Garden Notes

Although spring is a wonderful time to see many native plants in bloom, each season has its own beauty, and a visit to a native plant garden now can provide inspiration for the fall planting season. California fuchsias (Epilobium spp.), asters (Aster spp.), California buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.

When in doubt, eat dessert first! These mini pumpkin Oreo cheesecakes will be the star at any of your fall events. They are so fall and yummy, these are the show-stoppers. The maple walnut cookies make a chewy treat. Think warm tea, cozy blanket, and enveloping yourself in comfort.

TREE: Pecan (Carya illoensis) can provide you with some delectable nuts and there are varieties that will work for you here in the northern San Joaquin Valley, if you have room for a backyard orchard. They will also provide fairly dense shade if that is needed.

Broadleaf mistletoe (Phoradendron macrophyllum) Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that absorbs both water and nutrients from a host tree. Healthy trees can tolerate a few mistletoe branch infections.

PULSE, n. from the Latin word puls meaning porridge of beans, peas, etc. 1. the edible seed of peas, beans, lentils or any similar plants producing pods. 2. any plant producing pulse. A legume is a category of plants that produce seeds in pods that split open on two sides to reveal the fruits.