Dutch Master Daffodil

Dutch Master Daffodil

by | Feb 26, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flowers, Garden

The skies are dreary and grey again, and rain is imminent, but yesterday was a perfect spring day.  The sun was shining, and our daffodils are starting to bloom.  Last fall we were confronted with the newly denuded hillside that is to become the orchard.  Not wishing...
Seeds and Sprouts 2010

Seeds and Sprouts 2010

by | Feb 24, 2010 | Farm Blog, Garden, Vegetables

It rained again yesterday, and it seems our weather is likely to be unsettled for at least the next week or so.  I’m sure nature is conspiring against us.  Every time we make plans in the garden…whoosh!  More rain.  Oh well, it’s not slowing us down...
Chanterelles

Chanterelles

by | Feb 22, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Fungi

It seems to be chanterelle season here at Curbstone Valley. For this ‘Mushroom Monday’ we bring you not one, but TWO, species of chanterelle mushrooms that are currently growing here. Cantharellus californicus Found growing just off the edge of a deer...
Two-Eyed Violet

Two-Eyed Violet

by | Feb 19, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Plants, Natives

Late last autumn we noticed some interesting heart-shaped leaves pushing through the soil near one of our redwood groves while we were installing the deer fence. At first glance it seemed this plant might be wild ginger (Asarum caudatum), but on closer inspection the...
Helvella lacunosa

Helvella lacunosa

by | Feb 15, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Fungi

Helvella lacunosa is a common mushroom most often sighted in summer and fall, but occasionally observed in mid-winter in California.  The common name for this species is the ‘Black Elfin Saddle’ mushroom.  This is the first time we’ve seen it here,...