Garden Activities: October 27, 2026
What a beautiful day to be outside. The sole effort was to continue from last week the job of cutting the matilija poppies down to about 6 inches. As that job was in the full sun, as it became warmer, we became tireder (yes that is a legit word!), so the relatively light work of cleanup came at the right time. Volunteering today were: Krystyna Bacik, Dale Harshberger, Denis Luna, Susanna Mac, Katie Shank, Daryl Stutley, Nancy Taylor Walker, Anna Wiktor-Becker, Ann Wright, and myself — and mascot Spike.
We loosely divided ourselves into tasks including cutting the stems, carrying them to the green waste bin and raking up the smaller cuttings from the area between the gravel path and the perimeter fence. As we go on along the fence line, we decided to divide the space by the midpoint between the fence and the path; the cuttings on the path side of the midpoint would be collected and discarded, and the cuttings on the fence side would be left to form a rough mulch that will hopefully discourage the incursion of mustard and star thistle rampant in that area.
The poppies aren’t the only natives to find this area optimal.
We essentially exposed all the stones adjacent to the service area. This was a huge accomplishment as the rest of the job — at least along the perimeter fence — will be easier by comparison. We want to get as much of this done as soon as possible so that we can focus on the fall planting when we start getting in orders of new plants. Once this area is done there are at least 2 other areas to address: top of the hill and along the service road.
Because the green waste bin was full, we again had to pile the cut stems on the ground near it. I don’t know if there is a chance of changing the timing of emptying it to sometime Monday so that it would be available to the Tuesday Crew.
Thanks to Susanna, Daryl and Nancy for their images.
Enjoy the garden…KMM
