The L.A. wildfires of late 2017 spared our neighborhood and made for brilliant sunsets. Our bags were packed as we watched and waited for the winter rains to arrive.
The heat and smoke during the worst of the fires made the horizon ripple like a scene from the hottest desert.
The rain finally came last week - three days of it - and we were once again spared; this time from the mudslides that ravaged neighborhoods only a few miles away. Overnight the garden came to life.
The rainy season brings these big boys out to play. False tarantula? Can anybody identify?
The field peas must be confused with the alternating scorching heat, cool nights, drought, and downpours. I planted them a few weeks ago in order to fix nitrogen in the garden beds. I'm still not happy with the soil composition in the beds, so field peas are a cheap and easy way to bring life to poor soil. Once they die they will be left to add a top layer of organic matter that will provide mulch and nutrients.
Because the late season blast of heat killed off any remaining native vegetation, the gophers have taken to eating veggies they'd normally leave alone. In December they mowed down this entire bed of garlic, but it has recovered nicely since the rain. Now we use the greens for cooking and they grow back quickly. As for the gophers... the live trap is set.
I bought 50 lbs of alfalfa pellets and will gradually ferment them in a large covered tub. The liquid will be used as a fertilizer "tea" and the organic matter added to the compost bin. Our yard and chickens provide plenty of "brown" waste for the compost bin (leaves, pine shavings) but not enough "green" waste. We don't have a lawn so we'll have to import the green stuff... compost won't cook without it.
At the bog pond, a flicker flicks.
And takes a selfie.
Yesterday evening this hawkish visitor was at war with the lizards in our garden. I hope she stays for dessert... we have gopher flavored gophers on the menu.
Beauty secret: sour cream
Yesterday my designer sent in the final drafts of our new logo. It features the silhouette of our beloved Kuu in cobalt blue. Because she came to us, sadly, dyed a glowing yellow (hence named the Finnish word for "moon"), the designer gave her eye a special touch- her namesake. The launch of our new look will coincide with the launch of our new shop site. Province Vintage will specialize in high quality Mid-century Modern and Scandinavian design, Art Pottery, Rare Vintage Collectibles, and Fine Art. The site is currently being populated with the most unique items we've collected over the years but have never put up for sale. Launching very soon- updates on Instagram @ProvinceVintage.
A sneak peek at the shelves of our new shop.