In Appreciation of Catkins
Catkin (noun) ˈkat-kən An elongated cluster of single-sex flowers bearing bracts by which pollination occurs. Well, that’s a dry definition from Webster’s that doesn’t begin to describe the fascinating beauty of one of nature’s wonders. English oak Ribes Some of our catkins at Marin Art and Garden Center can be found on ribes, Big Leaf […]
Unfettered
At times it has been difficult to find the time to pen these Notes from the Garden. Because it is an enjoyable endeavor, I am sure to get to it, though. Relaying news and notes from our gardens gives me a respite from a gardener’s never-ending list of things to do. In these unfettered moments, […]
I Had a 6-Rainbow Day
This past Wednesday I saw six rainbows! It felt good and reassure to have seen so many before lunch. A double rainbow was among those I saw. That means the sun was shining while raining. That brought to mind how different cultures describe the contrast of rain and sun. In Hawaii it’s called ghost rain. […]
An Unusual March
Normally about this time, I declare “it’s a bit early for spring,” but not this year. The cooler temps and wet weather have delayed and diminished the blossoms of our flowering plants. The prolonged possibility of frost has held us back from planting herbs and vegetables. The good from all of this will be a […]
A Powerful Force
The Wind! The extraordinary wind and rain from Tuesday shook loose a lot of debris. It has taken a couple of days to clean up—our totes and bins are full! Our Garden Team did plenty of preventative work in the autumn to prepare for just such an event. As a result, we had minimal damage […]
Branches tell the Story
After staying near Alpine Meadows last week and experiencing the massive epic snowfall, I can report that our water levels will be OK this year! Though snowbound for two days, I am encouraged. As I look at our bare-branched trees, I see their life story. Especially our heritage trees. The many storms they’ve weathered and […]
A Touch of Frost
FROST. Though it damages some of our plants, it is beautiful. It is also helpful, in that it signals to us gardeners to cut back. It’s as close as we get to snow around here, and it has been a frosty winter here at the Center. FLAME. We have been flaming the weeds in our […]
Stop and Chat with a Gardener
We have been busy with winter work this week, cutting back, pruning, thinning and transplanting. February is the ideal month to wrap up the to-do list and prepare for spring. Intern Pete from Archie Williams High School wowed us by double-digging the entire Edible Garden by himself—and then he went to baseball practice! We are […]
Rose Work
Change is in the air; there’s not a moment to waste in the garden. Join us on Wednesday, February 1 from 9:30 to noon, our team will be demonstrating pruning techniques in the Rose Garden and answering your questions. We have already started pruning the roses and salvia; this annual task ensures proper rejuvenation of […]
The sun is awakening the garden
With the series of storms behind us, the garden team is keeping busy, working to keep one step ahead of the season—spring will be here before you know it! We’ve been savoring the earthy aroma of the gardens after all this rain; we’ve moved on from that first whiff of petrichor—the unmistakable smell of rain […]
