Flying Time

Hmmmm. So long since my last blog…did you miss me??

It’s been busy in the garden with much spring planting to do, so forgive me if I’ve been a bit distracted. In addition, we’re also doing quite a bit of prep for some very special cooking and wine experiences coming up. (Please be sure to check the events part of the website.)

Envy with Green

The other day I was sitting in the Vegeyard, captivated by the aggressive bursts of new spring growth all around me. It was an important reminder of how marvelous I find nature. I was stunned by the seemingly infinite range of the shades of green reflected in the new growth. From where I was sitting, I was able to see quite a mix of different plants blending together in the view—raspberries, new growth in the flower box, new oak leaves, grasses…The tableau of all of the leaves exploding from their plants, reaching to the sun, alive with bees and such buzzing through them, made spring tangible.

As Thoreau said: “Spring--an experience in immortality.”

Farmer’s Markets

Our local farmer’s markets have opened for the season (Healdsburg on Saturdays & Winsor on Sundays). So, it’s the season to really support local organic produce—hug a farmer, or visit your closest farmer’s market. Certified markets in California: CFM

Things are buzzin’…

Wow! RMH is alive with bees—honey, bumble, native. Their buzzing vibrates all over the property. I am remarkably lucky to be able to work the garden as often as I do, and at this time of year I am grateful for the bees.

I’ve learned to leave as many native flowers—including dandelions—as studies have shown native bee populations do better with regular access to them. Also, I give a great deal of thought to a greater range of seasonal flowering so that there is overlap in food availability for bees. Working in our garden makes it exceptionally clear how much our food supply depends on bees. Right now, they are ensuring an abundant supply of raspberries this summer!

Didi has a bee in her bonnet and is exploring beekeeping as a possible project for RMH. She’s been exploring the Sonoma County Beekeepers’ Association and, it seems, is leading us closer to acquiring a hive or two…but I’m not naming them…

Wild Canines

RMH is very dog-friendly. So much so, that wild canines in the area (namely foxes and coyotes) may have taken it as a personal invitation to move in. A couple of nights this week I’ve woken to the sight of a fox foraging through bird food (namely nuts & fruit), and one of those nights a coyote very near the house added his or her voice to the night—got all of our attention! Most amazing, I was alone on the property working the gardens and startled a coyote at 5PM while s/he was checking on how my progress in the garden might be of benefit. Quite a beautiful animal. More on wild canines.

And you thought it was just me…

Announcement from Sonoma County Master Gardners

“As only one of five places in the world with Mediterranean weather, Sonoma County draws passionate gardeners from all over. This will be evidenced in mid-May when 350 California Garden Club members converge here for their biennial statewide conference, to be followed by 500 California Master Gardeners two weeks later. When you see the folks with the tote bags, garden hats, and badges wandering into every shop, restaurant, garden, and winery, you will realize they have arrived. More.

~Happy Spring!~

~Timothy