Reaping the Rewards of Growing Fruit

 

This week I will continue to harvest Meyer Lemons, Blood Oranges, and Ruby Red Grapefruit.  Citrus trees take many years to mature and produce fruit.  Once they hit a certain level, their production power is amazing!  I am able to share the sun ripened fruit with several of my neighbors.  The rain we are receiving right now from the lates atmospheric river will greatly help next year's harvest.  It is also plumping up the citrus that are still hanging on the trees.  I like to wait for the rain, and let it do its job.  

I am growing mostly fruit right now.  I used to plant and harvest more vegetables like artichokes, lettuce, mesclun greens, and potatoes.  Since I receive so many of them from the co-op, I really don't need to grow my own at this point.  I may plant a few favorites in the spring, like zucchini and pumpkins.  I focus mainly on fruit, since it is more expensive in the stores.  I studied the prices in the produce section of our local mountain market yesterday.  It was shocking.  I felt sorry for an elderly man with just a few items in his basket.  It made me realize how important it is to be able to feed yourself.    

It is very rewarding to produce food in your front and backyard.  Building the soil, composting the fruit and vegetable scraps, and spreading straw mulch have made it much easier.  So has the plentiful rain.

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Extreme Self Care

 

I was chatting with an eighty-year-old dancer friend of mine recently.  She sounded much happier and more grounded than the last time we had spoken.  I mentioned it, and she explained that she had been practicing extreme self-care.  What a difference that makes.  Nobody around us has to change.  We can improve the quality of your lives through food, exercise, spiritual practices, and small luxuries.  

For me, being outside in nature and high up in the mountains makes me feel happy and at peace.  The views this time of year are spectacular, and there are very few people out on the trails.  It feels so expansive and freeing to meander up and down the paths, studying the trees, the clouds, and the position of the sun.

Yesterday I picked half of the persimmons from my Hachiya Persimmon tree and delivered bags of them to my neighbors.  (I know a few women who love to make persimmon cookies.)  They are always so appreciative this time of year when I bring them to their door.  Persimmons are expensive in the stores.  It is inspiring to pick hundreds of fruits from one standard sized tree.  I plan to plant more fruit trees for the future.  It's so rewarding to have your own supply in the front and backyard.  

What do you do to practice extreme self-care?

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Harvesting MacIntosh Apples

 This morning I picked the apples off one of my trees;  they were starting to fall on the ground.  Tree ripened fruit is the best!  It is exciting to be growing apples in Cailfornia.  They do so well up here in the mountains.  The climate is perfect for them.  I believe these are MacIntosh.  They came with the property, so I'm not sure of the variety.  The flavor is fantastic.  It's such a treat to have fresh fruit from the garden.  

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The Joy of Gardening During Retirement

 

One of my favorite ways to spend time as a retiree is as a gardener.  Shrub roses grow well here in the sunny mountains of California.  I go out and deadhead these Cecile Brunners each morning.  I am rewarded with constant, fragrant, pink blooms and new growth.  They enjoyed a recent drenching from the rain we just received.

This year I planted a Mr. Lincoln, (my favorite dramatic red rose,) in the ground.  It's located in a sunny spot, and I'm hoping that it will thrive there.  Berries, apples, pears, and cherries grow in abundance in Wrightwood, California.  Our summers are short and mild, unlike the harsh and blistering heat we experience in Santa Clarita.  I tend different fruits in each location.

This plum tree is very close to my cabin.  I saw a squirrel excitedly run off with one of these succulent fruits in its mouth.  It looks like they have adapted to the climate very well here, as well.  This plot of land also has a large grapevine that is filled with grapes.  It receives plenty of sun.

Are you growing any fruit right now?  I am currently harvesting Macintosh Apples.  They are so tasty and sweet!  

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Hollyhocks, Roses, and a Green California Front Garden

 

With the change in weather we've been having, our gardens are lush and green!  Normally it is very hot and dry this time of year.  Right now, the weather reminds me of London or Alaska.  The roses love it.  If you zoom in on this photo, you can see the baby Algerian Tangerines on that tree on the left.

I was afraid that this rosebush had died last year, but it came back with a vengeance!  It's very fragrant and healthy.  The mulch seems to do an excellent job of slowly feeding everything.  I did notice some small snails out there, crunching under my hiking boots, this morning, though.  I plan to collect and remove them all this afternoon.  You always have to keep an eye on your plants and protect them.

The scarlet Hollyhocks are still bright and beautiful.  They are my favorite old fashioned flower.  They are so tall and colorful.   People stop and gaze at them when they walk by the house.  The vinyl fence has been an excellent investment, too.   It is such a relief not to have to paint it or worry about termites.  I may have the gates replaced, too.  My neighbor gave it to me. 

How is your garden growing?  I just finished the last of the ripe, orange apricots.  They were so sweet and juicy.

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Baby Fruit and an Owl

 

The other day I was pleased to see that my cherry and apple trees are overflowing with small, green fruit!  All of the rain and snow that we received has really helped the gardens.  The bees have been buzzing around the citrus blossoms, doing a thorough and complete job of pollinating.  I will have a bumper crop of Meyer Lemons this year.  It's a satisfying feeling to see your future food stored in a thriving backyard orchard.

It's amazing how fast the fruit develops.  Soon the apricots will also be ready to harvest.  It's a dance to let the sun sweeten them before any observant wildlife decides to visit for a feast.  I will probably line them up on my kitchen counter soon, and let them ripen there.

My neighbor discovered a family of owls nesting in a Eucalyptus tree on our street.  They are such magnificent creatures.  Here is a photo she snapped of the male.  Look at those eyes!  They blend in very closely with the branches and leaves on the tree.  It can be very difficult to spot them.  I love the sound they make at night, when we are sleeping.

How is your garden growing?  

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Tangerine Harvest

 

This afternoon I stripped the Algerian Tangerine tree of all of its fruit.  I wanted to leave the beautiful citrus on the tree; they looked so pretty!  (Everyone was commenting on them.)  But, my neighbor let me know that she saw a squirrel with one in his mouth while she was on her walk.  She recognized the orange color.  Once the animals start helping themselves to your fruit, it can disappear very quickly.

The recent rain helped them to swell with water.  We've been in a drought here in California, so the storms we've had have really helped those of us who are fruit growers.  I am hopeful for a plentiful harvest of rhubarb and apricots in the spring.

Growing your own food is an incredibly rewarding experience.  It takes time to build up the soil, but once you have worms, they do the work for you.  My soil used to be red clay.  I plan to feed the fruit trees some homemade compost before the next storm.  

How is your garden doing?  What have you been harvesting?

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Leaf Litter and Butterflies

 

The other day, one of my neighbors stopped by as I was sipping coffee near my roses, and asked me about my trees.  He said that the fire department had issued him a notice.   He raked up his yard, and now his pine trees are dying.  I nodded in agreement.  This is happening all over California.  We have been experiencing raging forest fires, and are in the midst of a drought.  

I explained that we are allowed to have some mulch on the ground.  We have to keep our weeds trimmed below four inches, but when bare soil is bone dry, it becomes hard as a rock and can't absorb the water.  

Today I watched a documentary explaining how native plants help butterflies produce.  That's part of the reason why my land is so productive.  It is filled with lilacs, oak trees, and bright red Indian paintbrush wildflowers.  The tiny hummingbirds flit from flower to flower, soaking up the nectar.   My land is filled with them.  I let the seeds dry on the stems, and then spread them each September.  The soil remains undisturbed, except for the wildlife.  I stay on my path when walking up and down the mountain with friends,  neighbors or my dogs. 

This afternoon I harvested the coffee berries.  They are a flavorful fruit that resembles a blueberry.  The taste is almost like licorice.  They contain seeds, like a Concord grape.  They start out green, turn red, and then become almost black.  The plants were here when I bought the cabin, and are native to the area.  

So, as the ecosystem hums along, without sprays or chemicals, people feel the buzz of life as they walk by; everyone who visits comments on the trees. They look up in amazement.  Trees are life, and oaks are spectacular.  My dad taught me that you can't put a price on mature trees in a neighborhood.  

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Getting Grounded

 The last few days I have been doing a lot of cooking, baking, exercising and knitting.  All of these activities are very grounding.  I feel calm and relaxed after completing them.  A few days ago, I made homemade pizza from scratch.  I love the rhythm of kneading the dough, letting it rise, and keeping it in the fridge overnight. That way it becomes easy to handle and elastic.  Delicious food takes time to prepare, but the results are well worth the effort.

I added fresh herbs from my garden to the sauce.  I bought some Italian crushed tomatoes on sale, since the cans were slightly dented.  It came out really well.  I had forgotten to buy more tomato paste, so I just left out the water and tomato paste in my pizza sauce recipe.  It was still flavorful and tasty.

I baked a lemon pudding cake using Meyer lemons from my tree. It's one of my favorite vintage recipes.  I used goat's milk in place of the regular milk.   It's a treat to have a freshly made dessert sitting on the kitchen counter. 

I picked a bag of homegrown Algerian tangerines, Navel oranges, and Meyer lemons and dropped them off at my neighbor's house.  She loves citrus, and runs a wonderful co-op for us in Wrightwood,  I knew she would appreciate their organic goodness and flavor.  Fruit is expensive these days, too.  

I have been biking Jacques on one of our local trails.  It's safe from cars, and the mountain scenery is gorgeous.  I like being around the other locals who walk or run each day.  Daily exercise is such preventive medicine.  Being out in the fresh air is an added bonus, too.  Home cooked meals have been tasting so good to me lately.  Maybe it's all of the time outdoors and the cardio.  I have been kayaking and walking the dogs regularly, too. 

How about you?  Are you able to get outside where you live? 

Mulched the Front Yard to Prevent Flooding

 We have had a significant amount of rain recently.  It is wonderful for the soil and plants, but I live in a flood zone.  If I don't apply straw mulch in my front yard and on my porch, I will end up with a soggy living room carpet.  

After arriving home, I noticed a small patch of wetness by my front door. It concerned me.  I placed towels on it and walked on them to absorb the moisture.  I had to do this several times.  I sprinkled baking soda on the affected area this morning and vacuumed it up eight hours later...I don't want any moldy or musty smells.  

There is always something that needs doing when you own a house.  The straw breaks down over the winter and really nourishes the soil.  It makes the tangerines burst with flavor, and the irises burst into colorful bloom.  

How was your Christmas?  Did you have fun?

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Picking Persimmons

 My Hachiya persimmon tree has provided an amazing harvest this year.  For the last few years, I was afraid the tree had died.  During the last several seasons, it didn't produce.  I'm not sure why, since it's a mature tree.   I fed it some compost tea and straw mulch, and what a difference!  The whole tree came back to life.  I have picked at least 150 persimmons so far...it's  a thrill. They are lined up in long rows on the counter, the windowsill, the dryer and the kitchen table.   I love growing fruit; it's so rewarding.

I gave some to my neighbors, and dropped off a bag on the porch of  the woman who runs our co-op in Wrightwood.  She uses them to make persimmon cookies.  I will leave a bag in the mailbox for my mail lady.  She is always so appreciative of homegrown fruit.  I also gave some to the lady that sells produce at our local fruitstand.  Her eyes lit up and she told me that she loves persimmons.  I will take her some more tomorrow.  

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Back To Natural Health

 For the past few days, I have been experimenting with some of the  natural health remedies.  Part of the change has been with diet.  Over the past year or so, I have developed a hacking cough.  It doesn't occur when I'm up in the mountains, but when I am down at the cottage it returns like clockwork.  I realized that it's my body's way of expelling mucous.  I sound like an eighty year old man who has smoked for decades.   Why?  I remember how I stopped having aches and pains when I eliminated lattes.  Hmmm...

I analyzed how my diet has changed.  I never used to eat ice cream.  My ballet teacher, Rosemary Valaire taught me that Dr. Bieler, (who wrote, Food is Your Best Medicine,) believed that it was the cause of disease in many children.  He said that eating a frozen protein is completely unnatural.  If I remember correctly, he linked it to the  polio outbreak.   Anyway, I had been treating myself to a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream each night topped with fudge sauce.  Why not?  Such a nice treat before bedtime...

I also realized that I started having a small glass of wine each evening during the pandemic.  Although I enjoy it, I'm not sure it's the wisest decision.  I am going to experiment and  see if I feel better without it.  

The naturopaths teach the importance of daily sunlight, fresh air, hydrotherapy, exercise, and eating mostly fruits and vegetables.  How many of us have rewarded ourselves for staying home by stocking up on all kinds of packaged treats from the grocery store?  I realized something else: I had started adding mozzarella cheese to my daily salads that I've eaten without it for decades.  That could also be connected to the hacking cough.  It wouldn't hurt to use less cheese.  That's easy to do.  

Have you developed any weaknesses with age that you could change through your diet and  habits?  

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Loving the Garden

 

This is one of my favorite times of year in the  garden.  The soil has warmed up, the flowers are fragrant and blooming, and the trees have leafed out and become green.

Yesterday I planted a six flat of red poppies, and placed a young artichoke plant in the front yard.  They are such conversation starters...and need plenty of space to expand.  

The citrus trees have developed tiny green fruit on them.  The rhubarb is nearly ready to harvest.  I love how all of the disciplined work comes together.  The watering, pruning, weeding, composting, and mulching all combine to make a healthy, robust plant.  Rich, black soil is key.  All of my fruit and vegetables scraps break down in the compost pile over the winter to be returned into the earth.

The longer you have a garden, the more synthesized and robust it becomes.  Sometimes competition makes the plants become stronger.  Today I'm digging up some of my larger plants to divide and share with my neighbors.  Many of them were from cuttings that were given to me from ladies in this area when I first bought my cottage.

How is your garden doing?

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Taking Time To Relax During The Pandemic

The past few days I have really been enjoying some down time.  I have a tendency to push myself with my writing work, housekeeping and gardening.  I often forget to take a day of rest.  One day bleeds into the next, especially since the virus hit. 

Yesterday and today I relaxed on the couch, read a new book on my mom's Kindle, and sat outside in the sunshine with my chicken, Snow White.  She normally stays in her coop.  I decided to let her venture outside of it for a while. I sat carefully on the swing and watched over her.  She tentatively scratched the soil, ate some bugs, and walked around, gingerly.

Overhead I spotted a hawk and heard the telltale sound, "Caw!"   I scooped up Snow White and held her close to my chest.  She snuggled into me.  She's so sweet and appreciative.  I walked  back to the coop with her safely in my arms and locked her securely inside the French door.

Her previous owner told me that her sister, who was also a white Silkie, was killed by a hawk that got into their coop.  How traumatic.  I know those chickens remembered.  Snow White is the only one of the four still alive now.  Her sisters used to totally freak out if I ever left their door open; I could feel them panicking.  They reminded me of the chickens in the Foster Farms commercials.  Today she seemed more at ease with me there with her.  It's so much fun to watch chickens; they are very entertaining.

Have you been taking time to relax and recharge?

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Mature Trees Need Water, Too

I learned the other day from our local arborist that mature pine and oak trees need to watered.  I had always assumed that if we had received adequate rainfall or snow, that their roots went deep enough into the ground to keep them healthy.

I asked him if a once a week watering schedule was sufficient.   "No, they need to be watered every other day," he answered.  Wow!  I had no idea.  I had noticed that the trees near my new woodland garden had been looking much healthier, happier and greener.  I thought it was the compost and mulch that I had applied.  The growth is now very vigorous on the oak leaves.  I soak that area every couple of days.  It makes sense.

The large trees near the lake look exceptionally beautiful;  same with those close to the beach in Ventura.  The dryness and lack of water makes in other locations them brittle, stressed and susceptible to disease and beetles.

So, I have a new hobby, forest bathing.  That's what the Japanese call spending time in the woods.  For now I am irrigating all of the trees on my land by hand.  Once I got into the new routine, my whole yard filled up with birds, butterflies and a sense of busy life.  The trees immediately responded.  I could feel their relief and gratitude.

Do you water your trees?

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Tree Trimming Estimate and Garden Update

carpet of apple blossoms in Wrightwood, California

The other day I had an arborist come and look at the mature oak and pine trees on my property and give me an estimate.  My neighbors and I agreed on what to do with some older oak trees on the boundary line. They  have struggled with a beetle.  They look very sick; it's sad.  The drought  caused them a lot of stress.  Fortunately, we had a tremendous amount of snow this past season.  It has made all the difference.  The soil is like chocolate cake!

healthy and strong rhubarb

We worked out a plan that everyone was happy with, and then I got an additional estimate for the trees that I own.  Most of these homes are on one lot.  Since I purchased four lots, there are many, many trees.  My favorites are the cypress.  They have such a special look and feel.  The man trimming the trees told me that they look very healthy, too.  I just love them.

a walk along the river bed

The rhubarb is growing like mad!  Little baby shoots uncurl overnight.  It really multiplies.  The apricots are ready to pick, and I spotted my first tomato on the vine.  Gardening is so nurturing and rewarding.  I feel fortunate to live in a climate that is so conducive to growing food.  I am also thankful that I bought property at such an excellent price.  It was a sound investment.

What are you growing?    

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California Poppies, Celery, Pink Roses, and More Garden Photos

I have some more photos of the garden for you.  The picture above captures the  bright orange of my patch of California poppies.  I save the seeds every year and spread them in the ground.  If we have rain, they come back each spring.  They are so easy to grow here!

This celery plant I rooted from the base of a bunch that I got from the co-op.  I set it in water for about a week, changing the water each day.  It looks like it's pretty happy.  We will see it it regrows...

My pink roses make my heart melt.  I thought that I couldn't grow roses.  I gave up on them for fifteen years.  Then I decided to try planting them in the ground instead of in pots.  I stopped trimming them and fussing over them.  What a difference!

They go through different stages of color.  I find their energy to be so spiritual and uplifting.  I love to sit outside and bask in their beauty.

The bearded irises are almost finished blooming.  They come all the way up to my shoulder this year!

This is the backyard.  All of the green spots are weeds that I am removing each day.  I have my work cut out for me. I use a shovel and they come up easily.  In time, this will be a forest of fruit trees...

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Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail!

This afternoon, I glanced out my window, and noticed this sweet little bunny grooming himself.  He or she carefully licked her paws, stroked her ears, and then settled in for a nap.  Her eyes squinted shut, as she faced me.

I see bunnies every day in my front and backyard.  If I were a hunter, I could use a slingshot and make rabbit stew, but they are just too cute and sweet to harm.  Instead, I silently thank them for coming,  and commune with them.  I love being in the presence of animals.  They are so calm, and in tune with nature.

My mail lady thanked me for the blood oranges and lemons that I left for her in the mailbox.  I always enjoy chatting with her.  She brought a box in the mail today containing items that I need to care for my teeth.  Not wanting to risk going  to the store,  I ordered from Zellies.  I now have plenty of tooth brushes, Crest regular tooth paste, Listerine, Closys, ACT, and zylotol gum and mints.  That is a huge relief.  The last place I would want to visit right now is the dentist.

How are your teeth feeling?  Sometimes stress and fear can make our mouths more sensitive.

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High Hopes To Be Eating From the Garden

artichoke plant

Today was our watering day, so I got up early and started  at 7:00 a.m. The garden is really feeling alive.  I'm excited to see how things do this year.  It's taken many years to get into the swing of things, so that there is something always in bloom, ready to harvest, and another fruit tree on deck.  It's so satisfying to grow your own food.

baby bird at my writing window- a fairy

With this pandemic, I am even more determined to grow as much as I can.  I have only been grocery shopping every two weeks.  With the outbreak as severe as it is, I may make it a goal to shop just once a month.  I am hesitant to go back to Costco now.  I love buying things in bulk, but prefer shopping at a small, local store that isn't crowded.  It just feels safer to me.  I am able to pick my produce up at the co-op from my car, which I really appreciate.  I am staying away from everyone!  This virus is so contagious...it makes me very wary of being in crowded places.  I have been staying home, enjoying the porch and my backyard orchard.  I go for a walk or bike ride each morning, and do yoga or Pilates at night. 

How are you doing?  Is your food supply holding out?  What have you learned?

purple bearded iris

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Taking Positive Action While We Are Staying Home Due To The Pandemic

I think most of us are feeling anxious and worried during this pandemic.  I watched a video on Youtube with John Edward this afternoon.  He used to be a ballroom dancer.  I have always enjoyed his readings.  Listening to him  made me feel much better about the situation.  He believes that it will last until June.  I can deal with that; we shall see...Things have changed so drastically.

Today I planted more rhubarb, and the Anna apple tree.  I also whacked back my Valencia orange tree.   I was afraid that it was dead, but then saw a tiny green leaf sprouting on one of the branches that I had thrown in the bin.  Perhaps the tree will recover and  come back?  I am going to leave it in the ground, and see if it springs back to life.  It looks like it has fire blight.  It's strange; all of the branches look like they have been burned.  At least my other citrus trees are doing well.  They are so green and fruitful.

I have been knitting each day on this pair of socks.  I absolutely love the yarn.  It's by Austermann, my favorite brand of fancy sock yarn.  I made a pair of leg warmers with this wool, originally.  They were pretty, but I never wore them.  So, I unraveled them, and started this  pair of socks.  I wear hand knit socks every single day.  They are so warm and practical.

It's been lovely sitting out on the porch each day.  We are getting more sunshine.  I have been making some fruit tea that I had in the cupboard.  I re-use the tea; it really holds its flavor well.  I made this tea cozy a couple of years ago.  It's Noro Silk Garden yarn.  That dog figurine belonged to my mom.  She used it as a door stop.  I love the shape of it.     
 

Are you doing okay where you are?   I know this is a challenging time for all of us.  I have been chatting with some of my neighbors.  It's interesting to hear everyone's take on the situation.

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