Garden Activities: January 6, 2026

I thought we’d have another Tuesday rain out, but as the days progressed the rain predictions slowly disappeared! So we met Tuesday with the sole task in mind to clear the storm debris from the garden to the extent possible. The Tuesday Crew comprised Beverly Kemmerling, Julie Moffat, Daryl Stutley, Nancy Taylor Walker, Ann Wright, and me. Also on hand were Ed Merlo, Steve Davis and Avinash Bahadur. Ed changed his usual day from Wednesday to Tuesday as he had 1) scouted out the areas needing the most attention the week before on his own and wanted to show them to us, and 2) knew that we could use his help in clearing those areas. Steve was placing new plant labels, and Avinash was working in the propagation area. 

Ed dumping an armload of debris.

There were lots of good images taken of us hauling limbs to the carts and dumpster, but the one below captures best the volume of stuff we were dealing with.

Julie, Nancy and Daryl.

The debris we piled up in various places in the garden was much more than would fit in the dumpster, so we left piles where they could later be collected using the club car. It was amazing how much we did get in the dumpster. Just when I thought it was filled to overflowing, someone found another corner with some space.

There were several winter bloomers to visit once the paths dry out and allow the garden to open. Up from the first 4-corners were:

Bulbine in front of hummingbird sage

Hakea lauriina. The small tree bent at a right angle.

Just to the right of Tuff II, is a CA native: 

A species of 4-0’clock (Mirabilis sp?) of which there are several listed as native to CA so not sure of the species.

In the Trail of Trees is:

Pink ball tree (Dombeya wallichii).

And finally, at the 2nd 4-corners:

African flag (Chasmanthe floribunda).

Many thanks to Beverly, Daryl, and Nancy for their images.

Enjoy the garden! And, have a happy and healthy new year.    KMM