner St. Turn right after the Meadowlark Golf Course onto Graham St. The park is located on the left. The roosting trees are near the entrance to the park (no fee).

7. Leo Carrillo State Beach, Los Angeles County

Located along Hwy. 1, the population of monarchs will be most plentiful at Leo Carrillo State Beach in November and December. The butterflies are located in the eucalyptus trees along the creek next to the campground. Ask a ranger for assistance (entrance fee).

8. Camino Real Park, Ventura County

This is a popular site for residents of Ventura because it is easily accessible and a quiet place to take the family for a picnic. The roosting trees are eucalyptus and located above the creek, across from the Patrician (gated community) at 4700 Aurora Dr. From 101, go north on Victoria Ave., left on Telegraph Rd., left oil S. Bryn Mawr, and right on Aurora Dr. to the Park (no fee).

9. Harbor Blvd, Ventura County

This site is easy to get to if you can find an accessible entrance. The butterflies roost in eucalyptus trees along an agricultural dirt road parallel to Harbor Blvd. in Ventura. From Hwy. 101 take Harbor Blvd. south, turn right on Oyster, park immediately and look east across Harbor Blvd to a grove of eucalyptus trees. It is dangerous to access the site crossing Harbor Blvd. We recommend accessing the dirt road further south and walking north to the site. The dirt road is used by the general public but the land could be private property? (no fee).

10. Ellwood Main, Santa Barbara County

The Ellwood site is easy to access from Hwy. 101 traveling west of the town Goleta. Take the Storke exit south and turn right on Hollister Ave., and left on Coronado (just after the 7-11 Store). Park at the end of the road, walk into the gully, turn right and walk a few hundred feet to a clearing. The monarchs will be clustering in a small ravine to the northwest, 30 to 80 feet up in the trees (no fee).

11. Tecolote Canyon, Santa Barbara County

The Tecolote site is several miles west of Ellwood Main. It is probably one of the most photographic colonies in southern California because the monarchs often cluster on eucalyptus trees above a large creek with small waterfalls. From Hwy. 101, turn south on the first turnout west of the West Hollister Ave. exit. Park south of Hwy. 101 and follow the trail east (not south to the beach). Walk down the trail to the creek (no fee).

12. Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County

Located along Hwy. 1, this site on the beach is great for family visits. The butterflies are active in the daytime during warm temperatures, and roost on palm and eucalyptus trees at night or during cold weather. Ask the rangers where the monarchs may be viewed (entrance fee).

13. Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo County

Follow directions from Hwy. 101 listed below (# 14). From Pismo State Beach, continue south on Doliver St., turn right on Pier, and the Pismo State Beach Oceano Campground entrance is on the right. The monarchs roost on Monterey cypress only 15+ feet above the ground -- a great opportunity for photo close-ups. The Visitor Center has videos, gifts, books, and docents to assist visitors (entrance fee).

14. Pismo State Beach, San Luis Obispo County

The eucalyptus grove at the Pismo State Beach North Campground is one of the largest single sites in California. During the 1990/91 season, the habitat had nearly 180,000 monarchs. From Hwy. 101, take the Price St. exit, go under the over crossing and turn left on Ocean View. Follow Ocean View towards the ocean to Doliver St. and turn left. Go pass the North Beach Campground and park on the right when you see a large field and butterfly signs. A mobile trailer has information, gifts, educational material, and docents to answer questions (no fee).

15. Los Osos, Sweet Springs, San Luis Obispo County

The Sweet Springs overwintering site is located in Los Osos along the southwest edge of the Morro Bay estuary. Take Hwy. I to the south Bay Blvd. exit. Located just east of Morro Bay. Continue on South Bay Blvd. to Santa Ysabel Ave. and turn right. Turn left at 7th St. and right onto Ramona Ave. The site is located on the right (north) side of Ramona Ave. A prominent sign shows the entrance to the trails. The site is part of an Audubon Nature Preserve, featuring a

vegetative restoration project and access trails to monarchs and other scenic areas within the preserve (no fee).

16. Andrew Molera State Park, Monterey County

Located along the scenic coast Hwy. 1, near Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is an easy short stop to see thousands of monarchs. Traveling north, turn into the park on the right side entrance and park your vehicle. Walk through the walk-in-campground to Cooper’s Cabin. The butterflies roost in eucalyptus trees in the vicinity of Cooper’s Cabin (entrance fee).

17. Pacific Grove, Monterey County

The Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove has often been referred to as "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." The town has a long history of being the most popular place to see 10’s of thousands of monarchs roosting on Monterey pine trees. From Hwy. 1, take Route 68 west to Pacific Grove. After Route 68 becomes Forest Ave., turn left on Lighthouse Ave., pass Seventeen Mile Dr., turn left on Ridge Rd., and park by the red school building. Docents are available weekdays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Another nearby overwintering site is George Washington Park. Please ask docents for directions and population counts (no fee).

18. Lighthouse Field St. Beach, Santa Cruz County

From Natural Bridges State Beach (see directions below, # 19), follow West Cliff Dr. (going east) to the Light House. Park at the Light House parking lot. Continue walking along the coast , cross Hwy. 1, and go left on Pelton Ave. The monarchs will be in Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees in a grassy field near Pelton Ave (no fee).

19. Natural Bridges St. Beach, Santa Cruz County

Hwy. 1 turns into Mission St., when traveling west through the Santa Cruz business district. After the Safeway market, turn left at the first traffic light onto Swift St. Follow it to the ocean and turn right on West Cliff Dr., which ends at the State Beach. You will be greeted by friendly docents who can educate you about the monarchs’ migration. The Visitor Center has educational materials, butterfly gifts, and memorabilia (entrance fee).

20. New Park Mall, Alameda County

Located near Newark, the New Park Mall site was once a large grove of eucalyptus trees and a winter home to thousands of monarchs. Today, monarchs can still be seen in a small grove next to the New Park Mall. From Interstate 880, go west on Mowry Blvd. and turn left on Cedar St. Park in the Mall parking lot and walk across Cedar St. to the eucalyptus grove (no fee).

21. Ardenwood Reg. Preserve, Alameda County

The Ardenwood Regional Preserve is a 19th century working farm located in Fremont. From Interstate 880, take Decoto Rd. (Hwy 84) west. Turn right on Ardenwood Blvd., and turn right into the preserve. Reservations are required in advance for a guided tour of the monarch habitat. Call (510) 796-0663 for information (entrance fee).

22. San Leandro Golf Course, Alameda County

This site is one of the more spectacular sites in California -- imagine standing on a golf course and seeing only a few eucalyptus trees draped with 25,000 monarchs. The City of San Leandro is sponsoring school trips to the site on weekdays. The public is invited on Saturdays. Please call (510) 577-3462 for specific hours, or requests for special visits. To reach the site from Interstate 880 take Marina Blvd. west. Turn left on Doolittle Dr. and right on Fairway Dr. Turn right on Aurora Dr. and an immediate left into a parking lot near the Marina Branch Library. The gate leading to the roosting trees may be locked, so please call before visiting the site (no fee).

23. Muir Beach, Marin County

The Elizabeth Terwilliger Grove east of the parking lot has been used by overwintering monarchs for as long as local residents can remember. The roosting trees are Monterey cypress and are located above the old wood stairs on Pacific Way. When entering the town of Stinson Beach on Hwy. 1, go west on Pacific Way and drive to the Muir Beach parking area. Backtrack on Pacific Way by foot until you reach the stairs on the north side of the road (no fee).

24. Bolinas Terrace Site, Marin County

From Hwy. 1, turn west on Olema-Bolinas Rd. Travel to the town of Bolinas, continuing left at the junctions. As you enter the town, turn right on Park and continue toward the right onto Terrace Ave. The butterflies will be located near the junction of Terrace Ave. and Marin (no fee).

25. Bodega Dunes Campgrounds, Sonoma County

The Bodega Dunes Campground in located north of Bodega Bay on Hwy. 1. The monarchs often cluster on the eucalyptus and Monterey cypress at the lower campsites near the campfire circle. The campground hosts are always helpful and happy to answer questions (entrance fee).

For more information contact the Monarch Program at:

P.O. Box 178671

San Diego, CA 92177

(760) 944-7113

(760) 436-1159 fax

email: Monarchprg@aol.com

welcome fall, welcome birds

2010-09-27T10:54:00.001-07:00

Ventura River Estuary

The Summer months hit us this year with fog, fog, and more fog! It's what everyone talked about. On a daily basis. ALL summer long. June gloom lingered along the coast for much longer than anyone could handle, and it was getting very old. And now, Fall has finally arrived. Fall, sweet Fall. The season of heat waves, east winds, wildfires, epic sunsets, and (of course-for us lucky surfers) late south swells.

We had decided, with the beautiful weather we've been having, to do an impromptu yard sale with some friends this weekend. And of course, while I was trying to get rid of my junk, I reluctantly fell in love with a very large, beautiful, antique bird cage that my friend was trying to get rid of. So while I was successful at purging my garage of possessions that I no longer needed, I was also equally (ahem) successful at acquiring an amazingly beautiful bird cage - that I also didn't really need. So much for that plan.

"So what's the deal?" my lovely husband asks.

"I'm gonna turn it into a giant bird feeder," as I batted my eyelashes. "It's gonna be sooooo cute!"

No, but really, here is the deal. I love birds and love watching them, and having them in my garden. I am not an expert bird watcher or ornithologist by any means, but I do have an appreciation for them, and I enjoy providing a safe and welcoming habitat for them.

Fall is here, and it is the beginning of migration season for many species of animals around the world, like fish, turtles, insects, and, of course, birds. We are fortunate enough to live in the migration paths of many species of birds that travel thousands of miles, as well as (my two favorite phenomenons) the migration path of the Gray Whales and Monarch Butterflies.

While many of us gardeners are concentrating on Fall clean-up and harvesting, there are a number of things that we can also do to help birds in the garden. Below is an informative article that I'd like to share, written by Bill Thompson III of Bird Watchers Digest.com. Also, don't forget to visit the Ventura Audubon Society for more info on birding, education, volunteering, and field trips to local birding sites.

Enjoy, and happy birding!!!

Ventura River Estuary

Top 10 Things You Can Do for Birds in Fall

by Bill Thompson III

Whether you'd like to admit it or not, summer is almost over and autumn is nearly upon us. Spring cleaning gets lots of attention, but for the backyard bird watcher, there's just as much to do in fall as in spring. I've spent much of the past few weekends at our farm doing the items listed below, so this column came to me naturally, you might say. I like the anticipation of fall. At the farm fall migration is almost always better than spring migration-we get more birds, and we get more unusual birds. The only thing missing is fresh spring plumage and the symphony of singing males. To ensure that you get the most out of this fall's migration, I offer these suggestions for the birds in your backyard.

10. Water in motion. Moving water in your birdbath created by a mister or dripper is a fantastic way to attract birds. During spring and fall migration, when species not normally found in your area are passing through, an attractive birdbath can make them stop to bathe or drink. Make sure your bath is clean and in a spot where you can easily observe it throughout the day.

9. Keep the cat indoors. Migrant birds are not familiar with your backyard's delights or dangers. A lurking cat can take a heavy toll during migration as unsuspecting birds are lured into your yard by habitat, water, and food. It's a good idea to keep your cat indoors throughout the year, but especially important during fall migration, when adult birds are joined by naïve youngsters making their first southward flight.

8. Replace old dirty nests. It seems that our late-summer broods of bluebirds are always the messiest. By the time the young have fledged, the insides of the nestbox are caked with droppings, feather dust, and insect parts. We always give the houses a good sweeping out in the fall and replace the filthy old nest with a clean new cup of dried grasses. As I've mentioned in this column before, we like to think of the bluebirds, chickadees, or a downy woodpecker snuggled deep in the insulating grass inside the box on a cold winter night.

7. Feeder check up and inventory. When fall is here, winter is already getting ready for its grand entrance. If you live in a region where winter weather is harsh, now is the time to look over those large capacity feeders that have been in storage since last spring. Are they fit for another winter of use? Do they need a good cleaning? Do you want to upgrade or expand your feeders and offerings? Avoid the holiday rush and get your shopping done now.

6. Let your garden go. It's hard to resist the urge to pull up all the dead tomato, squash, and other plants in your garden once the growing season is over. And some gardening experts encourage this immediate yanking and burning of the old plants to reduce the chance of plant disease carrying over to the next spring. We've never subscribed to that theory, but then we don't spray pesticides or herbicides, either. We're not just organic, we're laissez faire organic, which translates to "lazy." Our birds thank us by feeding on the old seedheads of our flowers and garden plants. Sparrows, towhees, and juncos skulk in the thick dead vegetation. Sure the garden lacks a certain tidiness, but it's always full of birds.

5. Let your lawn go. It's all about seedheads. Stop mowing a section of your lawn in late summer and let the long grass go to seed. This is your own natural bird food. Passing buntings, sparrows, and finches will thank you by spending time in your grass. During the past nine winters we've lived on our farm, our unmown lawn sections have attracted pine siskins, tree sparrows, Lincoln's sparrows, one grasshopper sparrow, and lots of the usual suspects (juncos, goldfinches, indigo buntings, and song, chipping, and field sparrows).

4. Leave your leaves. Leaving your fallen leaves alone helps your birds both directly and indirectly. The leaves trap and hold moisture from dew and rain, which helps keep your lawn from drying out. As the leaves break down (mowing over them can hasten this) they add valuable nutrients to the soil. Fallen leaves also attract and are fed upon by insects, which in turn are fed upon by birds such as robins, blackbirds, thrushes, bluebirds, catbirds, thrashers, and so on. A healthy lawn is always a birdy lawn.

3. Scatter seed. I know bird feeding is done more for the watchers than it is for the ultimate survival of the birds. But I still feel good when I scatter a handful of mixed seed, sunflower hearts, and peanut bits under the brush piles and thick shrubbery around our lawn. This food is intended for those skulking species that may never come to our feeders-the sparrows, thrashers, catbirds, towhees, and others that are too shy (or too smart) to venture across our yard to the centralized feeding stations. I am sure that chipmunks and field mice enjoy this banquet, too. But then again, they might lure a kestrel or red-tailed hawk into the yard seeking a mammalian meal.

2. Keep hummer feeders up. You've probably heard the myth: Take down your hummingbird feeders in the fall or the hummers will "forget" to migrate. It's not true. Birds, including the hummingbirds at our feeders, are programmed by instinct to migrate when their inner clocks tell them to leave. Changes in daylight (in terms of the length and intensity of sunlight), affect the birds' departure date and time, as do changes in weather. But there's no way your feeder will interfere with a bird's migratory urge, unless the bird is hindered from migrating by some other factor such as illness or injury. Sick or injured birds and late migrants from points to the north of you will benefit from your late-fall feeding station. Leaving your hummer feeders up will do no harm, and it might even do some good. (Make sure your feeders are clean and the solution is fresh-sorry, I couldn't resist.)

1. Make your windows safe for migrants. Migrant birds get restless and almost hyperactive in the fall. Watch a red-eyed vireo chase a warbler all over your yard and you'll see what I mean. All this activity around your house can have tragic results if one or more of your windows is in a location where flying birds strike the glass. We previously devoted an entire "Top Ten" column to preventing window strikes . Julie and I use the FeatherGuard idea that the September/October 2001 BWD "My Way" column describes. By doing this, our window kills have been reduced by more than 80 percent. Your main goal is to break up the window's reflection or prevent birds from striking the glass. We were so impressed with the results of our Featherguard experiment, we decided to package them up to sell to other concerned bird watchers. Go to FeatherGuard to learn more.

Ocean Friendly Garden Class - Pictures are up!

2010-07-26T12:30:00.001-07:00

The Ventura Chapter of Surfrider and the City of Ventura hosted an OFG workshop as a part of an on-going effort to educate residents about conserving and preserving
our local water resources. The class was taught by Surfrider Foundation and G3, a sustainable landscaping consulting firm.

The workshop covered topics, literally, from the ground-up, from the biology of healthy soil and happy roots to the definition of the water cycle and local watersheds. Practical design concepts were also covered, which included discussions of alternatives to lawns, the use of permeable materials, drainage issues, and different approaches to designing aesthetically pleasing retention basins. All this, yet using layman's terms and acronyms, such as CPR (conservation, permeability, and retention) or OWL (oxygen, water, life).

It was wonderful to see local homeowners, growers/nurseries, and fellow landscape colleagues at this event, pulling together in a community effort to be part of the solution of a growing problem.

Please visit Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Gardens site for more info or check out Surfrider's Ventura County Chapter for upcoming follow-up workshops and local events. You may also contact us directly if you are interested in a custom Design/Installation of an Ocean Friendly Garden for your property. We'd be more than happy to guide you in the right direction!

Click below to view the photos...Enjoy, and hope to see you at the next event!

Ocean Friendly Garden Class | City Of Ventura

2010-07-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Start planning for your Fall landscape! As a follow-up to our Ocean Friendly Gardens article, I would like to encourage all of you local DYI'ers to join the City of Ventura and Surfrider Foundation at their upcoming workshop:

Sustainable Landscaping Class

Saturday, July 10, 2010
9:00 am to 12:00 | City’s Maintenance Yard at 336 Sanjon Rd., Ventura, CA
Learn how to transform your garden into an “Ocean Friendly Garden” by attending class on sustainable landscaping practices.

Seating is limited so RSVP today:
online: http://www.surfrider.org/ventura/Ocean Friendly Gardens.html
call: (805)-652-4501
Please provide your first and last name, phone number and email address.
Cost
$25 for the class + Ocean Friendly Garden book
OR $15 for just the class.

Refreshments and a complementary breakfast will be served. Make the event ‘low waste’ and bring your own mug!
Ocean Friendly Garden (OFG) is a program of the Surfrider Foundation. The Ventura Chapter of Surfrider and the City of Ventura are hosting the course as a part of an on-going effort to educate residents about conserving and preserving
our local water resources. The class will be taught by G3, a sustainable landscaping consulting firm out of Los Angeles, CA.
For more information on the Ventura Surfrider Chapter’s OFG Program contact:
Cynthia Hartley at vcsrf.oceanfriendlygardens@gmail.com
Ocean Friendly Garden Class | City Of Ventura

Ocean Friendly Gardens

2010-04-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is here, and what a better way to celebrate Mother Nature by spending time in the garden!

There are many things that you can do in your landscape to make it environmentally friendly, especially when it comes to the health of our local watersheds and ocean quality...

"Huh? What does my garden have to do with the ocean, and what the heck is a watershed?"

Well, first, let me tell you a little story...Once upon a time, when I was about 13 years old or so, I took my uncle (who was visiting from Hawaii) to a surf spot in Ventura. We went to what many locals know as The Rivermouth, where the Santa Clara River dumps out into the ocean. After spending some time in the cold, murky water, I remember taking my wetsuit off, itching like crazy, only to find baseball-sized hives covering my body. "Gross!!! What is in that water???"

It really was disgusting, and especially being a teenaged girl, I was TOTALLY grossed out! Apparently, I had broken out in a rash due to high levels of bacteria. Yuck!

I had spent my early childhood years growing up on the beaches of Hawaii, learning to swim and surf in warm, tropical, pristine waters. I was spoiled. It was a total blow knowing that I would have to kiss clean water goodbye.........or did I???

Shortly after that incident, I saw a bumper sticker that opened my eyes (mind you, before the world wide web was introduced into our lives, the old-school way of spreading the word was through bumper stickers). That is how I learned about Surfrider Foundation. I was invited to attend a Surfrider Foundation meeting at the old Patagonia, and I was inspired. Little did I know that from that point on, it would lead me to a career of inspiring others to nurture our planet and the little ecosystems that help sustain it.

Jump forward several years: during my time in the Environmental Studies program at UC Santa Cruz, I teamed up with the Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider Foundation. It was a perfect fit. I worked with the Blue Water Task Force and local high schools, testing waters for bacteria levels; and through my Environmental Interpretation and Science Illustration courses, I helped to develop teaching lessons and materials for Surfrider's Educational Outreach Program...Everything I was dealing with had to do with local watersheds and water quality.

So back to our original question:

"What does my garden have to do with the ocean, and what the heck is a watershed?"

A watershed is a geographic area in which all sources of water, including rain fall, snow melt, streams, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands, as well as ground water, drain to a common surface water body, usually the sea:

As we see the growth of urban development, the frequency of closed beaches due to sewer spills and increased health advisories due to bacteria levels has risen. Unfortunately, the biggest source of pollution comes indirectly from our own landscapes and streets, as everything runs off into storm drains and out into the ocean.

Fortunately, we have the choice to create Ocean Friendly Gardens that can help capture some of the run off that eventually ends up on our oceans:

Ocean Friendly Gardens

(courtesy of Surfrider Foundation)

"Be Part of the Solution, not the Pollution"

The largest source of water pollution cannot be traced to any one point — it’s all of us. Pollutants “run off” our streets, neighborhoods and landscapes, wastefully and needlessly fouling our coastal waterways and ocean. But you can take simple steps in your own garden to create beautiful landscapes that capture the eye of your neighbors while capturing the polluted runoff that flows to our local beaches.

Whenever water leaves a property it has the ability to take pollutants with it. Fertilizers, pesticides and oil are easily picked up by the power of water. While this runoff is greatest during rain storms, urban runoff occurs all year round as a result of improper irrigation, washing cars, and hosing down driveways.

Runoff from residential landscapes affects the quality of our oceans and the quality of our lives. The sediment in water reduces clarity; nutrients increase algae populations and red tides; bacteria close beaches; debris can choke and suffocate aquatic species; and pesticides picked up off a landscape can poison fish consumed by humans — all of which degrade the natural beauty, and our enjoyment, of the ocean.

The good news is that you can help bring back healthy coasts and oceans though CPR© — Conservation, Permeability and Retention. It’s a way for all of us to design and maintain our gardens so that we can reduce urban runoff — and the pollutants that go with it.

Surfrider Foundation is partnering with water agencies and others to launch an education and outreach effort as a pilot "Ocean Friendly Gardens" program in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Look for details on each chapter's Ocean Friendly Gardens program rollout on the chapter websites and in future email announcements from the chapters.

But you can get started on your own garden and begin reducing polluted runoff today. Start in a small area and grow over time – or go for a full makeover. Be creative. Get your hands dirty. But most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

In the following pages you will find:

Simple instructions on designing your own “Ocean Friendly Garden”
Summary of a study showing dramatic runoff reduction from the simplest first step
Photographic examples of Ocean Friendly Gardens (and instructions to submit your own project for inclusion in the photo album)
Comprehensive Plant List as described in the new Ocean Friendly Gardens book.
Links to our partners’ websites, where to get rebates, virtual tours, and other helpful information on how to get started on your very own Ocean Friendly Garden.

Also see Surfrider Foundation's printable (and viewable) 2-page brochure (8.5" by 14" layout in a 2 MB .pdf file) entitled, Guide to Gardening for Cleaner Waves and Coasts

spring solstice is here...what to do???

2010-03-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

Coreopsis gigantea - Giant coreopsis.
Botanical Garden at The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center

Sat, March 20th marks Spring Solstice, and now is the time for curing those cabin fever blues! With the extra daylight, there is no excuse to be hiding from the sunshine.

If you are not ready to get down and dirty just yet, why not just take a couple of field trips? The wildflowers have already started blooming, so now is a fantastic time to get inspired by visiting local botanical gardens, nurseries, and (one of my favorite places to explore) Channel Islands National Park. So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, notebook/sketchbook, and don't forget about sunscreen...

Here are links to some of my personal favorite places to visit for inspiration:

Channel Islands National Park
If you don't make it out to the islands, you can always view wildflowers at the botanical garden at the visitor center in Ventura Harbor.

Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
65 acres exhibiting plants native to CA.
Santa Barbara, CA

Lotus Land
Beautiful grounds, fascinating history. Reservations required.
Montecito, CA

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
33 acres of unique terrain and numerous gardens, offering panoramic views of Conejo Valley.
Thousand Oaks, CA

Nopalito Native Plant Nursery
Our new friends in town at Nopalito Nursery have filled in a gap of providing a wide selection of quality CA Native plants to the public.
Ventura, CA

Seaside Gardens
3-acre botanical wonderland with themed gardens and retail nursery.
Carpinteria, CA

Island View Nursery
10 acres of diverse gardens and inspiring garden art.
Carpinteria, CA

Sacred Space
Unique treasures, garden art, pottery and pavilions.
Summerland, CA

time to SRING forward!

2010-03-11T12:49:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 4th 2010...so don't forget to SPRING forward, and set your clocks one hour ahead!

"An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later." -Winston Churchill

a little inspiration...

2010-02-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

Amazon.com Widgets

Just wanted to give everyone an update on what's a buzz here at Channel Islands Landscape & Design. It has (thankfully) been a busy Winter season for us, and Spring is just around the corner! Now is the perfect time to start planning for your Spring and Summer gardens, as it is never too early to get a jump start on deciding what you would like to do to improve your outdoor surroundings.

One way to get inspiration is (obviously) through books, magazines, and maybe a little bit of HGTV. But the best way to really delve into it (oh yes, pun intended) is to get out in nature on your own! Take a little trip to the nursery. Visit your local botanical garden. Or better yet, take a day hike at one of the many amazing trails that CA has to offer!

We had just recently spent a weekend along the coast where the Coastal Redwoods meet the magnificent Pacific and it was breathtaking...Big Sur is one of our favorite weekend get aways, and it never fails to please our senses! Hiking amongst scented coastal scrub and chaparral gave us dramatic views of the ocean, while tromping through lush riparian canyons and boulder hopping through rain-fed waterways brought us back to simpler days when nature was our playground.

Being nestled amongst Redwoods, Bays, Sycamore and Oaks is very nurturing, indeed, and you can always count on nature to provide a palette of color, light and texture that is pleasing to the eye. Pockets of canyon walls were filled with different varieties of fern, such as Maidenhair and Coastal Wood Fern. And the bright green new growth contrasted with the black charred trunks of recent wildfire burns.

Also, some of California's commonly seen spring flowers (native and non-native) had also just started to bloom - Ceonothus, Lupine, CA Poppy, Wild Hyacinth, Indian Paintbrush, Phacelia, and Yarrow were some that come to mind.

Big Sur was coming alive, and I was inspired.

I documented our hikes and hope to have photos uploaded soon to share with the world. I've always been a naturalist by heart, and you can, too. Step out into your garden, let your senses take over, and start taking some field notes. Grab some scratch paper and a pen in one hand, and perhaps a camera in the other, and start an observation journal of what is happening in your landscape:

record date, time and weather conditions
explore your surroundings
take note of micro-climates within your property
take note of the what path the sun takes throughout the day
what parts of your garden love the shade?
where does the rain flow?
where does the wind blow?
feel the soil
look at roots, branches, leaves, flower buds
take note of old growth whilst examining new growth
listen to the birds, observe bees, butterflies, and other wildlife
don't forget about snails, ants, and aphids...where do they live?
sketch some sketches
snap some photos
have fun

With just a little field work, you can practice taking baby steps to become the next John Muir, Rachel Carson, or Jacques Cousteau...OR at the least, be inspired to look at your garden more as an extension of nature, rather than one more task that needs to be crossed off of your 'List of Things to Do.' And for those of you that have children, this may be right up their alley!

Good Luck, and Happy Journaling!!!

clouds roll by

2010-01-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting time lapse of clouds rolling by, by videographer Ray Meese. Enjoy the (much needed) rainfall, and please be safe out there! Also, don't forget to adjust your irrigation timers...now is a perfect opportunity to let mother nature do the drenching for us!

Home trends: 2010 will be a sea of turquoise

2010-01-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

Happy NEW YEAR!!! The Holidays have come and gone with a blink of an eye, and 2010 has greeted us all with fresh, new beginnings. I am looking forward to a brand new decade, dedicated to bringing positive changes in my life and those whose lives I touch and am touched by.

I have always been inspired by art, design, and the beauty of nature...somehow, the inspiration had magically slipped away during the last five (chaotic) years, and I would like to once again surround myself with creative bliss and share that contagious spirit of creativity with others.

Below is an article that is quite appropriate for many who are looking for adding healing elements to their home decor. "In many cultures, turquoise occupies a special position in the world of color...It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky."

Perhaps we can bring a splash of turquoise into our homes, and - as a good design principle - pull that element into our outdoor living space by accenting our landscape with turquoise outdoor decor. Ceramic pots, water globes, and bird feeders are a good way to start, as they are minimal in size and price.

...And if you don't get around to re-vamping your interior or exterior space with the healing colors of turquoise anytime soon, remember that we have been blessed with living near the big beautiful Pacific!!! Enjoy the article, and best wishes to everyone for 2010!!! Cheers!

Home & Garden | Home trends: 2010 will be a sea of turquoise | Seattle Times Newspaper

happy winter solstice!!!

2009-12-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year...here is an article with some interesting facts about how different cultures have celebrated the coming of winter. Enjoy!!!

Winter Solstice 2009: Facts on Shortest Day of the Year

Brian Handwerk
for National Geographic News

Updated December 21, 2009

Today is the winter solstice and the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It's all due to Earth's tilt, which ensures that the shortest day of every year falls around December 21.

But it's not all about astronomy.

Since ancient times people have marked the winter solstice with countless cultural and religious traditions—it's no coincidence the modern holiday season surrounds the first day of winter.

Solstice in Space: Astronomy of the First Day of Winter

During the winter solstice the sun hugs closer to the horizon than at any other time during the year, yielding the least amount of daylight annually. On the bright side, the day after the winter solstice marks the beginning of lengthening days leading up to the summer solstice.

"Solstice" is derived from the Latin phrase for "sun stands still."

That's because—after months of growing shorter and lower since the summer solstice—the sun's arc through the sky appears to stabilize, with the sun seeming to rise and set in the same two places for several days. Then the arc begins growing longer and higher in the sky, reaching its peak at the summer solstice.

The solstices occur twice a year (around December 21 and June 21), because Earth is tilted by an average of 23.5 degrees as it orbits the sun—the same phenomenon that drives the seasons.

During the warmer half of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun. The northern winter solstice occurs when the "top" half of Earth is tilted away from the sun at its most extreme angle of the year.

Being the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice is essentially the year's darkest day, but it's not the coldest.

Because the oceans are slow to heat and cool, in December they still retain some warmth from summer, delaying the coldest of winter days for another month and a half. Similarly, summer doesn't hit its heat peak until August, a month or two after the summer solstice.

Winter Solstice Marked Since Ancient Times

Throughout history, humans have celebrated the winter solstice, often with an appreciative eye toward the return of summer sunlight.

Massive prehistoric monuments such as Ireland's mysterious Newgrange tomb (video) are aligned to capture the light at the moment of the winter solstice sunrise.

Germanic peoples of Northern Europe honored the winter solstice with Yule festivals—the origin of the still-standing tradition of the long-burning Yule log.

The Roman feast of Saturnalia, honoring the God Saturn, was a weeklong December feast that included the observance of the winter solstice. Romans also celebrated the lengthening of days following the solstice by paying homage to Mithra—an ancient Persian god of light.

Many modern pagans attempt to observe the winter solstice in the traditional manner of the ancients.

"There is a resurgent interest in more traditional religious groups that is often driven by ecological motives," said Harry Yeide, a professor of religion at George Washington University. "These people do celebrate the solstice itself."

Pagans aren't alone in commemorating the winter solstice in modern times.

In a number of U.S. cities a Watertown, Massachusetts-based production called The Christmas Revels honors the winter solstice with an annually changing menu of traditional music and dance from around the world.

"Nearly every northern culture has some sort of individual way of celebrating that shortest day," said Revels artistic director Patrick Swanson. "It's a lot of fun for us to dig up the traditional dance and music and even the plays [honoring] that time of the year."

Of course, as the name suggests, The Christmas Revels mix ancient winter solstice traditions with customs of the holiday that largely replaced winter solstice celebrations across much of the Northern Hemisphere—Christmas.

Winter Solstice's Christmas Connection

Scholars aren't exactly sure of the date of Jesus Christ's birthday, the first Christmas.

"In the early years of the Christian church, the calendar was centered around Easter," George Washington University's Yeide said. "Nobody knows exactly where and when they began to think it suitable to celebrate Christ's birth as well as the Passion cycle"—the Crucifixion and resurrection depicted in the Bible.

Eastern churches traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 6, a date known as Epiphany in the West. The winter date may have originally been chosen on the basis that Christ's conception and Crucifixion would have fallen during the same season—and a spring conception would have resulted in a winter birth.

But Christmas soon became co-mingled with traditional observances of the first day of winter.

"As the Christmas celebration moved west," Yeide said "the date that had traditionally been used to celebrate the winter solstice became sort of available for conversion to the observance of Christmas. In the Western church the December date became the date for Christmas."

Early church leaders endeavored to attract pagans to Christianity by adding Christian meaning to existing winter solstice festivals.

"This gave rise to an interesting play on words," Yeide said. "In several languages, not just in English, people have traditionally compared the rebirth of the sun with the birth of the son of God."

parade of lights

2009-12-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

PHOTO courtesy of fotopedia by photographer jspad

One of my favorite events of the year....the Parade of Lights! If you missed the Parade of Lights at the Channel Islands Harbor last weekend, there will be another opportunity to participate in holiday festivities this weekend at the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights!!! If you haven't been to any of these events, it surely is a must-do with family and friends. So bundle up, get there early for parking, and enjoy festivities, lights, and fireworks on the water!!!

Parade of Lights 2009: Holiday Tropical Tiki Party!

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 18-Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009

DETAILS: The Ventura Harbor will warm up the holiday season with a Holiday Tropical Tiki Party 33rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights, Carnival & Fireworks on Friday, December 18th and Saturday, December 19th at 7 PM.

The two-day fun-filled event will begin with a festive Parade of Lights Carnival featuring rides and games on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn all day long. Santa & Mrs. Claus journey to the Harbor between 5 PM – 9 PM for last minutes gift requests at the Carousel Stage, and faux snow falls from the sky at the promenade in front of the Coastal Cone Ice Cream!

On Saturday, December 19th only, Santa will charter Aspen Hellicopters & fly over the Ventura Harbor 7 PM to kcik off the festivities.

Come early to shop in the 16 Harbor Village stores offering wonderful last minute gifts for everyone on the list! Harbor restaurants are overflowing with good cheer and great vantage view points for the parade. Newly designed holiday lights and decorations illuminate the Ventura Harbor Village this season. Get up close with the boaters and the lit homes in the Ventura Keys with public cruises offered by Ventura Harbor Boat Rentals (805) 642-7753.

The Annual Parade of Lights admission and parking are free. A FREE Shuttle Bus is available on Saturday night only from the parking lot on Harbor Blvd & Schooner Drive from 5-10 PM. Arrive early for best parking and shopping through the Village.

The Ventura Harbor Village offers the best locations to view the holiday boat parade. Dress warm and bring chairs for viewing along the promenade, or at the end of Spinnaker Drive. Contact one of the Harbor-view restaurants directly for reservations (phone numbers can be found throughout this website).

To enter a boat in the Parade of Lights contact the Ventura Harbor at (805) 477-0470. No charge to enter a decorated watercraft and includes a 8 x10 keepsake photo, awards, prizes, and Boaters Brunch at The Greek Restaurant!

The Ventura Harbor is proud to announce the 2009 Parade of Lights Anchor Sponsor: Four Points Sheraton and Holiday Inn Express. Additional sponsors include Andria’s, Ventura West Marina, Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, Inc., Dave’s Fuel Dock, Costco, Ventura Keys Association, Harbortown Point TimeShare, Harbor Landing Health Center, RP Barricade, Quinn The CAT Rental Store, Vessel Assist, The Greek at The Harbor, Cumulus Broadcasting, Gold Coast Broadcasting, The VC Reporter, Ventura Breeze, DirecTV and Aspen Helicopters.

Call (805) 477-0470 for more information or get updates on Twitter and Facebook with Ventura Harbor! Get Here...Have Fun!

plans for thanksgiving?

2009-11-24T11:09:00.001-08:00

Image courtesy of fotopedia: Photo by z_b

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Here's to wishing everyone a wonderful week! Hope that you all enjoy spending time with family and friends, whether travelling, cooking, eating, shopping, or prepping for the holidays.

Staying in town for the holidays and looking for something fun to do? Remember you can always find fun and exciting Special Events in Ventura and Santa Barbara:
Ventura Calendar of Events
Santa Barbara Calendar of Events

Cheers!!!

when you wish upon a star...

2009-11-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Location of the LeonidsFor Northern Hemisphere Observers

Image courtesy of

Meteor Showers Online

Just a reminder for everyone who loves to make wishes on falling stars: the North Taurids and Leonids meteor showers are here, and the North Taurids are peaking TONIGHT, November 11th/12th, just after the midnight hour. So take a cat nap, bundle up, grab a blanket, a beach chair, and hot cocoa, and cross your fingers for clear skies tonight.

If you happened to miss the North Taurids because of cloud cover - or perhaps, because you simply did not make it to midnight - you have another week to prepare for the Leonids peaking on November 17th/18th. There are rumors flying around that 2009 will be a magnificent year for the Leonids, with a possibility of a 'meteor storm'...also, a wonderful opportunity for all of you photographers to document a (hopefully) spectacular event.

Good luck, and hope all of your wishes come true!

EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2009

Don't Forget...

2009-10-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

Daylight Saving Time ends on November 1st, 2009. Move your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. This also means, once again, adjusting your lighting and irrigation timers as needed!
Have a safe weekend, a Happy Halloween, and memorable Dia de los Muertos!!!

drenched

2009-10-14T10:35:00.001-07:00

We are completely drenched and graciously welcoming the first rainfall of the season!

Just a reminder to adjust your irrigation timers as needed as the seasons change, and especially during rainfall. What's the point of over-watering your landscape when mother nature is doing it for you? You'll save money on your water bill, while conserving a natural resource that Californians have very little of.

Related Posts:
Rain: http://plantgurus.blogspot.com/search/label/rain

whole lot of shaking going on

2009-09-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Well, just heard of yet, another earthquake in Indonesia (third one this year). Couple that with yesterdays quake and tsunami activity in Samoa, along with some of the minor quakes we've had on the west coast, it looks like the Pacific Ring of Fire is definitely doing it's thing.

Scary thing, is that it always seems like us Californians are next on the list (well at least I, personally, always have that lingering thought in the back of my mind)...still waiting for the 'Big One'.

Anyhow, being the nerdy scientist and naturalist that I am (yes, I am an artist and an undercover science geek), here is an interesting article from Live Science . Check it out:
Earth Shakes Twice: Is the Planet on a Roll? by Andrea Thompson

it's raining ash...snowflake's dangerous cousin

2009-09-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

So here's the story most of us are familiar with: Our alarm shakes us out of sleep, we lug out of bed, take a sleepy shower, we scurry to get ready with the last 12 minutes left, eat breakfast-or maybe not, walk out to our car, and.......HEY, IT SNOWED! Well, not really. But it does make the morning a little more exciting doesn't it?

Some of the wildfires in the recent past include the Tea Fire, Zaca Fire, and Gap Fire in Santa Barbara County, the Shekell fire in Moorpark, School Canyon fire and other canyon and hillside wildfire blazes (smaller fires which I cannot recall the name of) in the city of Ventura...and countless of other wildfires in Santa Cruz County, San Diego County, and every other county inbetween in the state of California.

Currently the Guiberson Fire which started in Fillmore, had crept its way toward Moorpark, and is now heading back east toward Piru...

Despite the fact some that of us have fortunately been safe from harm's way, we need to remember that our safety and health are indirectly affected by the wildfires that are near us. Here are some tips on safely cleaning ash and debris left from wildfires for those of us who live or work near any wildfire event.

Courtesy: South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
AQMD Offers Homeowners Tips After Recent Wildfires

Safely Removing Fire Ash, Dust and Debris:

Wildfires can leave large amounts of ash, small dust and burnt particles in areas near the
fires. Exposure to ash and dust from these fires can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose
and respiratory system. In addition, ash, dust and debris remaining from burned homes,
businesses and other structures can contain some toxic materials such as asbestos, lead and arsenic.

Below are some tips you can follow to safely clean up ash and debris left by wildfires:

• Avoid skin contact with the ash and debris which can be a skin irritant. Wear long sleeves, pants and gloves during clean up. If ash does get on the skin, wash off immediately.

• Avoid activities that would cause the ash to become airborne. Wet down ash before removal with a low pressure sprayer. Avoid generating runoff. Do not use leaf blowers or shop vacuums that may blow small ash particles into the air.

• Completely remove ash from areas where wood structures were present, particularly structures made with pressure-treated wood such as play structures and wooden decks. Ash and debris in these areas may contain high levels of arsenic.

• Children are particularly susceptible to exposure from ash and dust particles. Keep children out of an area where clean up is occurring and clean toys before children play with them.

• Wash home-grown fruits and vegetables before eating.

Should I wear a protective mask when disturbing or removing ash and debris?
A well-fitted, properly rated mask can provide some protection from ash particles, which tend to be larger than fine particles found in smoke. However, a particulate or dust mask does not protect against gaseous air pollution.

Always use caution when using a protective mask in fire-burned areas. Below are some tips to follow when choosing a mask:

• Look for a mask rated N-95, R-95 or P-95. These low-priced masks are available at hardware and home improvement stores. When fitted properly, these masks can filter out 95 percent of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger. A mask rated N-99 or N-100 is even more efficient at filtering out small dust particles.

• Respirators with a HEPA filter may also be used. These will filter even smaller particles typically found in smoke. For businesses that supply these kinds of respirators look in your local telephone directory under safety equipment.

• While smaller-sized masks may fit a child’s face, masks are not recommended for use by children. Children should only return to an area impacted by a wildfire after cleanup is complete.
• Individuals with heart or lung disease should first consult a physician before using masks or other respiratory protection to clean up after a fire.

• Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s directions listed on the mask or other respiratory protection.

Asbestos in Debris
Home and business owners need to use caution when cleaning up debris from burned homes that could contain asbestos, a known toxic air contaminant. Prior to 1984, asbestos was used in some building materials including roofs, sidings, floor tiles, adhesives, acoustic ceilings and heating ducts. If asbestos was present in the building materials, it could also be present in the ash, dust and debris of a home or other burned structure.

When left in place and undisturbed, asbestos in building materials typically does not pose a hazard. When disturbed by fire, demolition or remodeling, asbestos particles can become airborne.

The following tips will help protect you and your family from potential asbestos exposure:

• Hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor if asbestos is suspected or known to be present. Debris should be stabilized by wetting and covering with plastic sheeting until removed.

• When wetting suspected or known asbestos-containing materials, use a fine, lowpressure spray of water and avoid generating runoff.

• To reduce the amount of material disposed of as asbestos, homeowners can hire a certified asbestos consultant to test and identify asbestos so that it can be separated from non-asbestos debris. This disposal method is less costly.

In addition to the information provided at http://www.aqmd.gov/, below are other websites you can access to obtain more information:

• CalEPA’s tips for fire ash cleanup:
http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Disaster/Documents/FireAsh.pdf

• The U.S. EPA’s information page on asbestos in the home:
http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los
Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
Revised: October 2008

autumn equinox has quietly made it's way

2009-09-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Time to welcome and celebrate a new season! Fall is here and it has quietly made its way into our lives...

crispy, cold nights and hot, dry days,
warm off-shore winds, wildfires, and beautiful sunsets,
shorter daylight hours,
harvest season,
final flush of flowers and fruits before dormancy,
fallen leaves in shades of red, brown, indigo and orange rustling on the ground,
back-to-school nights,
trick-or-treating,
Octoberfest,
and of course (hope we aren't jumping the gun here), Thanksgiving.

And what does this mean for all of us gardeners? Clean-up time and preparation for another season of landscaping and more veggie planting. Lucky for us, we live in sunny California, and Fall season is just another georgeous season to enjoy the outdoors!

Here are some things to think about as Fall gets on its way:

Veggie Beds: (yes, the one that somehow grew out of control over the summer months): harvest, weed, amend soil, make a plan and budget for cool-weather veggies.

Irrigation: repair and adjust timers as needed for colder nights and hot, dry, windy days.

Landscape Lighting: repair and adjust timers as needed for shorter days and daylight savings .

Trees and Shrubs: consider a fall/winter budget for getting any trees or shrubs that need to be trimmed and pruned (dormant fruit trees, overgrown trees in the way of utility poles/wires, trees near the house that may be a fire hazard).

Firescaping: speaking of fire hazards, as wildfire season approaches, a walk-through of your property to be sure it is properly 'firescaped' is an essential task to add to your list of things to do. Weed abatement and proper use of groundcover, shrubs, trees, and basically, having a well-designed greenbelt around your home may reduce fire damage to your home and property.

Lots to think about, lots to do! As you tackle your list of things to do, don't forget to enjoy the beautiful warm sunsets while they last...Happy Gardening!!!

nepenthes attenboroughii

2009-08-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Giant Plant Eats Rodents...WHOA, what??!!! Here is an interesting article of a carnivorous plant that was discovered on a remote mountain in Palawan, Philippines. Little Shop of Horrors anyone?

Giant Plant Eats Rodents

Photograph of Nepenthes attenboroughii

the gardenia man

2009-08-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

A wonderful feature of Grandpa Campbell was recently published in CORONADO Magazine, courtesy of Joseph Ditler, a writer and publicist from Coronado, CA. Joe was a close friend of Grandpa & Grandma Ed and Lorraine Campbell, and they played 'lots and lots of tennis' together. Thanks again for the support, Joe!

Photo: Ed Campbell, Coronado's Johnny Appleseed of gardenias.

"The Gardenia Man"

Long gone from Coronado's landscape is Ed Campbell, the Gardenia Man. He died in January 2005 but not before leaving a fragrant legacy. His thoroughbred gardenia plants can be found today all over Coronado.

Known as Mystery Gardenias, Campbell's creations were grafted wonders handed down by an old gardener he met in Coronado. They possess a fragrance that is literally off the charts and share the largest summer blooms imaginable.

Ed was always quick to give the old gardener credit, even though he couldn't remember the fellow's name. "It made so much sense, what he was doing with gardenias," said Campbell. "He never did a thing with it, so in 1952 I gave it a stab. The plant is truly incredible."

The process involved Campbell grafting five different varieties of gardenia onto the durable Gardenia Thunbergia root. That was the key. Plants grafted onto their own roots tended to become sickly and die.

Campbell had every intention of retiring in 1988 but, much to his surprise, the international garden community discovered his prodigious gardenias and he spent the rest of his life struggling to meet the demand for his wondrous gardenias.

Ed Campbell had been a landscape architect in Coronado since 1934. He inherited Kate Sessions' original efforts as the gardener at the Hotel del Coronado. He was the go-to man for every gardening need on the island and everyone knew him.

The gardenia has always been associated with romance but the gardenia corsage came about in 1937, giving the fragrant, soft-petal plant a new popularity of staggering proportions.

Today the Mystery Gardenias flourish on both sides of the bridge, and they are still in the family. Campbell's grandson, Brendon East, now runs the company, but it wasn't what the younger man originally envisioned he would do with his life.

East gave up a career as a firefighter in the early 1900s and moved to Hawaii's North Shore to surf. One day he received a call from his grandfather. "Come home and learn about my gardenias," said the elder Campbell. Shortly thereafter, Brendon returned to school to study horticulture. Today he and his wife continue the family tradition of grafting gardenias and sharing his grandfather's recipe for success.

"It takes five years from seed to make a successful and sellable five-gallon plant," he said. Such a plant sells for about $45. Brendon not only inherited his grandfather's green thumb, but the driving demand for Gardenia Man's plants. Business continues to be good. For more information on the Ed Campbell Mystery Gardenias and other varieties, contact Grandpa Campbell's Grafted Gardenias at (805) 658-8221; P.O. Box 1888, Ventura, CA 93002 or visit http://www.graftedgardenias.com/.

-JD
Joseph Ditler

bloomin' time

2009-07-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

"We don't do much to them, and they have produced flowers year after year."

The Bowens, Coronado, CA

It's that time of year!!! Grandpa Campbell's Grafted Gardenias are beginning to BLOOM. Now is a great time to purchase gardenia plants for your landscape. They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family. Enjoy the blooms now, before they are gone, gone...gone!!! Happy Summer!

GARDENIA PLANTS: $45 each for one five-gallon plant.

GARDENIA BLOOMS for WEDDINGS: individual blooms available locally by appointment only. Please contact us for more details.

RETAIL NURSERIES: please contact us if you would like to carry grafted gardenias in your nursery.

Available by appointment only. To inquire about delivery options to Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obisposo or San Diego Counties, please contact us:

p.o. box 1888. venutra. ca 93001
phone: 805.658.8221
email: info@graftedgardenias.com

summer solstice...got plans?

2009-06-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice is here! Got plans? Celebrate in style by attending Locally Grown 3, the latest of a series of outdoor concerts, benefiting Food For Thought of Ojai. Food For Thought is a non-profit community based organization that collaborates with Ojai Unified School District, reconnecting kids to the land by nurturing "an awareness of food and its relationship to health, society and the environment". Come and show your support for kids, education, and the environment with live outdoor music at the beautiful Libbey Bowl! (We hear it's going to be a GREAT lineup!)

WHAT: Locally Grown 3
WHEN: Saturday, June 20th 2009, 5pm to 10pm
WHERE: Ojai's Libbey Bowl
WHO: (the lineup)
Mason Jennings
Quetzal with Perla Batalla
Culver City Dub Collective
WHY: To benefit Food for Thought, the Ojai Healthy Schools Program

Raffle prizes, food booths, special guest appearances, & more!

Visit Food For Thought of Ojai for more info.

attack of the ladybugs!

2009-04-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well, that was one sweltering heatwave that came through last week, wasn't it? It was a nice excuse to hit the beach - three days in a row! We had a nice surprise during day #1: upon arrival at Mondo's Beach, we saw TONS and TONS of ladybugs! On rocks, in the sand, in my hair, and also in the water, swimming for dear life.

The next day at Emmawood Beach, day #2, there were still PLENTY of ladybugs. We also saw a lot of kelp washed ashore, with uprooted holdfasts, some still clinging to large stones. (A holdfast is basically the 'root-like' part of the kelp, which binds itself to large rocky surfaces at bottom of the ocean's floor).

Where did they come from? Prior to the heatwave, we experienced strong, brisk, spring winds...strong enough to break branches off of trees, cause semi-trucks to swerve madly on the 101 Fwy, and even forceful enough to knock people off their bicycles (or make them go faster)! This also explains the healthy amount of fresh kelp that washed ashore; the unyielding winds caused upwelling beneath the surface, strong enough to loosen up giant kelp from the ocean floor (and not to mention, it also stirs very, very COLD water to the surface)!

So...back to the original question: where did the ladybugs come from? They most likely got blown over from the mountains, as ladybugs are known to go to higher elevations to hibernate during the winter!

To continue my story, on day #3 we arrived at Oxnard Shores, and STILL, a ton of ladybugs! It seemed like there were even more than the first couple of days, so much that it was almost impossible not to step on one. Anyhow, the tide was coming up and you can see itty bitty ladybugs trying to find refuge in footprints left by joggers and beach-goers. A few even found shelter in an abandoned sand castle, and some...well, some did not make it.

I decided, well heck, it's Earth Day, and why not rescue some ladybugs from the tide and the elements? So I collected about a good fifty or so, and brought them to our nursery. When we got home, I released them into the shade house, and the next morning, they were still there, crawling around amongst the leaves of our plants!

FUN LADY BUG FACTS:

Ladybugs come from the family Coccinellidae which means 'little sphere'

A Ladybug is actually a beetle, and other names include Ladybird Beetle and Lady Beetle

The name 'Ladybug' originated in Europe during the Middle Ages when Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon, the ladybugs came, saving their crops from damaging pests. They called the ladybugs "Beetles of our Lady"

Ladybugs can flap their wings about 85 times in one second

Females can lay up to 1,000 eggs in the spring/summer

There are over 5,000 different species of ladybugs worldwide, all with different sizes and colors. Some are black, gray, yellow-orange, red-orange, and with or without the presence of spots.

Birds and other predators do not eat ladybugs because their bright colors are a warning that they do not taste good

Ladybugs are beneficial insects eating prey such as aphids, scale, and mites

One ladybug can eat as many as 50-100 aphids a day. A growing young larvae may eat up to 100 aphids an hour

A ladybug may live up to 2-3 years

Some people believe that ladybugs are a sign of goodluck, and killing them may bring bad luck

Just like bears, ladybugs also hibernate. You can find them in mulch, in between rocks, and in yard waste.

Earth Day 2009 | Campaigns and Events | The Green Generation | Earth Day Network

2009-04-09T12:38:00.001-07:00

Earth Day 2009 | Campaigns and Events | The Green Generation | Earth Day Network

Posted using ShareThis

What's New?

2009-02-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

Wow. It's been awhile since our last post! Hmmm...last July? 2008? But hey, not a bad start (at first) being new at blogging. Also, this is also a good sign for Channel Islands Landscape, as it is a sign that we have been busy busting our tails out in the field, and trying our best to keep our heads above water. So what is new, and what have we been up to, you ask?

Well, with the economy being as tough as it has been, we've had to make a few adjustments to our services. And this is GOOD NEWS for us and for our clients! Prior to our nation's financial crisis, most of our work was focused on landscape designs and installations for new homes and real estate investments. Now that most home owners are on a tight budget, and foreclosures are at an all time high, we had to redirect our focus to meet our clients' needs.

We are proud to announce (and re-introduce) alternative and specialized services that can be customized to suit the needs of clients that are looking for creative ways to sustain a landscape that is effecient and cost-effective. In other words, let's take what you already have and make it better!

Specialized Services include:

Landscape Detailing-analysis and maintenance of overall plant and soil health, such as pests and disease, as well as technical systems, like irrigation and lighting. Perfect for residential or commercial clients requiring monthly or quarterly check-ups.

Garden Coaching-consultation for clients looking for horticultural expertise or an artist's eye to simply guide them in the right direction. Our coaching sessions can be customized to meet your individual needs and is perfect for DIY, do-it-yourself, homeowners to novice and avid gardeners.

Home Organics-organic vegetable and herb gardens for those looking to use and maximize landscape space in an effecient and sustainable manner for growing edibles. Great for homeowners, private chefs, and restaurants.

Landscape Staging-A minimum and cost-effective investment that is essential and has proven to help realty properties sell in a shorter period of time, including foreclosures. Ideal for realtors and sellers (bank or individual) looking for curb appeal that is attractive to prospective buyers and investors.

.....And as always, we try our best to educate our clients about environmentally safe practices that benefit the health of their landscape and the people and animals that live in it. Stay tuned, as we are in the process of updating our website with more details of our services above. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know are looking for creative ways to sustain their existing landscapes in an effecient and cost-effective way, please let them know about our unique services. We love and appreciate refferals!

glorious gardenias

2008-07-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

The fragrant Gardenia flower brings nostalgia to many, particulary because of the bloom's sensuous and aromatic scent that melts one's soul. Whenever I close my eyes and smell a gardenia in bloom, it takes me back to Hawaii. Almost instantly, I feel a bittersweet feeling of warmth and homesickness sweeping over my senses as I open my eyes with a smile on my face. And I always think of two things: first, my Grandmother and then, the gardenia bush that sat right underneath one of the windows on the side of our house, always dancing in the breeze...It's a beautiful thing.

Coincidentally, the nostalgia that sweeps over my Husband brings memories of raising gardenia plants with his Grandfather in Coronado, California. Every so often he'll pick a gardenia bloom off of a plant, take a good whiff, and say, "This always reminds me of falling asleep in the swing in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard..." Aahhh, the good ol' days.

Grandpa Campbell has sold grafted gardenia plants to clients in Coronado for many years now, mostly by word-of-mouth. In the recent years, we have moved the growing grounds from Coronado to Ventura, California, and the word is slowly spreading up to the central coast.

Up until recently we have only used the actual blooms for personal use and special occassions such as family gatherings, birthdays, reunions, and weddings. After five years of production, we are now happy to announce that we have gardenia blooms available for local Brides-to-be in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and West L.A. counties.

Listed by the knot as one of their top 10 favorite wedding blooms, the "the exquisite gardenia exudes a sultry, heavy scent. It was this intoxicating fragrance that captivated an English sea captain traveling through South Africa in 1754, prompting him to bring home one of the native plants as a souvenir..."
(Jennifer Cegielski) Adapted from The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers(Chronicle Books, 2002).

Everyone we've met who loves gardenias always has a story to tell. We have been blessed to have the opportunity to extend our love of gardenias plants to others and bringing 'aromatic delight' to people's lives. We would love to share this with local Brides-to-be, and provide fragrant gardenia blooms that will create nostalgic memories for years to come.

Please visit us at Grandpa Campbell's Grafted Gardenias for more info or contact us directly to confirm availability of varietial blooms, as well as delivery and payment options.

wildflowers galore part III

2008-04-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

"Wildflowers, wildflowers, wildflowers...is that all you talk about?"

Okay, so here is the last post (at least for the moment) about wildflowers. It's just that they are everywhere! So...if you would like to look at any updates just visit my portfolio to view photos and locations of our spring wildflower study. Enjoy!

Black Mustard-Brassica nigra (above)

Ventura, California

A majority of the yellow that you see on our hillsides is most likely Black Mustard. You will find that it is mixed in with other yellow wildflowers, but it is a dominant species that makes up most of the yellow that you see from far away. This species is not recommended for planting in your landscape, and is best enjoyed for what it is...a wildflower.

Santa Barbara Locoweed-Astragalus tricopodus (above)

Matilija Canyon. Ojai, California

Striking yellow shrub amongst woody Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub. Not something that you can find at your local nursery...which is another good reason for going 'loco' and enjoying the wildflowers while they are blooming.

Blue Dicks a.k.a. Wild Hyacinths or Wild Onion-Dichelostemma capitatum

(above)

Matilija Canyon. Ojai, California

Okay, so after you finish wiping your tears from laughing so hard, this little flower is about the size of a quarter. The name is funny, yes, but you'll fall in love with the miniature flower the instant you see it in person. And here's a survival tip: the bulbs or corms are actually edible and have been used as food by Native Americans, early pioneers, and even our wild furry friends, like rabbits, gophers, deer, and bears.

Bush Sunflower-Encelia californica (above)

Ventura, California

Can be seen blooming along Coastal Bluffs, Coastal Sage Brush, and Chaparral. If you look closer on hillsides where Black Mustard is growing, you may find a few Bush Sunflowers nestled in between, here and there. We even found some amongst a Lupine patch, striking a beautiful golden contrast against a violet background.

wild flowers galore - part II

2008-03-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Lupine, Lupine, Lupine!

There are different varieties of the Lupinus species, that can be found in Grasslands, Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, and protected canyons. We found our not-so-secret patch of lupine near the coast off of the Seacliff on ramp in Ventura, California.

Note that some species of lupine (and other species of wildflowers) are dominant fire-followers. If you combine the recent fires on the central coast with the great rain season we've had, we end up with an amazing pallette of bright colors that'll knock your socks off!

"So, can I plant lupines in my garden," you ask? Sure. It's rare to come across lupine plants or plugs at nurseries, but you can usually find lupine seed packets quite readily.

Lupine Gardening Tip:

Sow seeds in fall or winter for spring blooms
Sow seeds in early spring for summer blooms
Broadcast seeds onto topsoil, then cover with light layer of seed topper
The short-lived lupine will sprout, grow, bloom, seed, then die
Small or large gardens are o.k., but beware...may re-seed overtime
Learn to i.d. seedling leaves, so not to confuse with weeds

P.S. I believe that the lupine we stumbled upon is the Foothill (or Arroyo) Lupine: Lupinus succulentus. Any confirmation or correction from fellow wildflower enthusiasts would be much appreciated!

wildflowers galore

2008-03-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is coming up....got plans? Well, the wildflowers are here, and now is a great time for viewing! They are everywhere, so if you have a minute, pull over and take a looksy at the roadside treats. Even better, make a day out of it and go on a hike with family and friends...or if you are feeling romantic, take a wildflower wine tasting tour with a loved one.

If you live in Ventura or Santa Barbara County, some of our favorite places to view wildflowers include:

Channel Islands National Park
Ojai Valley/Topatopa Mountains
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Los Padres National Forest
Santa Monica Mountains

WILDFLOWER HUNTING TIPS

prep up:

plan at least day or two in advance
contact local resources to find out where the best blooms are
visit Wildflower Hotline Links online or call 818.768.3533
if bringing pets, make sure they are allowed on the sites you plan to visit
if you decide to do a hike make sure it is age and physically appropriate for your group

pack up:

Some wildflower hunting requires hiking on trails, so be prepared, pack light, and remember, trash packed in, must be packed out
bring water
pack a light lunch/picnic, or snacks
dress in layers; weather can change unexpectedly
sunscreen, hat
comfy shoes
camera
pictoral wildflower guide and day hike guide; my personal favorites:
Santa Barbara Day Hikes (Santa Barbara Outdoor Companion Series)
Day Hikes in Ventura County, California: 43 of the Best
Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains

the hunt:

go early in the day so you have time to explore
at first it may seem like there aren't any flowers to be seen; look closer; many wildflowers are miniature and delicate in size
take lots of pictures
do not pick the flowers; please leave them for others to enjoy; some species of plants may be federally protected
be prepared for poison oak
be prepared for ticks
take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and have fun!

Stay tuned for WILDFLOWER TIPS FOR THE LANDSCAPE and more pics from our recent Wildflower Hunt!

go green for saint patty's day

2008-03-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder....

Join our friends at McGrath Family Farm

MON, March 17th
Saint Patrick's Day

7AM-6PM

GRAND OPENING

of
Organic PRODUCE STAND and Sustainable FARM CENTER

Drop By, Pick Up Fresh Organic Produce and

Support Your Local Organic Farm!

click here for more info and fun facts...

alyogyne huegelii

2008-03-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Alyogyne huegelii, a.k.a. Blue Hibiscus

Not a true hibiscus (that we all know and love). This is an Australian native that requires little to moderate water and does well in full sun. It is an evergreen shrub that does not get as many aphids and white fly as much as the true hibiscus.

A fairly recent addition to the southern California landscape, Blue Hibiscus is a great plant for the water wise garden. The showy flowers of the Blue Hibiscus are eye catching when in bloom and makes a great focal point. Grows 5-8' tall and wide, but may require heavy pruning in fall. Blooms off and on all year in mild climates. Consistent color, and puts on a show of blooms in Spring.

'Santa Cruz' is a deep blue. 'Monterey Bay' and 'Mood Indigo' are more purple. There is one variety, 'White Swan', with white flowers, but is a rare find in local nurseries of Ventura and Santa Barbara nurseries.

magnificent moon

2008-03-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

CURRENT MOON

moon phase

View Past and Future Moon Phases Calendar

How we love our magnificent moon! Such a beautiful, simple, breathtaking sight when looking up at it from planet earth...yet such a complex, intriguing element that affects everything from the oceans' tides to animal behavior (yes, including us earthlings, because you know what they say when it's 'full moon').

So what does the moon have to do with landscaping? Believe it or not, the moon can have an effect on plants, both scientifically and aesthetically, and today, I'd like to talk about the aesthetically and rewarding enjoyment of Moonlight Gardens.

This is where you ask, "Is that the thing where I hear gardeners doing weird stuff with their plants when it is full moon?" Well no, not exactly, because what you may be thinking of is actually called Lunar or Moon Gardening, where gardening tasks are planned during different phases of the moon. Lunar gardening is where the scientific part comes into play; the moon has a gravitational effect on plants, soil , and water (just like the oceans' tides), and this is an alternative for gardening in a different, but effecient way. And that's another story, so we'll touch on that another time...

So, let's get ready for spring and summer, let's roll up our sleeves, take some notes, take some pictures (not copyrighted stuff now, I mean grab your camera, and take real photos) and let's explore the world of Moonlight Gardens!

Why should I have a Moonlight Garden?

Because they are so neat and such a treat to experience! When the weather warms up, and the temperatures are comfortable enough to enjoy the outdoors at night, moonlight gardens bring a unique and aesthetic element to your landscape.

Imagine having an evening summer BBQ or cocktail party, and the night is starting to wind down. You walk out to your outdoor firepit or jacuzzi. The moon is out. It is bright, full, and brilliant. You look out the corner of your eye, and see a subtle radiance of plants and flowers that seem to be glowing in the dark. There it is, your moonlight garden...so peaceful, yet magnetizing.

MOONLIGHT GARDEN TIPS:

Plant pale colored flowering plants that reflect light when illuminated
Fragrant plants and herbs add another element, as your senses adjust in limited light
Go with whites, creams, yellows, silvers, and grays
Look for leaves that have darker, saturated, green colors, as well as variegated properties
Leaves and flowers should contrast
Some examples: gardenias, white roses, stephanotis, pink jasmine, thyme, mint
Remember to choose plants wisely, according to their needs (watering, sun exposure, etc.) and the location(s) within your landscape
Moonlight gardens are just as enjoyable for kids as they are for adults, so remember to share it with your family and friends!

Stay tuned for more pics! And remember, if you'd like our guidance with your Moonlight Garden, we'd be happy to talk to you about the services we provide.

Visit us at: Channel Islands Landscape and Design

For our beautiful gardenias visit: Grandpa Campbell's Grafted Gardenias

P.S....don't forget, Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend. It's time to 'SPRING' forward one hour!

ooops...

2008-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

So here's the deal...we are new to this blogging thing, and there is so much to think about! Our new friend, Garden Wise Guy, Billy Goodnick, brought to our attention that we don't have any links available to post comments. So I made the adjustments needed, and as of now, if you'd like to share anything with us, we'd love to hear from you!

(Just as a side note: you may view any of PLANTGURUS older posts (before 3/5/08), but you will not be able to comment on those posts because of the settings).

Thanks for the heads up, Billy!

Visit Garden Wise Guy's Blog: www.gardenwiseguy.blogspot.com

mcgrath family farm

2008-03-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Join Us!

Monday, March 17th

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

7am-6pm

GRAND OPENING

of

McGrath Family's

Organic FARM CENTER and PRODUCE STAND

About McGrath Family Farm:

Farming on the Oxnard Plain since 1968
Long time provider of fresh organic produce for Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Vicinities
Can be found at local farmers markets
Fresh organic produced requested by chefs and served in local restaurants
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for local consumers/shareholders
Farm Tours for Schools: learn about the history, see farm animals, pick organic veggies!
Produce Grown Seasonally: lettuce, beets, swiss chard, carrots, greens, strawberries, tahitian squash, butternut squash, assorted flowers, and much much more...
And now we can look forward to conveniently picking up our fresh organic produce directly from the the farm at McGrath's new Farm Center/Produce Stand!

So how do we know the McGraths?

Farmer Phil is a long time friend that we have grown to love over the years. To put it simply, he is really just good company! There was a time when we (plantgurus, Desiree and Brendon) were going through that pre (and post) 'college stage', and we would help Farmer Phil with farmers markets and farm tours. But even before that, we would share common interests, especially through surfing, and more often than not, we'll see Phil and his beautiful wife Joanne at the beach.

So now that we are all grown up, Farmer Phil asked for our guidance in planning out the landscaped areas of McGrath Family's new Farm Center. Using drought tolerant plants and trees, large boulders, and farm equipment, we were able to create winding pathways and seating areas for visitors to enjoy. Hope to see you there!

ORGANICALLY GROWN PRODUCE

McGrath Family Farm
ON THE OXNARD PLAIN SINCE 1868

1012 W.Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010
Conveniently Located Just off the 101FWY and Central Ave
contact: 805.983.1211

mucho mulch

2008-03-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

It’s only March in southern California and it already feels like spring! That’s great for us humans, because we love to go outdoors and warm up when the sun is out. Unfortunately, it is also good news for most types of weeds, because for them, ‘spring’ starts after the decent rain, and they are oh, so anxious, to stretch for that sunshine!

This is why we love mulch! A great way to keep weeds under control is mulch, as it can save labor costs associated with weeds, and it helps to retain soil moisture. This type of preventive maintenance is important, especially if you want to avoid spraying herbicides on your property when the weeds get out of control. And this is especially true if you just don’t have the time to maintain those nasty things. Mulching means less weeding and less watering for you.

If you already have mulch placed in your landscape from previous season(s), now is a good time to think of replenishing your already mulched areas with a fresh new layer.

Remember that there are many different types of mulch to choose from these days, from cocoa bean shells to straw and hay. How to choose the right mulch depends on what your budget is and what kind of look and function you are trying to achieve. Recycled green waste, or composted mulch, has become more and more popular, so that is always a great and inexpensive option.

MULCH TIP:

First, make a list of your mulching ‘needs’:

What areas of your property are you mulching?

Small areas or large open spaces?

Vegetable beds and fruit trees, or decorative planter areas?

Next, if you plan on applying the mulch yourself, start looking into what your local resources have available. Here are some places to start:

Local Nurseries

Local Soil/Mulch Suppliers

City or County Programs

If all else fails, and the choices are too overwhelming, find a professional that can actually come to your home and guide you in the right direction:

Landscape Designers or Contractors (can provide estimate and installation)

Gardening/Maintenance Services (can provide estimate and installation)

Local Master Gardeners (free consulting only)

Good Luck, and stay tuned for pics!….And remember if you live in Ventura or Santa Barbara Counties, we would be glad to talk to you about the landscaping services that we provide. Contact us at Channel Islands Landscape for more info.

Visit www.channelislandslandcape.com

so stunning

2008-02-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been driving or walking around somewhere and see a great combination of plants in a landscape that just makes your head turn and say, “I really like that”…?

Well this combination of plant material does just that, and we find ourselves using it quite often in clients’ landscapes.

COLOR TIP:

First, let’s start with a natural stone border that meanders along the edge of the planter, preferably a natural beige or warm earth tone color.

Next, use a small to medium sized Phormium species, preferably ‘Tom Thumb’, 'Jack Spratt', or ‘Bronze Baby'.

Stagger or alternate with Anigozanthos ‘Harmony’, which grows to 4 ft. tall with yellow flowers and red stems.

Then, for a nice ground cover in the foreground, plant Senecio ‘Blue (or Gray) Chalk Sticks’.

Run a drip emitter to each plant and hide it with a 2-3 in. layer of mulch, and now you have a low water, low maintenance color combination that will be sure to turn heads.

What we have is a dark bronze, almost burgundy, Phormium contrasting with the green foliage of the Anigozanthos and its red-yellow flowers. It all sits in a striking grayish-blue blanket of Senecio, and is framed by the beige color of the natural stone.

This combination works stunningly well, because of the different textures and colors that compliment each other. And the best part is that once these plants are established, they require very little water.

agave attenuata

2008-02-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

Great and popular succulent throughout California. Grows up 5-6' tall and wide. Can propagate easily by cutting off small or large suckers and replanting. Needs no special attention. Can handle low or high water situations. May get frost injury below 32°F, but will come back soon after. Full sun or partial shade.

rain

2008-02-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

"It's raining, it's pouring..."

How we love the rain, and how badly we need it, especially here in southern California. But remember that this is also a still a great time to conserve water by manually adjusting automatic timers that run your irrigation system. And how to even begin to mess with that complicated timer-thingy, you ask?

WATER TIP:

After having your timer initially installed, have your landscaper walk you through the process, and learn by doing: push the buttons while they talk you through it. Ask questions, take notes, and once you get the concept it will come easy to you.

If you haven't yet learned how to use your irrigation timer, there is no better time than right now. The learning curve of teaching yourself how to use an irrigation timer is about the same as learning how to use your cell phone or learning how to send an email. Still unsure? Enlist technically-savvy family members or friends to help...once you learn how to program your timer, it really is quite simple. And then maybe give them a small treat, a trade, or take them out to lunch as a thank you.

Step-by-step, easy to follow instructions are always imprinted on the inside door of your timer, along with a toll-free number of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers are more than happy to walk you step-by-step through the programming features, and in most cases are willing to send a local representative out to show you how it works.

From our experience most homeowners unknowingly over water, especially in the winter months. So here's your homework: go outside, take a look, and if your lawn, planter beds, and soil are always soggy, you may need to adjust your timer.

Once you learn how to use and program your timer properly, you'll not only be green by conserving water and energy, you'll also save money on your next water bill, and have more of those green bills in your pocket!