SUMMER 2012

We're about 1/2 way through summer and wonderful things are happening in the garden.  Plants we've tended so carefully year round are truly performing for us and I get to take credit in my community of gardens.  Sunflowers stand tall, with their heads bowed in subservience to the bright summer sun that's feeding all beings, both plant and animal.  Rudbeckias make a complimentary carpet in sunny beds.  Penstemen and daisies offer a range of color to blend in with the rich saturated hues of our Bay Area gardens.  Hibiscus shrubs take advantage of the warm weather that reminds them of their tropical homes and provide rich salad plates of color (see also smaller H. subdifera for crimson flowers to be dried for Tea).

All the warm weather turns our attention to irrigation, and this summer the City of Oakland is offering a subsidy program for Rainwater Harvesting barrels free of charge (pay only tax).  Local irrigation/lighting resource Urban Farmer in Richmond provides free pick up and provides calculation assistance for your rainwater volume estimations on their website.

http://www.urbanfarmerstore.com/rainharvest/rainharvest.html