May 2007

Pilgrims

Submitted by Rainie on

Throughout its twenty-five year development, the one-acre garden that surrounds my home has elicited the curiosity and participation of almost as many children as it has adult horticulturists. At first a ruderal landscape, it has grown into a maze of natural sunlit rooms and meandering trails. The land was once overgrazed in some portions, sprouting weeds in other parts and donning numerous tree stumps, remains of the mature live oaks that once dominated this gentle slope. The previous owner planted five Monterey pines in front of the house for shade, and an aleppo on the east side. A row of lofty Eucalyptus trees along the road, remains from wood lot speculation on the Nipomo mesa in the early nineteen hundreds, still serves as a...

The Orchard

Submitted by Rainie on

Originally the fruit orchard occupied the southwest corner of my property and was comprised of a dwarf peach, one lemon tree, three apple trees, a prized apricot, an avocado, walnut, and an orange tree. The previous owners planted them, perhaps ten years earlier as an adjunct to their vegetable garden, and cared for them until I purchased the land. I assumed stewardship; watering, weeding and pruning, with respect for what existed when I arrived, and in return some prospered, while others met with their demise.

From the trees that survived, I gathered fruit which I carried to my kitchen or to my neighbors. I made applesauce, apple pies, and an unusual pizza concoction that calls for green apples, walnuts and Brie. Anyone with a...

Silver Dormouse

Submitted by Rainie on

The Tale of Silver Dormouse

In England there is a breeder who longed to name a new cultivar after his wife. She on the other hand was adamantly opposed to the public use of her given name. They have been married for more than forty years and live in a modest country cottage where they often entertain friends and colleagues who share their interest in horticulture. During these evening socials a simple dinner might be served, to the accompaniment of friendly conversation, followed by tea, and a stroll through the garden.

The lady of the house has a propensity for dozing off before tea and cakes can be served. By this I mean that she politely and quietly falls asleep at the dinner table. These catnaps...