Greywater and Praying Mantids

SHOULD IRRIGATION WATER BE FRESH DRINKING WATER?  

We think not!


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greywater, grey water, graywater, gray water….

however you spell California needs it!

Join the discussions about greywater currently underway between state agencies, professionals and the public!

Learn about greywater here:

http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/index.htm

http://www.greywaterguerrillas.com/

Praying Mantids

(over 20 species are native to the United States)

Praying mantids are voracious garden predators that wait in ambush for prey to come along. They are not picky and will eat any insect!  The CA native mantid (Stigmomantis californica) is often seen though most species seen in our gardens in CA are foreign (Chinese and European species) introduced early this century for agricultural pest control purposes.

 

Food Forests and Pomegranates

FOOD FORESTS

A food forest is exactly what it sounds like… an abundant and self sustaining forest of edible, medicinal and other useful plants. 

There are 7 layers to a food forest:

1. CANOPY: oak, pecan, walnut, olive

2. SUBCANOPY:  almonds, cherries,  dwarf fruit trees

3. SHRUBS: currants, berries, paw paw, elderberry, bamboo

4. HERBACIOUS:  echinacea, comfrey, mugwort, parsley, cilantro

5. GROUNDCOVER: strawberries, creeping thyme, some mints

6. CLIMBERS: grape (wild, table or wine), scarlet runner bean, akebia, kiwi

7. RHIZOSPERE: daikon, radish, beets, carrots, onions

The soil layer down to 6” or so is the next layer essential for all the layers above; the microsphere.  This layer consists of the soil food web; organic matter (mulch) feeding fungi, bacteria, protozoa, nematodes and the larger arthropods.

Let us design this type food system for your property!  Contact us today for reduced cost!

Pomegranate   Punica granatum

The pomegranate is a deciduous tree growing to 20ft in height by 15ft wide.  A native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India it has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa and Europe. Because of the many seeds found in pomegranate fruits, they were regarded as a symbol of fertility by the ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

The fruits ripen 6 to 7 months after flowering.  The fruits improve in storage if not split and become juicier and more flavorful.  The juice sacs may be frozen intact or the extracted juice may be concentrated and frozen, for future use.

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.