Spring Wars

Unrelenting battles rage in the spring garden...tiny birds bravely try to defend their nesting territories from attacks of ominous black ravens with a taste for eggs or offspring. Roadrunner crazily twists his neck as he reconnoiters the many nests seeking hatchlings. Moths, gnats, butterflies, crickets, lizards, small rodents...all are at risk of being scooped up as a source of nourishment for the new generation.

The ageless desert sings a song of contentment, joy and relief as life performs it's arduous struggle of spring survival ...

Overpopulation Problem?

" Spring is Busting' Out all Over "... Borrego's current theme, as a walk around the garden reveals. The tiny birds are unable to fly, yet , and sit quietly while posing for photos!

Doppler Radar ?

I don't know about you...but, from now on, I intend to ignore the TV weatherman.

The long range and short range, Doppler radar weather outlook called for rain. Somehow, when you see the weather map, colored in with a moving pattern of green, moving directly over the Borrego Springs area, filled in with bright yellow highlights, signifying lightning and thunder, further enhanced by another characterization of a dark cloud with raindrops bursting through, you actually begin to believe it!

Well, we did get a few drops of rain...the norm for the "accurate" TV forecast...but, any rain is good rain when you live in the desert... you just have to start ignoring the TV weather forecasts or, at least, remember that they are
just that...a forecast!

One for the Sparrows...One for Us !

I did it...put wildlife netting over the pea pole. I found netting at Lowes for $13.48 ...worth a try, I thought.

If you have never unrolled netting you are in for a surprise. It's as light as air and is like handling a cobweb...especially if you are trying to lift it up over the top of a pea tower. Of course, I needed a helper. Even so, it is not the easiest thing to accomplish.

However problematic and against my deep bias against wildlife netting, it is in place and I have loads of it leftover for another time. One roll will cover 700 square feet. The reason I dislike netting so much is the danger to wildlife from the almost invisible stuff. In the past, we have had to cut it away from a young cottontail and another time, from a snake. It will be necessary to watch it carefully until we remove and destroy it.

On the other hand, if another crop of peas becomes a reality, it will all be worth it!
UPDATE: 4/20/12, It did and it was!

Salvia clevlandii

This aromatic plant is not only breathtaking...it also has probably saved lives more than once!

Growing next to a large granite boulder the salvia blooms and exudes a fresh rich fragrance...you can only imagine what goes on beneath the spread of its branches.
We have noticed squirrels, rabbits and other creatures scurrying to and fro...then disappearing completely from view. Upon investigation, we discovered a rather large hole, under the plant, the entrance leading directly to a haven underneath the boulder.

What a shangri la for desert creature during the heat of summer... a five star hotel for wildlife, cooled and shaded by the salvia, earth damp from drip irrigation, hidden entrance...what more could you ask? We are so glad we planted the salvia in that particular spot!

TGIF

TGIF means something else in Borrego. It means fresh fish bought at the Farmer's Market kiosk, fresh vegetables picked this morning from the raised beds along with strawberries to top a home baked shortcake...Friday night's dinner to be enjoyed with long time friends...what a great way to share nature's bounty!

Don't Let the Dogs Out!

Gardeners face many challenges...moles, gophers, aphis, birds, poor soil, cut worms, caterpillars and many more evils...but who would ever suspect an amber eyed, affectionate, helpful member of your own family to wreak havoc in your vegetable garden? Last night, under cover of darkness, the beloved family dog, Lola, again gave in to her weakness for the taste of carrots.

A framework of PVC had been constructed for shade, frost and sparrow protection. When in place and covered, we thought it would protect our vegetables from any misfortune but we had not reckoned with the cunning of our sweet carrot loving chocolate lab!

The rapidly maturing carrots were well hidden, under floating row cover, secured at all sides. It would seem that made the game all the more fun... seek and ye shall find...and she DID!

Poor Old Swamps

It finally happened...the swamp coolers gave up completely and needed to be replaced...and, they were ONLY 21 years old! If you live in Borrego, you probably have swamp coolers. They are , by far, the most economically sensible way of cooling your home, at least during the normal low humidity months which are the norm for this area.

These rather simple devices are not difficult to maintain. Pumps, motors and pads are relatively easy for the homeowner, himself, to fix or replace. However, both types of air conditioning are to be found on most Borrego homes. The other type, known as refrigeration coolers, cost a LOT more to operate, but must be used during periods of high humidity, which often occur during the summer months, particularly August. ( That is the reason so many of us choose August for our vacation )

Our old swamps served us well but today, they go to the place all old swamps go...the recycle bin. So long, good old friends!

Fouquieria columnaris-AKA: Boojum, Cirio, Candlewood

The Boojums we saw at the Gilloon garden looked so healthy and happy that I began thinking about them as drought resistant plants that could eventually grow in many Borrego gardens. They are relatively rare and difficult to find in nurseries, expensive, too...but if we request them, I think the nurseries may begin selling them. Mr. Larrik gave me one of his and I found my other cirio at a nursery stand at Quartzite, Arizona and paid less than $20 for it. Bargains are still afoot, especially when the seller thinks the plant is an ocotillo, which it certainly does resemble,especially when young! With care, a boojum will grow into a magnificent unusual specimen for your garden. If you want to see some mature plants, you can find them in Moorten Gardens, Palm Springs. Their tapering, scraggly oddness is absolutely stunning and captures your immediate attention...some even having top knots of snarly looking twigs...if human you would liken their appearance to a person having a bad hair day! The cream colored flowers usually bloom following summer rain. They can grow to 60 feet in height!

We have long been familiar with the plant, anticipating seeing the Cirio forest near Catavina, Baja California, every time we drove down the peninsula. Usually considered a plant native to Mexico, Boojums grow surprisingly well here, in Borrego Springs. In Mexico, they co-habit areas of Cardon, Yucca and Ocotillo. First named by Godfrey Sykes in 1922... his comments quoted in the N. Y. Times as, " Ho, Ho, a Boojum...definitely a Boojum". Evidently Godfrey, like I, loved Lewis Carrol's nonsensical verses..this particular plant title arising from Carroll's " The Great Snark Hunt".

I believe Borrego would be an ideal location for these plants. Our soils offer good drainage and winter temperatures are mild enough. If young plants look stressed during an unusually hot summer, shade can be provided. As they mature, they can thrive in full sun. We have two Boojums, both growing in full sun and doing quite well, requiring no more care than an Ocotillo. These slow growing plants may also be grown in containers filled with a cactus soil mix. Don't be surprised when someone asks, " Is THAT an Ocotillo? " In our garden, that question has led to many fascinating conversations!

Lilies in the Desert

I bought an Asiatic lily in the florist section a super mart - many years ago. I had seen the blooms before at the Borrego Farmer's Market floral kiosk and had admired the lush tropical lily flowers... one or two of the showy blooms had been included in each for-sale arrangement.

Have you entered a market, to shop for groceries but been drawn to a colorful display of plants and flowers, exceptionally placed to catch the eye, in shiny plastic pots enclosed within generous amounts of crisp cellophane and, perhaps, topped by a ribbon? Well, I have... and many plants, now in our garden, have come from those unlikely places! My Asiatic lily is of the Albertson variety.

I used it as a living centerpiece until the bloom faded...THEN, as a gardener who refuses to throw away any living plant, I let the top die down and planted the bulb in my flower bed on the east side of the house. Asiatic lilies make any flower arrangement look like it was purchased from a florist! It was just another of my grocery store whims, as were the potted chrysanthemums, which also have flowered and spread...there is nothing fresher looking than a mass of small white mums!

The lilies are blooming now and the chrysanthemums are budding. The narrow small bed, which also grows zinnias, parsley, peppers, African daisies , cilantro, basil and eggplants ( though at different times throughout the year ), receives water year around and is heavily mulched and shaded during summer.

I finally got around to checking Asiatic lilies in my Sunset garden book and did not find ONE zone 13 recommendation! I am so glad my lilies cannot read. Let the photo be your guide and please don't shy away from trying different plants in your garden...you might be happily surprised!

Borrego Surf ?

Paul Jorgenson's exhibit of handmade surfboards is now on display at the Gallery in Borrego Springs. Where else do you suppose you would see a surfboard made entirely of agave?

There is no doubt that he has a connection to surfing and no doubt that he is a perfectionist at his craft. Hope you can see the exhibit before the Gallery closes for the summer, at the end of April.

Now and then, I just have to harken back to our " before Borrego lives " where ocean waves rolled and tides rose and fell. Borrego is in San Diego County, so, is it any wonder that so many surf aficionados retire here?

Fouquieria splendens: A Perfect Plant for a Desert Garden

Sunset Western Garden book only gives this wonderful desert plant one short paragraph. I think it deserves much more than a casual mention!

This plant is native to the Colorado/Sonoran deserts and may be found in Arizona, Texas and Mexico. Ocotillos will grow in well drained (that's Borrego) soil at elevations from sea level to 6,000 feet. They, along with creosote, are the tough desert plants able to withstand scorching days, freezing nights, strong winds and all extremes the arid region throws at them, They have never been known to be damaged by frost in this region -in fact, are hardy to 10 degrees. If you have traveled through deserts of Arizona, Texas and Mexico, you are surprised when you notice a solitary ocotillo...only to drive on to a higher (or lower) elevation and find a cluster of them. They certainly do exhibit elevation and soil preferences...and, Borrego Springs seems to fulfill all their requirements!

I would encourage every Borrego gardener to include this specimen in a home garden for many reasons: It is extremely drought tolerant, grows slowly, requires no pruning, lives for a long time (probably over one hundred years), makes a statement in your garden with it's long canes, throws a fantastic shadow when planted near a wall, adds color to the garden with brilliant orange/red blossoms and bright green shiny leaves, attracts many types of wildlife, is easy to maintain, requires no fertilizer and looks good in any season. March to May is the ideal time slot for planting!

In full bloom now, in our garden, ocotillos are frequented by hundreds of birds. The colorful blooms may be eaten and make an interesting salad garnish. Fences , boxes, walking sticks and other crafts may be made from the canes. I have found many Roadrunner nests within the sturdy cane network. A few days ago I noticed the blooms were shaking and saw orioles, mocking birds, humming birds and finches...all sharing the nectar and seeds of this stately desert plant.

If you buy a transplant expect to pay from $25 for a smaller plant to $300 for a mature specimen. If you buy an older bare root plant, you will increase your chance of a successful transplant by insuring that three to five roots measure eighteen or more inches and always try to determine how long it has been out of the ground! Plant in a hole twice as wide as the roots but at the same level it had been used to...just above the roots. DO NOT PLANT too deep! Place heavy stones around the plant to prevent toppling. A transplant needs to be watched and watered almost a year as it recovers and adjusts to the new environment. I think they appreciate a cooling misty cane sprinkle now and then, too! After about a year, they will take care of themselves!

Signature Borrego Springs Plant: Fouquieria splendens

You will see these plants in other deserts, but I have never seen them in such great clusters or splendor than in Borrego Springs and Anza Borrego Desert State Park. In various places here are absolute forests of these gorgeous desert plants.
Desert Gardens in the State Park is just one example ...and, if you see it after a rain, you will be enchanted by the fiery bloom and rich green leaves! Hell Hole Canyon is another site to see a great aggregation of these plants.

During the dry season these statuesque plants exhibit no leaves...instead reaching for the sky with twisted brown spiny arms, leaving shadow patterns on the sand. You might even surmise they have died...but upon receiving just a small amount of moisture change into a rather tropical lush looking plant...and, now is the time to tell you a secret: We have many ocotillos in our garden. When we expect guests, we sprinkle the plants about two weeks before their arrival date. The shallow extended roots of the plant quickly take in the moisture, the canes even seem to absorb it...and our visitors always comment on their beauty!

It is said that living fences were once made here...by early native inhabitants, by Spanish explorers and by the early cowboys. Perhaps that is why today there is such an abundance of these interesting plants in this region.

Ocotillo are now in bloom. I hope you have a chance to see them. The next post will talk about ocotillos in your own garden. We were curious as to the condition of ocotillos in the Desert Garden region of Coyote Canyon...WOW! Though still a forest of flaming bloom, we quickly noted many uprooted specimens. We happened to meet the Park Ranger, who was checking the area. We mentioned the large numbers of downed plants and he told us that many were toppled in the recent windstorm, adding that 90 M.P.H. wind gusts had been recorded in the canyon. The plants had not leafed out as had ours, giving us a clue that we must have must have received more rain here, in our garden. As always, nature randomly leaves her mark, favoring some while denying others!

Food Garden Update

Strawberries now ripe. Second planting of peas now flowering. Fordhook limas planted in raised beds March 26th sprouting and covered with floating cover ( just in case )Squash planted from six pac flowering and producing. Harvesting spinach and last of lettuce. Beets recovering from aphis, carrots not yet big enough to pull ( except by the carrot loving dog ), reduced aphis infected chard to one healthy large plant, which is more than enough for two people,French radishes ( white ) are mature...and we are innundated with tomatoes!

Ocotillo Disaster

Something awful happened during the night. I can't tell you the why...only the where. In our own back yard!
One half of a large old ocotillo lay prostate on the ground. We speculated that the recent rains had provided the moisture for the new leaves and heavy bloom and gravity did the rest. The plant was over twenty feet tall and each cane was very heavy.
What to do:
Taking a clue from the past, we decided to plant all the canes in various places throughout the garden. The secret to planting is to expect failure and to greet success with elation! For many years, I have been starting new ocotillo plants from cuttings. Some have thrived and are now good sized plants . Others have not even displayed one new leaf...but it takes little effort to plant them and if they don't grow, little effort to remove them. I have had equal luck with cuttings of small OR large canes.
Everyone has seen "living fences" of cacti or ocotillo. I am sure that you have noted that not each plant is alive. Just view it as a lottery...some of those canes will be winners.
The hole in native soil must be deep enough to prevent the plant from being blown over and to keep a modicum of moisture around the buried cutting. A well around the base is helpful. Rocks laid around the base can also help keep the cane upright and help conserve moisture. Water about once a week until established. No fertilizer needed.

A Challenging Year

After the pleasant warm days the latest cold storm did not help the vegetable garden in the least. I cannot remember another year of such gardening grief... freezes, winds, birds and insects. Can this be a harbinger of things to come? Only time will tell. But, as a group, gardeners an optimistic crowd...always envisioning luscious fruit and vegetable yields, lush leaves and flowers as a result of the care given to their gardens.

If this type weather is to become the norm here, in the desert, it's up to us to devise ways of coping with our new more intense weather patterns. I refer you back to the book, Extreme Gardening, which gives lots of tips. As for our garden, these are the things we are currently trying: Framework to fit each raised bed. We decided the only way to keep the sparrows out of the vegetable garden is to cover each bed with netting. Also, during periods of frost, it will be easier to protect the plants. Project underway . The warm season garden will be planted upon completion of this project. We have added a heavy layer of mulch plus manure under citrus, olive, apple and pomegranates. ( conservation of water and some nutrition ) We have planted cacti starts throughout yard ( from pieces broken off in windstorms ) General yard clean-up...removal of loose objects throughout yard. Resetting of irrigation timers... we use the date of the equinox as our guide. As the period of daylight increases, so does the requirement for more moisture.

Meanwhile, I continue hoping that this year was but a deviant year..that next year will certainly be better. AND, THAT'S what I mean by being an optimist!