We’re entering one of our two “tweener” months… we call May “pre-summer” and September “post-summer.” Now we see fall ambling up the way towards us, with not a care in the world.
Many of our natural gardens in southern California are still enjoying the benefits from our abundant rains last season, especially if they have already received a couple Deep Soaks and several Refreshing Sprinkles to date.
Native plants are adapted to this extended season of long days with extreme heat and no rain. Our natural gardens, properly planned, planted, and maintained, can become adapted as well.
We’re looking forward to summer with warmer temps, but in reality, near the coast we’re still wearing long sleeves and even a jacket now and then.
These copious rains of 2022-23 have been very kind to native plants everywhere… in wild places and in garden spaces… abundant flowers, on both spring annuals and shrubs, and lots of new growth. This month we continue the enjoyment as we begin to methodically prepare for summer.
One of the best years for native plants in memory, and perhaps for some, the best year ever! We have 24.51 inches for the season total to date at Tree of Life.
In general, gardeners are an optimistic lot, and usually our optimism pays off… eventually. After nearly three years of meager winter rains coupled with extreme summer heat, we are now experiencing a “great” rain year, with repeated soakings and copious precipitation that will provide deep moisture for our plants well into summer and beyond.
June, 2022 in the Natural Garden. Your natural garden should be just fine in your absence, perhaps it’s at a stage having become “self-sustaining,” so you can go play in nature.
M is for May, Mothers, Matilija poppy and Maybe one last rain, (but probably not this year).
Diversity. It is what makes southern California’s flora so amazing, and the lack thereof is what makes southern California’s “ornamental” public landscape so dull. Take a hike, prepared with camera, sketch pad or notebook and you’re in for a pleasant treat.
