by angela@diggingbliss | Jul 21, 2007 | Uncategorized
My friend “Weeder” gave me seeds of Impatiens balfourii last year or the year before and I’m happy to see it reseeds prolifically in my front porch pots. It requires shade here in the Valley and in my experience, its water requirements are average. Now that I think about it, I. balfourii tolerates my erratic watering schedule rather well.
Annie’s Annuals offers it in pots, but it’s super easy from seed. If a friend doesn’t have it, try seed swaps (GardenWeb, Dave’s Garden) or online sources.
While I was taking a few pictures, Emily wanted to see what all the fuss was about. She clearly thinks the fuss should be all about her, not Impatiens friggin’ balfourii.
by angela@diggingbliss | Jul 21, 2007 | Uncategorized
and it’s me. Weeds are getting out of control (I ran out of clove spray), there’s lots to deadhead, and I still have plants not hooked up to drip despite the fact that I’m leaving for Mendo (woo hoo!) in a couple weeks. On the plus side, there’s plenty to harvest in the way of peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, chard and herbs. Strawberries have taken over two of my flowerbeds. Oh, the horror. I am a little leery of harvesting them in areas the dogs “frequent”. I really want to try growing strawberries vertically. I tried them in hanging baskets, but the soil dried out too quickly. I’ll figure something out.
This morning, I spotted a tomato hornworm on one of my tomato plants! I’m really hoping to see it become parasitized so I can get some good photos. No, I will not squash it or cut it in half, you barbarians. Ew. Double ew. How would you feel if someone cut you in half? Besides, tomato hornworms are amazing looking!
by angela@diggingbliss | Jul 14, 2007 | Uncategorized
and according to my blog stats, that’s what’s on your mind too. You’re also thinking about agapanthus, because it’s blooming now and even though it assaults you at every intersection, you have to admit it’s really pretty and comes in such refreshing shades of blue. Buy blooming cans now so you can get some instant gratification and to ensure you’re getting the variety you want. Plus, they’re probably on sale.
Right now, we want to know where we can buy or make “natural” herbicides, and we want to make our own salsa. Thanks to the web and helpful bloggers, I now have some excellent salsa recipes. I also know where I can buy herbicides made from natural plant oils.
If I owned a nursery… and if I had a nickel for every time uttered those words, I’d have enough capital to start one… I’d highlight my natural weed control products right about now. I might even be inclined to offer a hot pepper workshop, complete with tastings and cooking demos. And I’d find someone to demonstrate pepper craft. And I’d find a way to provide a nice microbrew and margaritas to chase the chips and salsa. And I suppose I’ll have to throw in free rides home, cuz who knew all my customers were such lushes?
by angela@diggingbliss | Jul 10, 2007 | Uncategorized
No longer confined to the Bay area… looks like it’s heading our way.
Light Brown Apple Moth larva
Female Light Brown Apple Moth
Male Light Brown Apple Moth
(Photos by David Williams, principal scientist, Perennial Horticulture, Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia, via UCD Entomology website)
UCD has a new info page on this new pest:
Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM)
by angela@diggingbliss | Jul 9, 2007 | Uncategorized
‘Gold Rush’ zucchini
Genovese basil
‘Rainbow’ Swiss chard
‘Sungold’ tomatoes
Stir-fried in one teaspoon of Bariani olive oil… seasoned with garlic, sea salt and cracked pepper
by angela@diggingbliss | Jul 9, 2007 | Uncategorized
West Nile found in sample
By Lakiesha McGhee – Bee Staff WriterPublished 12:00 am PDT Monday, July 9, 2007
A mosquito sample collected in the Gibson Ranch area of Sacramento County has tested positive for West Nile virus. The finding was confirmed Friday by the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, which routinely collects and tests mosquitoes for disease. The district said it will continue its Mosquito-Borne Disease Management plan by using localized adult mosquito treatments in and around the area where the virus was detected. Response may involve ground and/or aerial treatments, according to a news release.
In Sacramento County this year, three birds and one mosquito sample have tested positive for West Nile virus, which is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
For more information, call the district at (800) 429-1022 or visit the Web site http://www.fightthebite.net/.
UC IPM Pest Note on Mosquitoes: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7451.html
