Fall Arrangement: Pampas Grass

Time to make my annual fall arrangement, using the invasive pampas grass that grows nearby our property on city land. It's a tough plant that is native to southern South Africa, and seeded itself in a crack in the pavement. Its location impedes the view of anyone trying to make a left turn onto a busy street, and taming it requires thick leather gloves, a sharp pair of Felcos, and strong hands.

Fall arrangement with invasive pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Despite all that, the long graceful plumes of flower clusters provide a dramatic element to a fall arrangement, and catch the golden fall light.

The plume-like flowers catch the fall light

 

The seeds are dispersed by the wind, so careful disposal of the arrangement and pruned stalks is imperative. I should find a way to eradicate the plant (I'm guessing it would take quite a few seasons to do so). In the meantime, I enjoy the periodic fall arrangement (carefully).

Two Sisters, 48 Hours

How much fun can two sisters have in 48 hours? Recently my niece surprised my sister with a weekend trip from Portland, Oregon to the San Francisco Bay Area. We don't see each other often, so decided to make the most of our time!

Ready for adventure

After coffee and cereal on Saturday morning, our first order of business was a trip to a local nail salon for manicures. One must look sharp while on an adventure, and a little pampering and luxury after a long work week doesn't hurt!

Picnic in the shade at Point Pinole

With nails sparkling, we spent the afternoon at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline near Richmond. (Recall that my aunt, husband I visited last year, see Point Pinole on a Blustery Summer Day). We hiked out to the Group Camp near the pier for a picnic of croissant sandwiches, crackers, grapes, and shortbread cookies. We had a fantastic view of the San Pablo Bay, and its shipping lane that is kept busy with a continual flow of barges, tugs, ferries, and ships.

The new pier to the left, and remains of the old pier to the right

After lunch we walked to the end of the pier to watch folks monitor their fishing lines, and haul in their catches, including a skate, small tiger shark, and bass. According to the brochure and website, one can fish from the pier without a fishing license, as long as all other regulations are followed. Nice way to catch dinner!

Looking back at the bluffs from the pier

The views of San Pablo Bay and the surrounding area are spectacular, and the Whittell Marsh and old pier attract many birds. A brisk wind keeps things cool, which is welcome relief when the temperature soars inland, but the wind wasn't as bone chilling as it was for our visit last year!

Standing on the bluff overlooking the pier

Photo op from the bluff

We hiked up the small bluff for the views from a different vantage point, and then followed the Bay Trail around the point. The allee of eucalyptus trees provided a lovely fragrance, rustling leaves, and the occasional groaning of branches.

Golden grasses and oaks at Point Pinole

Allee of eucalyptus trees on the Bay View Trail

We cut across the point on one of the small trails to the parking lot at the Atlas Road Staging Area, and then headed over to pick up my aunt for a delicious dinner of souvlakia, kebabs, and baklava at the Troy Greek Restaurant on Solano Avenue. We recalled fondly our time together in Southeast Alaska a year ago (see Rambles in Drizzly Juneau and Eagle River and the Crab Feed). Back at my aunt's house, we had a phone call with my mom in Alaska (a 2x2 sister call)!

Two generations of sisters (with Mom on the phone)

After all the exercise, fresh air, and fun, my sister and I slept late on Sunday morning, and then enjoyed a long leisurely breakfast on the patio. We finally launched our day with a quick tour of the Farmer's Market and a few shops in Montclair, and then headed for Redwood Regional Park. This is a favorite park that is minutes from Oakland but feels like it is in the middle of nature (see Redwood Regional Park for a post on a rainy winter visit).

Stream Trail through the deep shade of the redwoods

The next generation

Photo op in the redwoods

We found a picnic table in the shade, and enjoyed our sandwiches, fruit, and cookies; and people watching. This is a wonderful park for families of all walking abilities (we saw poles, wheel chairs, and strollers)! Fortified with our lunch, we took a long leisurely hike in the deep shade of the redwood forest along the stream trail, all the way up to the Eucalyptus Trail where it meets the East Ridge Trail. On the way home we stopped at the Merritt College parking lot for grand views of Oakland, the Bay, and San Francisco.

Intrepid hiker

Recording the creaking of eucalyptus trees

At home we ordered pizza from Cybelle's Pizza, and watched a few episodes of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, set in 1920s Melbourne, Australia. We had a great time together, getting caught up on each other's lives and enjoying life in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. We are already planning more get-togethers in the future (maybe San Francisco by BART or ferry, a whirlwind tour of the top 10 tourist spots by bus, and a visit to Fort Mason area for views of the Golden Gate Bridge). I think my niece has started something big!

Field Trip to Mount Diablo

On a beautiful fall day, my folks, husband, and I made a day trip up Mount Diablo in the Mount Diablo State Park. The mountain is 3,850 feet above sea level, and dominates the skyline from all directions.

On the way up Mount Diablo in Mount Diablo State Park

We entered near Walnut Creek, from the Ygnacio Valley and North Gate roads, through the leafy, mixed oak forest, past horse trails, and up the winding road through iconic California scenery. We shared the road with bicyclists pedaling up or whizzing down, motor cycles, joggers, and a few other cars.

Mixed oak forest at the base of Mount Diablo

We stopped periodically to look at the grand view. The skyline was a little murky with haze in the distance on the day we visited, but many San Francisco Bay Area landmarks were still recognizable. At the Diablo Valley Overlook signage helped us identify many of these landmarks from our elevated perspective.

Livermore Valley Overlook

Diablo Valley Overlook

At the top, we were treated to a 360-degree view of Northern California from the Summit Visitor Center. On a clear day, you can see the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east, the Farallon Islands to the west, and everything in between. Our view was a little hazier, but we could make out primary landmarks.

Mount Diablo Summit Visitor Center

Mount Diablo Beacon

We also enjoyed the museum housed in the Summit Building built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) from 1933 – 1942. We learned all about the early native populations that inhabited the area for over 5,000 years, and about how Mount Diablo was important in early land surveys done of Northern California and Nevada in the 1800s.

Fantastic 360-degree view from the summit

After our adventure, we headed for Scott's Seafood in Walnut Creek for a delicious dinner, and great conversation. We definitely want to return to drink in the view, and explore the surrounding area.

Plants for Clay Soil: Grasses

We’re on a quest for interesting ground cover ideas to replace our East Bay lawn, and today I am looking at grasses. It may sound counter intuitive to replace a lawn with grass, but hear me out. I'm not looking to swap out one kind of grass for another, rather looking for drought-tolerant, California native grasses, and a whole new approach. Envision some combination of bark mulch, stone or gravel paths, and low creeping plants, punctuated with swaying grasses that shimmer in the sunlight.

I'm using an online tool to help me search: http://www.waterwonk.us/ (free, with a log on account). My search criteria include North Central Coast, Grass, California Native, and Reduced Summer Water. The tool recommends plants using Bob Perry's Landscape Plants for California Gardens. Here are some of my favorite results for our East Bay landscape in the Oakland Hills.

• Aristida purpurea (Purple three-awn) – clumping perennial grass. Finely rolled foliage grows 18-24 high, purple flowers and seed inflorescence grows to 30 inches. Remains evergreen throughout the year in mild winter zones; otherwise foliage and flowers fade and decline in fall, turning deciduous and sparse. Does best in a sunny location with little supplemental irrigation from spring through fall. California native; low water use – can withstand low summer and fall water, and regrows with winter rains. Does well in containers, borders, and in mass plantings to provide color and texture. Poaceae family.
• Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats grama) – grows in clumps to three feet high, with pale green, upright foliage and purple tinged inflorescence. Commonly planted in repetitive rows for mass effect, along boarders for contrast, and is stunning when backlit by the sun. Used for habitat improvement, and low-water lawns. California native, found all over North and South America. Does well with low water. Cut back in the fall to renew. Poaceae family.
• Bouteloua gracilis, cvs. (blue grama, mosquito grass) – clumping perennial that grows to 2 feet high, and half as wide. Inflorescences are set at a 45 degree angle from thin stems throughout summer and fall. Used for habitat plantings, natural meadow, and low-water lawn in warm areas. Withstands some foot traffic when cut to 2-3 inches high. Also does well uncut, and mixed with perennials. California native, found all over North and South America. Requires low amounts of supplemental water. Poaceae family.
• Festuca californica, cvs. (California fescue) – clumping species with pale green to gray-green foliage that forms 1-2 feet mounds. Flower inflorescences grow to 3 feet high. Grows in dry climate areas within chaparral and pine forest plant communities. The best stands grow in partial shade with reduced heat and moisture stress. Offers ornamental and restoration value in gardens and landscape. Plant in large drifts, casual masses, among trees, on slopes for erosion control, and for habitat. It is a good understory plant to California oaks, with low summer water needs. Poaceae family.

California fescue – grows under oak trees
Photo posted by Daderot (Creative Commons)

• Leymus condensatus, a.k.a. Elymus condensatus, cvs. (Giant wild rye) – large, wild rye species with coarse medium green foliage, clumping habit, and flower spikes 6-8 feet high. Spreads by underground rhizomes. Valued for landscape restoration projects. California native. Cool season grasses that are adapted to heat. Low water use, but does better with some water. L. c. 'Canyon Prince' has blue green foliage that grows 4-5 feet tall. Poaceae family.
• Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer grass) – robust species with mounding habit to 2-3 feet high. Foliage is narrow pale green, with long arching flower panicles to 4-5 feet tall, cream color in spring, then fading to straw by the end of summer. Found in gravelly or sandy washes, but is very adaptable. Grows in coastal, inland, valley and desert regions. Tolerates heat, aridity, and low amounts of supplemental water. California native; low water use. Cut back in the fall to renew, and divide periodically in fall or winter. Plant in large masses, mixed among boulders, or in containers. Poaceae family.
• Nassella cernua, a.k.a., Stipa cernua (Nodding needle grass) – robust, clumping grass grows to 3 feet high. Open habit with large inflorescences that produce nodding action when mature. Leaves are sparse and fine in texture. California native commonly grows in scattered locations through the coastal sage, chaparral and foothill woodland plant communities. Very low water required. Used for grassland restoration projects, and as an accent plant. Poaceae family.
• Nassella lepida, a.k.a., Stipa lepida (Foothills needle grass) – clumping grass grows 12-24 inches high, and inflorescence that reaches 30 inches. Often used in mass plantings, and in restoration projects around oaks. California native that grows within the coastal sage, chaparral, and other foothill plant communities. Uses very low water. Poaceae family.
• Nassella pulchra, a.k.a., Stipa pulchra (Purple needle grass) – clumping grass grows to 18-24 inches, with fine textured foliage that grows to 3 feet. Awns have a purple hue in early spring, turning to a light wheat color. California native that once covered much of the California grasslands (the state grass of California). Used in restoration projects. Very low water required. Survives winter rain, but should not be watered during its dormancy in summer. Poaceae family.
• Sporobolus airoides (Alkalai sacaton) – robust, warm-season grass, with foliage mounding to 12 inches high and inflorescence to 3-4 feet high. Flower panicles are branched and produce a delicate, transparent look in mid-summer. Commonly found in alkaline soils in dry areas affected by seasonal flooding. This species can endure drought, and tolerate heat, sun, and aridity. With its deep roots, this grass is planted for soil stabilization, as well as its ornamental value. Plant among boulders with southwestern plants. California native; low water use. Poaceae family.

Good sources:

• Annie’s Annuals and Perennials: http://www.anniesannuals.com/
• Bay Natives: http://www.baynatives.com/
• Berkeley Horticultural Nursery: http://berkeleyhort.com/index.html
• California Flora Nursery (no mail order, but located 63 miles north of Oakland/Berkeley): http://www.calfloranursery.com/
• Desert Mountain Conservation & Development Council (no mail order, but pick up in designated location, and on designated date and time): http://desertmountainrcandd.org/
• Las Pilitas Nursery (Santa Margarita): http://www.laspilitas.com/
• The Watershed Nursery : http://www.watershednursery.com/

Holiday Cooking – Sugar Cane

I love the Christmas holidays, and relish the traditions, gift giving, decorations, and music that make it special. With a late Thanksgiving, there is less time for preparations, so only the most important items get done. High on the list is baking and cooking. For a short time, the palate is more important than the waistline! As in past years, I’m taking a look at some of the spices and ingredients that go into the new and traditional holiday recipes we use to celebrate the season, using the Lore of Spices, written by Jan-Öjvind Swahn. This year I’m starting with one of the most basic ingredients – sugar!

Saccharum officinarum is in the Poaceae family (also called Gramineae, the grass plants). This important family includes bamboo and grasses used in landscaping. Sugar cane originated in India, but its cultivated form is thought to have descended from a wild form that is no longer in existence (plants were bred to produce the best yield of sugar sap). The cultivated plants were traded and grown across the East Indies and Pacific Ocean, and often chewed to release the sweet flavor. At some point, Indians discovered the sap could be boiled into sugar syrup, which was used as a flavoring and a medicine.

Botanical illustration of Saccharum officinarum from Koehler's Medicinal Plants.
Published before 1923 and public domain in the United States.

According to Swahn, Indians began to dry sugar syrup into crystals five centuries before Christ, making it easier to transport and trade. The Chinese grew sugar cane as early as the fourth century A.D.; Persians in the sixth century (they also learned to refine sugar to remove impurities). Arabs grew and refined sugar using modern, chemical techniques in the eighth century. European crusaders came into contact with Arab sugar in the eleventh century, and European explorers grew the cane in their tropical colonies starting in the fifteenth century. Today sugar is grown all over the world in tropical and subtropical climates.

Sugar cane shoots can grow to 15 feet  high and up to two inches thick. The sap originates in the lower part of the cane. Leaves are deciduous and sheathed; inflorescence is panicled racemes; spikelets are in pairs (one sessile, and one pedicelled, both bisexual). Seeds are encased in glumes (basal bracts), lemma, and palea, with an external stigma like feathery antennae. The canes are cut every 12 – 15 months. The cane is crushed between rollers; the pressed plant parts are leached; and the liquid boiled to produce sugar syrup, then dried to form crystals.