(April 13, 2010)
The recent rains we had prompted me to learn a bit of meteorology. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) , a “shower” is:
A descriptor, SH, used to qualify precipitation characterized by the suddenness with which they start and stop, by the rapid changes of intensity, and usually by rapid changes in the appearance of the sky.
While “rain” is simply “precipitation that falls to earth in drops more than 0.5 mm in diameter.” Um, OK, so we either had rain showers, or rain with showers or lots of showers…
Around 3 inches on the river this past weekend, helping to make for a wet April, but rainfall for the year is still just below typical in the north bay.
Seems like I’ve had casual conversations with many people which typically mention the weather, and a typical comment might be something mildly negative about the rains. I do understand that many people find the rain a bit oppressive (or perhaps it is simply the lack of sunlight), but I find my attitude about the rain centers more on their essential contribution to water supply, underground water (our well), wildflowers, and other elements of nature.
It’s at this time of year, with the temperatures slowly increasing—the average temperature being most important, especially at night—more light and abundant rain, that we see powerful evidence of new growth. (My last post was about the emergence of growth as we transition into spring, but now things are beginning to burst out.)
The native trees are vibrant green with new growth at their edges, giving the views a dynamic appeal.
Also, many of the fruit trees in the orchard are just now setting fruit, the success of which starts with the weather during the time the flowers first emerge—namely bees are more active on rainless days, but the plants are more active with the rains. (Same with the amount of acorns…In past years, rainless Aprils have resulted in an abundance of them.)
And, all indications are for a particularly productive year for wildflowers. We’ve been trying to encourage them by spreading native flower seeds the last few years, but the rains have not been helpful. This year however, we’re already seeing signs of abundant growth around the property.
(Note: this picture above, while lovely, is of a native Lupine flower and the yellow flower of our dreaded, invasive broom plant—either Scotch or French Broom. It was introduced in the 1800’s, and it not only takes over whatever area it is growing in, but those beautiful yellow flowers will soon make seeds that will remain viable for decades…it’s really an ongoing battle to keep it under some control—just ask Brad about his long summer days our first year doing battle with huge plants of it, or Ted who works hard now to keep it under control.)
So, what have I learned with the rains?
- a few days here-and-there without sunlight during early spring leads to beautiful vibrant growth and burst of wildflowers
- when you get used to a lack of rain, we tend to forget what more typical rainfall is like
- new green growth, contrasted against a grey sky has a beauty all its own
- this is going to be a fantastic spring, something to look forward to
- the elements that determine the success of the local harvest for all you who prefer local, organic produce have been in play for weeks, and the rains are a critical part of that
Vineyards
While I was typing this post, I got notice from our lawyers that “River Myst Haven Vineyards” has been cleared for trademark…yeah!! Ted is hard at work getting the vine planting underway…look for updates on the site soon.
Upcoming
Keep an eye on the website. Brad has been taking classes on website development and has some improvements and upgrades coming!
Also, we’ve met and planned some of our activities for the year, and Didi is hard at work planning some very cool things. Be sure to check out the events section.
Farmer’s Markets are gearing up!
And don’t forget the Sonoma County Farm Trails map & guide
Remember! April showers do, in fact, bring May Flowers!
(And what do May flowers bring?? Pilgrims!!!)
~Timothy
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