BEETLES ABOUND!

The enormous amount of carrot seed we have collected since we first saw these beetles a few years ago has been wonderful.  We collect the seed and they finish drying outdoors then are stored in a cool dry place.  These particular carrots produced viable and abundant seed thanks to the pollination from these beetles and others. 

The ‘furniture carpet beetle’ (Anthrenus flavipes) pictured below is considered a ‘pest’ by UC IPM folks at Davis.  Greatly admiring the work of UC IPM we will agree to their advisement, “Examine cut flowers for adult beetles.  Be careful not to bring these pests into the home on cut flowers—with their rounded bodies and short antennae, carpet beetles somewhat resemble lady beetles in shape.” 

BENEFICIAL INSECTS

Planting insectary plants into the garden will bring these predators and pollinators to your gardens.  Eliminating pesticides and harmful chemicals is also necessary.

soldier beetle

hoverfly

ladybug

aphid mummy caused by parasitic wasp

crab spider

garden spider

butterfly

lacewing eggs

ladybug eggs next to aphids

ladybug larvae

ladybug

Culinary and Medicinal Herbs

Culinary and medicinal herbs have been a part of human heritage for thousands of years.  Many herbs used by indigenous peoples have been studied and found to be greatly important in our discoveries of past cultures and their daily life.

Herbs can mean many things to many different people; culinary plants like Thyme and Parsley, shown above, offer a staple place in the garden.  Other plants like Calendula and Feverfew, also shown above, are enjoyed for their medicinal qualities as well as their beauty.

All around the world people enjoy the grace and diversity of herbs.  Let us help you build an herb garden today!

Cedar Waxwings

Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) are migratory birds visiting our region from September through May.  They are 'intensive foragers" of fruit; up to 90% of their diet!  Waxwings are incredibly beautiful birds having red tips to their wings and a band of bright yellow on their tail feathers.  They are nomadic birds in constant search for fruit.

Grow native shrubs and trees that bear fruit for these migratory birds rather than an invasive plant like Privet.  While waxwings love the berries the spread of invasive species should be reduced. 

Fruit bearing native trees and shrubs include coffee berry, elderberry, toyon, hackberry, currants and also the vine California grape.

 

Cedar Waxwing