Akebia and Elderberry

Native Plant with Multiple Functions

Elderberry: Sambucus mexicana is our local Elder Tree.   At least six (6) useful attributes with only one plant!

•  Tall tree-like shrub provides shade decreasing ambient temperatures

•  Flowers provide insects with pollen and nectar

•  Berries provide humans and wildlife with food

•  Wood can be used for making arrows (as Maidu Native Americans still do)

•  Autumn leaves and branches provide food for the soil;  imperative for all of Nature’s cycles

don’t forget…

•  Absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while releasing oxygen back out!

Akebia quinata

Akebia quinata is a deciduous climbing vine growing to 36’ at a fast rate.  A native to China, Korea, and Japan it flowers in clusters of fragrant purple from April to May while the large seedpods ripen from September to October. 

Ideal for food forests or container gardening!  It grows well trained as a ‘living wall’ on North, East or West facing walls.  Ensure watering does not encourage spread as it can become a rampant if left to grow near riparian areas.  The dense mat of vines can displace native understory species.

USES: Akebia quinata fruit has a delicate flavor and a soft, juicy texture while the peeled stems are very pliable and can be used in basket making.

Moon and Narcissus

Does the Moon affect plant growth and health?

It has been said for hundreds of years that the moon's monthly cycle (lunar cycle) of waxing and waning has a very definite influence on plant growth and health; particularly moisture.

Though little research has been conducted on this idea, the gravitational pull of the moon does affect the flow of tides in the ocean...   we believe there must be something to be said for the plants on terra firma.

Narcissus

Narcissus is the genus of bulbous herbs in the amaryllis family.  The genus is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens.

Other common names for Narcissus include daffodil, daffydown-dilly, fleur de coucou, Lent lily, and porillon.

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD!!

Growing your own food is the most powerful voice of sustainability that human beings have.  Agribusiness degrades our planet under the premise that "farmers feed America" while we sit by and rely on them for everyday sustenance.

NO MORE!!  A small apartment patio can grow an amazing supply of food using creative strategies of garden design.  Find freedom through food!

Contact us today for more information!

PLANT SEEDS! A diverse selection of food plants creates a polyculture garden that is far more productive and pest resistant than monoculture farming. Get seed now and begin planting indoors or start outdoors in a coldframe or greenhouse.

 

Plant snow peas now! For small spaces people often use a medium size pot with a teepee of stakes and string wrapped around to allow tendrils to climb up. A few plants will provide ample food for early spring harvesting. YUM!

If starting broccoli seed outdoors protect them from frost using clear plastic over the top of containers or ground. Once germinated keep the covering on at night and hold the plastic away from plants using skewers into to sides of the pot and upsidedown yogurt cups to protect plastic from tears. 

Start potatoes either in the ground or grow them UP by planting in a tall container always using high quality compost and heavy mulch. Start "eyes" in the bottom layer then as they grow keep covering them til the container is full. When greenery dies back take apart and harvest!!!

Mustard, lettuce, arugula, endive, even chinese cabbage are fantastic for planting outdoors now. Keep protected as described earlier. Plant more seed every 10-14 days for an endless supply of leafy greens. Once the heat sets in keep protected with shade plants grown around lettuce beds.

Perrennial vegetables are easily grown in our temperate climate. Vegetables such as chard, sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes -eaten like a potato), rhubarb, asparagus, horseradish, chives and winter onions.

Pineapple guava or the Feijoa shrub is an old-time favorite we should see a lot more of in the future. The many uses include its edibility (both flowers and fruit can be eaten and are super sweet), ability to provide shade as well as fruit in part shade and habitat for birds and insects. 

Apricots are a favorite for many. One semi-dwarf tree can provide two people with plenty to eat fresh, preserve or share with friends. Fruit trees take time to mature so if you want to have one in your gardens or on your patio (use a dwarf tree) plant them bareroot NOW!!! 

Go vertical! Grow tomatoes up arbors and trellises made from reused materials (an old awning frame shown here). In the background is a Scarlett runner bean, grown for its showy flowers many people don't realize you can eat the beans as well as the root (a tuberish root eaten like a potato)

 

HARVEST RAINWATER & KUMQUAT

The Melianthus major pictured above is an example of Nature's own gutter system for plants efficiently bringing rainwater to where the plant needs it most; its root zone.

We humans can do it too!  By designing rainwater harvesting systems for the roofs of our homes, barns, outbuildings and more we can effectively conserve water while recharging local water tables.

Contact us for more information!

KUMQUAT  Fortunella spp.

The Kumquat is a delicious garden addition.  They are superb eaten raw; the outer layer slightly spicy while the inner layer sweet as in the variety.

Kumquats, or comquats, are called 'gold orange' in China from where they originated.  They thrive in our valley climate and are said to produce sweeter fruits in our warmer winters.

Slowly growing to 10 feet or more they require seasonal food and water once established.  All the while producing food for snacking or preserving.