The branches of our apple tree were so heavy with apples that they were resting on the ground. I harvested several apples to lighten the weight, but what to do with the apples?
I made an apple pizza based on the Pear and Apple Breakfast Pizza on the Jazzy Vegetarian recipe.
It is a simple, quick, and delicious vegan recipe.
On 17 April 2016 I wrote a post about finding some gorgeous Brachychiton seed pods.
I planted some of the seeds. Today this is what I found–
Two of the Smoke Soaked Brachychiton Seeds Sprouted
Now I wait and hope that the sprouts will become healthy seedlings.
I knew the agave would eventually be removed, but knowing and being prepared are quite different. For over a year, I watched the agave grow and change. Some days there were stunning changes, other days the changes were subtle almost imperceptible. The agave became a favored haunt for several birds–crows, doves, jays, hummingbirds, and a hawk.
Hawk in the Agave 26 December 2015
The Agave 24 March 2015
The Agave 19 October 2015
Recently the tilt of the agave increased. Could a strong wind have blown it over?
The folks arrived Monday morning to remove the agave.They mentioned that the sap from the agave can be a skin irritant, actually can burn. Funny that agave can be used as a sweetener. With lots of plants, their parts can be toxic when not respected and used properly.
The workers were quite organized and worked efficiently. After each cut the agave parts were tossed into the truck.
The First Cut
The Lovely Fiber of the Agave
Where the Agave Once Stood, A Small Agave Survives
That little plant makes me so happy!
Cut Grass
Prepared Grass for Piece
The grass is similar to velcro. It sticks to itself, to fingers, to clothing, and to the bamboo crochet thread that I am using.
The first grass was bound to the bottom of the hardware cloth covering 5 rows.
Next, five rows of grass were bound horizontally from right to left.
The piece in progress.
The cut grass project has 150 bound pieces:
75 (5 bound pieces over 15 columns) and 75 (3 bound pieces over 25 rows).
Cut Grass Piece Detail
This is what the grass looks like in the garden today. Unfortunately, the grass that I used does not seem to be changing to the gorgeous colors like the grass left to dry naturally in the garden.
September 19th, 2015 I planted Bird of Paradise seeds.
I have been watering the flats, patiently waiting for some sign of life.
Then I found two very small plants emerging. Should be interesting to see what they become. Well, if they survive.
Can’t believe that they could possibly be Bird of Paradise. So what are they? Volunteer plants and oak trees pop up in my potted plants and gardens, thanks to the blue jays.
Now I wait. Gardening does require learning to be patient.
Brachychiton Pods
Brachychiton Seeds With Fuzzy Coating
Brachychiton Seeds, Fuzzy Coating Removed
Bottles for Soaking, Seeds, and Smoke Primer.
Removing Smoke Primer Paper
Empty Pods. Seeds Soaking in Smoke Water. Seeds Soaking in Hot Water.
The Seeds Were Soaked for 24 Hours Before Planting. Seeds in Planting Mixes.
One Tray for Seeds Soaked in Smoke. One Tray for Seeds Soaked in Hot Water.
Planting Mixes Used
Brachychiton Empty Pods
Easter is coming and House Rabbit organizations have a campaign–Make Mine Chocolate. The purpose is to inform and the hope to prevent people from purchasing a bunny for Easter. The majority of Easter bunnies end up released or sent to shelters or worse. People need to be aware that a rabbit is at least a 10 year commitment.
If you are thinking about purchasing a cute bunny for your child, choose a plush, stuffed rabbit. Real rabbits are sensitive and fragile creatures. They do not live on carrots or cabbage or ice cream that some authors put in children’s books. Rabbits need an appropriate diet of hay and greens, not crackers and chips.
Rabbits are never to be picked up by their ears. They can startle and be harmed easily. And without proper care and veterinary check ups, rabbits can die.
It should go without saying, Never, Never, Ever release a rabbit. They can be killed by predators, hit by cars, or worse. They can starve or become wounded, and die a painful death.
This is a photo of Nora. She lived for nearly 14 years.
She had surgery after she was attacked. She had several bouts of gastrointestinal stasis that required veterinary care. Later in life she had problems with her teeth which required treatment that included anesthesia. Anytime a rabbit is given anesthesia, complications can occur. And finding a good veterinarian can be difficult.
How cute is all of that???
Buy a plush bunny. They are cute and make great companions. They do not need to be feed. Litter boxes do not need to be cleaned. They do not need to see a veterinarian. And they will not die from neglect.
Or buy a chocolate bunny. Make bunny cupcakes or cookies. But don’t buy a Real Live Rabbit. They are not toys. They are lovely sensitive creatures who should be treated with love, care, and respect.
Make Mine Chocolate, UK Rabbit Welfare
The best rabbit veterinarian on the California Central Coast is Dr. Susan Choy at Bear Valley Animal Clinic.
I went to Home Depot to purchase some hardware cloth. On the way to the car I found some gorgeous seed pods just right there on the ground. A little crushed, but still beautiful.
I looked around to find the source. At first I couldn’t locate the tree, but then I found loads of pods on the ground beneath a tree. Still find it odd that trees are planted in parking lots. They seem so lonely.
I did a google image search to find information about the pod. Pretty sure the tree is a Brachychiton. It may be Brachychiton populneus. Need to see the tree in bloom.
Here is a little closer look at the pods.
The cool thing is that I have had this pod for several years. Can’t recall where I found it. And for some reason I never identified the source of the pod.
I liked the bark, boat-like pod right off. And inside there are golden seeds covered with fuzz. While reading about Brachychiton populneus, I found this information:
Wear gloves when handling the seed pods to avoid their skin-irritating fuzz.
For a few years, I was an avid gardener. Avid, as in growing most plants from seed, working in the gardens everyday and most of the weekend.
During that time I did not make much in the way of art. I kept thinking that I could not make anything as beautiful as what was growing in my gardens.
I have gotten over that. Now I spend most of my time working in the studio. My gardens have been changed, plants have been removed. And here on the California Central Coast we are still dealing with the drought.
So, how will I use the pods in my work? Don’t know. Need to spend some time with them.
Definitely, considering adding a Brachychiton populneus to my gardens. And of course I will attempt to grow one from some of the seed that I have collected.
More information about Brachychiton populneus–