Field Notes for April

 Welcome back to Field Notes!

April 1, 2024

I'm loving the mix of weather forecasts as we move into April! We have clouds, sun, partly cloudy, rain, and a high of 72 degrees one day and a low of 42 degrees one night. For someone who loves weather, this is a great week! I'm also grateful for the extra rain for our newly planted landscape.

 

Some warm weather followed by a "cold snap" in the Bay Area! 

April 3, 2024

When the sun comes out, the air is sparkly clean this time of year. Any pollutants have been washed away with the rain, or blown away by spring breezes. The flowering trees are in bloom all around the San Francisco Bay Area, no doubt responding to the rain and warm days. I've been enjoying this Prunus spp. on my afternoon walk around Bishop Lake. It's already starting to leaf out.

The beauty of a flowering tree in the landscape

April 6, 2024

I'm excited to be attending the online "Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour & Green Home Features Showcase" this weekend. Doug Tallamy is the keynote speaker and many presentations and online garden tours are scheduled. The online event started in 2020, when the uncertainties of COVID-19 sent everything into lockdown. Turns out the online event was well received - expanding its reach to those out of the Bay Area and those who were unable to attend in person. This year's in-person garden tours are scheduled for the first weekend in May. Visit the website to learn more.

Bringing Back the Natives is celebrating their 20 year anniversary!

April 8, 2024

The wisteria is in bloom here in the Bay Area. This canopy of blossoms provides shelter from the sun over a popular food court. What could be better than eating lunch under the lovely purple flowers! The bees love them, but are too busy among the flowers above to investigate the diners below.

Wisteria is in bloom!

April 12, 2024

Now that the magnolia tree has been removed, I can really appreciate the gnarly, shredding bark of the stately juniper in the lower yard!

Juniper bark

April 17, 2024

A large mural was recently added to Bishop Ranch in San Ramon. The mural is comprised of multiple large, floor to ceiling panels, and depicts many favorite places in San Ramon and beyond. The artist is Julia Gash who specializes in this unique style of travel art. You can view the artwork on the first floor near the Roundhouse, at 2600 Camino Ramon in San Ramon during business hours.

San Ramon (c) by Julia GASH - the Iron Horse Trail is at the top right!

April 18, 2024

I spotted a bit of sakura in the neighborhood. Even this small glimpse of cherry trees in blossom is intoxicating with its beauty. Imagine what it must be like in an orchard of cherry trees!

A glimpse of sakura on my walk in the neighborhood

April 24, 2024

I've been watching the Shōgun TV series and especially enjoying the fabrics and costumes by Costume Designer Carlos Rosario. If you like that type of thing, see The Making of Shōgun - Chapter Three: Creating the Costumes. Some of my favorite bits include:

• Marker 1:09 - note the indigo-dyed clothing worn by the villagers in Ajiro. We did some dyeing with indigo last year!
• Marker 3:18 - meet Heather, one of the fabric dyers for the show, describing dyeing activities.

April 26, 2024

Walks around Bishop Lake have been especially beautiful and interesting this spring. Maybe it's due to all the extra rain! The lake attracts a lot of local and migratory birds, some of which actually raise a few young ones before moving on. This heron seems to favor this spot. Could there be a nest in the reeds, or is it simply a good place to capture a quick bite?

This heron spends a lot of time in this one spot