Birds and Bees – Fertilization

This year we're exploring the fascinating world of plant reproduction in a series called "Birds and Bees." So far, we have mastered a few terms, and learned about the role pollinators play in bringing pollen and plants together. Now we're ready to enter the amazing events surrounding the fertilization of a flower's eggs.

Before fertilization can occur, each ovule within the ovary must be ready with a mature egg. When compatible pollen lands on the stigma, two cells within the pollen grain jump into action. One of the cells grows into a long pollen tube, through the cells of the pistil, in search of a microscopic opening in one of the ovules. If there are multiple ovules in the ovary, each ovule typically requires its own pollen tube.

Flower lifecycle – (C)2006 Merriam-Webster, Inc.

The second cell divides to become two sperm  cells that travel through the pollen tube to enter the ovule. One of the sperm unites with the egg in the ovule to form a zygote, the fertilized egg. The other sperm combines with another cell in the ovule to produce the endosperm, which is food storage tissue. The endosperm nourishes the zygote as it grows into an embryo, the immature plant within a seed. Amazing!

What's Blooming in March?

Spring is officially here, and the San Francisco Bay Area is in full bloom. Lots of rain in January, a balmy February, and more rain in early March have conspired to create a floral masterpiece. Our yard is alive with an assortment of little brown birds, humming birds, bees, butterflies, and squirrels. All of these pollinators are at work in their unique ways.

Pyrus calleryana with white blossoms

In early March, the Pyrus calleryana (ornamental pear) bloomed in a snow flurry of white petals, along with a succession of Magnolia soulange (tulip trees) with their velvety pink and cream petals. Muscari continued blooming from February into March in a lovely progression of purple blossoms.

Blossom from Magnolia soulange

The Ceanothus that I glimpsed from Highway 580 in February, came into full bloom in March. I love how those non-descript freeway shrubs become a mass of deep purple in the spring. Ceanothus is a California native.

The freeways have been golden with Brassica nigra (mustard) and Genista monspessulana (French broom). Neither are native and both are very invasive. They get a brief aesthetic pass for their lacy blooms (but then should be rooted out before they go to seed)!

Field of Brassica nigra

Communities of Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) are also blooming with their cheerful "cup of gold" petals. I spotted planters full of Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise), and Lavandula officinalis (lavender) out in Dublin. The tulips at Mountain View Cemetery put on their spectacular show in Oakland.

This is just a snapshot of what is blooming in March here in the Bay Area. Thanks to El Niño, this is prime time for flower watching. Let me know what is blooming where you are, whether here in the Bay Area, or further afield!

San Francisco Garden Show Highlights – 2016

My aunt and I attended the San Francisco Garden Show last week, and I’m still thinking about the new ideas. I compiled a list of garden designers during the show (my husband and I want to partner with a professional on a renovation plan that retains some of the bones of our garden, but becomes more climate friendly).

Abraxas Crow garden ornaments

Now I’m thinking about some of the details we saw, like these wonderful iron birds from Abraxas Crow, out of Port Townsend, Washington. I’m especially partial to the crows and ravens, but any of these would bring artful whimsy into the garden. I also love some of the hardscaping we saw in the water gardens.

Water basin with ladle

Koi inscription

HTML Tables

Bonsai tree

My aunt I love to see the beautiful bonsai trees showcased by the Bonsai Society San Francisco. Many of the trees have been in training for decades. I’m always torn to see a mighty tree reduced to its miniature version, but they are so beautiful!

Bladderpod - California native	Dahlia's in every color and shape
Thin vase for dramatic appeal	Succulents in coral pink

HTML Tables

The Garden Show is a great place to shop. Many native and hard-to-find plants are available, and many at great prices. Gold Rush Nursery is becoming one of my favorite vendors (but Sunset, and others had wonderful displays of California natives available for sale). We also saw lots of vegetable starters, Dahlias, succulents, accessories and more.

Strike green gold at Gold Rush Nursery

This is the place to purchase Japanese maples, palms, and olive trees as well, or drool over the displays, and purchase at the nurseries.

Japanese maple from Essence of the Tree

It will probably take most of the year to research all the plants, products, and garden design ideas we saw at the show. But I think that is the point – to discover new ideas, and put them to good use!