red berries

three berries

It’s red berry season in this part of the world, and our yard boasts three different shrubs bearing this cheerful fruit. None of them are native; in fact both cotoneaster and firethorn are considered invasive in California. I’d like to replace them both with our lovely endemic toyon.

Solidago velutina

Solidago velutina

Before leaving Palm Springs, I spent a few hours in the desert oasis of Andreas Canyon on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. There’s spectacular geology, and a permanent creek bordered by dense California fan palms (Washingtonia filifera), the only palm species native to the southwestern United States. Pretty velvety goldenrod was flourishing in the dappled shade. Such a gorgeous place to ‘forest bathe’ before the long drive home.

Romneya coulteri

roots

I made this page over a week ago; yesterday I saw that the remainder of the plant had disappeared, before I got a chance to dig it up and cage the roots.

I want to plant a lot more natives in the front yard, so I’m going to have to come up with a tactic to protect them while they get established.