Oaktown Native Plant Nursery Open House

Join Oaktown Native Plant Nursery from 10 am to 5pm this Saturday, October 29 to kick off the growing season with an Open House and Plant Sale. A large selection of Bay Area natives will be available. Much of the older stock will be 20% - 50% off.

Harvesting Rose Hips

I tend to agree with the adage “take time to smell the roses” just for the pure pleasure of it. But, after the blooms fade there is a practical side to the plant that I always make time for, which is harvesting the nutritious rose hips.

The rose hip is the fruit of rose bushes, typically red-to-orange in color. Rose hips usually begin to ripen in late summer through autumn. This past month the rose hips on California wild roses (Rosa californica) have been just right for harvesting.

Rain Barrels in Scotland?

When I think of water conservation projects, places with summer-dry climates like California usually come to mind. Right now I am in Scotland participating in an ecovillage training program at Findhorn. We are learning how communities can become sustainable and more socially connected. During breaks I've had time to explore the gardens and ecologoical features at Findhorn. One thing that has surprised me is how many rain barrels I've seen in this land of green lawns, hedges, and year round rainfall.

Reports on Pastured Poultry

Each time I read an article published in Mother Earth News about raising chickens I am reminded of the benefits of keeping pastured laying hens. Recently, several local studies on raising chickens have appeared in my inbox and provided another reminder about the ways and benefits of responsibly managing a flock.

First was California Pastured Poultry/Crop Systems and Their Effect on Soil and Plant Quality, Farmer Experience, and Food Safety, a finding of the research conducted by