California Native Plant Week

California Native Plant Week

In the few years we’ve lived here we have become huge fans of California’s Native Plants, and this week, April 17-23, we’re celebrating the first California Native Plant Week! Despite having hoards of projects to accomplish, we took some time over...
A Spring Walk Along the Creek

A Spring Walk Along the Creek

The last few days have been beautifully warm and sunny, but tonight the rain returns, so I decided to take a leisurely stroll down to one of the creeks on the property to see what’s blooming this spring before the weather changes, again. As we had almost 14...
Ramalina menziesii

Ramalina menziesii

After a dry start to February, this week’s storms have brought heavy rain and strong winds to Curbstone Valley.  After the winds died down between storm cells we noticed the garden paths were strewn with tufts and clumps of various lichens that had blown from...
Flycatcher Nest is Robbed…

Flycatcher Nest is Robbed…

Last night before turning off the lights, I peeked through the front door glass, and saw the female Flycatcher all settled in for the night on her nest.  Everything seemed just as it should be.   This morning though, although the male was sighted on his usual...
Going to Seed I – Natives

Going to Seed I – Natives

With summer fast approaching, many of our spring blooming plants are busy setting seed.  As much of this property is natural woodland, the vast majority of plants growing here were not intentionally planted.  Some are natives, others are foreign invaders.  However, as...