I haven’t used commercial fertiliser in the veggie garden so far, instead relying on our home made compost. But some of the beds aren’t performing as well as I would like, so I’ve decided to try this booster, on the recommendation of San Diego Seed Company.
The bird bath camera continues to bring us surprises. While it’s a little tedious scrolling through the many, many house finch captures, it’s worth it when we see a new arrival. The red-breasted nuthatch is another winter visitor to our region. Like other nuthatches, these move quickly over trunks and branches probing for food in crevices and under flakes of bark. They creep up, down, and sideways without regard for which way is up. Such fun to see this one at the bath.
Seen on the wildlife camera, a new-to-us visitor enjoying a drink and a splash. We are in the winter range of the Hermit Thrush, and very happy to welcome this one to our garden, as they rarely visit backyards. I haven’t heard its lovely, melancholy song, but I’m keeping my ears open.
Salvia brandegeei, known commonly as Santa Rosa Island sage or Brandegee’s* sage, is a perennial evergreen shrub within the mint family. Initially presumed to be exclusive to Santa Rosa Island, one of California’s Channel Islands, it was later identified along the coastline of Baja California in Mexico. While facing threats from development and mining in certain mainland areas within its habitat, the population on Santa Rosa Island remains stable.
We planted one in 2018, in sandy soil on the ocean side of our house, where it’s exposed to full sun and salty winds. It’s thriving! Hopefully some of these cuttings will strike, and we can plant more of this lovely sage.
*Mary Katharine Brandegee (October 28, 1844 – April 3, 1920) was an American botanist known for her comprehensive studies of flora in California. When she married Mr Brandegee in 1889, the two of them walked 522 mi/840 km from San Diego to San Francisco for their honeymoon, collecting plants along the way.
Seems the wildlife is capturing the camera, instead of vice versa. We might need to reconsider this location.
If it isn’t already obvious …. one of my daily joys is to sit in the barrelarium and stare at the vegetables.
Teensy little leaves being eaten by teensy little caterpillars.
Our neighbour’s garden is not alight, but the Fire Sticks succulent (Euphorbia tirucalli) sure is aptly named.
Only a few day’s worth left. It’s been a good long tomato season!
hashiworks 