California poppies in the garden reminds me of adding salt while cooking, a sprinkling makes all of the ingredients shine.

The purple artichokes are abundant enough to eat and to let go to flower. They make a stately garden presence.

A hodgepodge of perennials and CA natives attract birds, butterflies and bees in front of my ag building/barn. It’s one of my favorite spots to sit, observe and listen.

Pacific Coast Hybrid (PCH) irises were bred from California’s native wild irises resulting in an array of brilliant, larger flowers. They add a lively surprise to the dappled shade garden.

Monarch butterfly caterpillars are devouring their milkweed patch. It’s good the plants have been spreading to feed the enlarging population. #InsectThursday

I’ve brought in two armloads of the velvety red French rose, Papa Meilland. The long, strong stems paired with an outrageous old rose fragrance supports its legendary status.

Spanish lavender blooms multiple times a year with plenty of colors to choose from. I’ve grown white, pink and many shades of purple in the garden.

After a three year wait I’m wearing purple stained fingers thanks to Morus nigra, black mulberry. This young tree will grow up and supply fruit for tasty jam if any make it indoors.

I’m grateful to be able to buy bones that come from free-range cattle that roam the nearby hills.

This is my weekly recipe for nutritious bone broth.

Bring the bones to a boil, drain, then roast at 400 for an hour or two. Place the bones in a slow cooker and cover with water,

I hope you all have an upbeat Sunday.

Happy May 1st! It’s time to flip the calendar.
Caloboletus radicans, 2010,
Alexander Viazmensky.
Watercolor on paper.

The Ginkgo biloba trees are wearing fresh, apple-green finery.

There’s a satisfying crunch when opening a Lillian’s Caseload garden pea. They’re delicious eaten fresh while standing in the garden. Heirloom seeds from Baker Creek Seeds.

I hope you all have a Sunday as cheerful as these monkey flowers and Pacific Coast irises. I’ll be outside weeding and listening to the calls of a nearby red-shouldered hawk.
#SundayYellow