About 10 years ago, I first learned that we had native Fritillaria, specifically F. biflora (Chocolate Lily). Although I don’t think I had ever seen one in the wild, local native plant expert Edmond Piffard shared some photos of them
Long before the 2003 and 2007 fires in San Diego, Scott and I embarked on a November hike to the summit of Iron Mountain in Cuyamaca State Park. I was struck by the fact that, from the mountain’s peak, there
For years after a road trip that Scott and I did in Western Australia back in 2016, I’d wanted to return. I was totally blown away by the plants, scenery, animals and open spaces. This time since the planning and
It’s official. Blue-eyed grass is now the official flower of San Diego. From the April 22, 2025, San Diego Union Tribune: San Diego has a new city flower for the first time in 61 years. The City Council voted unanimously …
In April, Scott and I embarked on an unforgettable botanical expedition that took us on a 1000-mile journey from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas to view the rare plant life in Baja, Mexico. Our group was composed of seven guests,
In December, Scott Borden, eight friends and I visited Patagonia on a Natural Habitat Adventures tour. We visited a bird sanctuary, watched a glacier calving into Lago Argentina, stayed in EcoCamp with views of Torres de Paine, saw two pumas,
Since my column is called “My Life with Plants,” it seems only fitting that I have an article about plants that are much, much older than my comparatively short life, four thousand years old in fact. I’m talking about the
I’m not exactly sure when I first became aware of Calochortus. Calochortus weedii – July 2019 in the northern annex of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. I seem to recall in the 1980s that they were occasionally offered for sale
We were originally scheduled to visit the California Channel Islands on a National Geographic / Lindblad Expedition in the spring 2020, but the trip was cancelled due to COVID. We were finally able to take the trip this April and
Visit to June Wash After hearing and seeing photos online of the Sand Verbena, Abronia villosa, we decided to make a trip to June Wash in the southern part of Anza-Borrego State Park on Sunday, February 18, 2023, to check
Getting There In October 2022, on our return from a bicycling trip in Carolinas’ Blue Ridge Mountains, we stopped in Arizona for a short stay at Castle Hot Springs hosted by Scott’s brother and his wife. Heavy thundershowers that day
This past October, Scott and I headed to the Carolinas’ Blue Ridge Mountains to see the fabulous fall foliage on a bicycling tour hosted by Backroads. To be able to enjoy the long rides and big hills we opted to
This past August (2022) we had the opportunity to borrow a home belonging to a business associate of Scott’s located at the Sea Ranch in Sonoma County. We figured it would be a great time to visit there since San
In mid-April, 20222, Scott and I traveled to Portugal for a bike tour. Getting older, we opted for e-bikes which makes several days of bike riding much easier as well as making hill climbs feel like level ground. The tour
Oahu In mid-December 2021, we took a brief trip to Oahu, aiming to avoid potential travel restrictions as the Omicron COVID variant began to spread more widely. Initially, we intended to visit Costa Rica, but complications with canceled flights and
California Adventure Part Five – I can hear you say, “What happened to parts one through four?” Well, I’ll tell you what happened … In 2020, I turned 65 and it also was my 40th year living in California. So,
I’ve reached the age of 65. I had initially planned to visit Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierras and sit on the rock where the iconic photo of John Muir was taken and where the Sierra Club was established.
Spaniards were the first to dub the lands on the western side of the North American continent California. Supposedly, the name came from the popular 1510 fictional story of Queen Calafia’s queendom said to be a remote land rich in gold
In October 2019, the author joined a unique plant expedition to Peru, focusing on native cacti and bromeliads, alongside a visit to Machu Picchu. Inspired by Inca history, they explored the ancient site amidst fog and rain, experiencing its stunning architecture and biodiversity, while learning about its rich cultural significance and agriculture.
In September, a plant expedition tour in Peru focused on cacti and bromeliads, offering a unique experience beyond typical gardens. The journey included crossing the Andes, visiting cultural sites, and witnessing the rare Puya raimondii in Huascarán National Park. The blooming spectacle attracted numerous birds, highlighting its ecological significance.
The spring 2019, bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert was spectacular. Who knew after the super bloom in 2017 that just 2 years later there would be an even better bloom? The desert received frequent rains beginning October through February.
The spring 2019, bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert was spectacular. Who knew after the super bloom in 2017 that just 2 years later there would be an even better bloom? The desert received frequent rains beginning October through February.
In July 2018, Scott and I visited western South Dakota and Wyoming. We were in search of alpine wildflowers in the mountains to the east of Yellowstone National Park. We were not disappointed. Panayoti Kelaidis had recommended the trip on
In the mid-1990s, the author enjoyed mountain biking in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, but after the Cedar Fire devastated the area in 2003, visits diminished. In 2023, they hiked Cuyamaca Peak, observing regeneration of Ceanothus and other species. Spectacular views replaced forest cover, revealing unique vegetation and wildflowers along the trail.
Lower Green Valley Falls in San Diego County provides a refreshing experience after a late-season storm in May 2017. The easy hike to the falls revealed vibrant flora, including mimulus and native peonies, alongside impressive rock formations. The scenic trail also offered stunning views of the Sweetwater River and surrounding nature.
This is post is the last of a series of posts about a September 2016 trip to view the wildflowers and scenery of Western Australia. See post list or use links at the top or bottom of this post to
In September 2016, a visit to Stirling Range National Park revealed its rich biodiversity, featuring over 1,500 plant species, many unique to the area. The landscape, resembling Arizona’s with diverse flora like Kingia australis and Eucalyptus tetraptera, showcased the park’s ecological significance, culminating in scenic views from Central Lookout.
In September of 2016 while touring Southwest Australia, we set out for Fitzgerald River National Park ( 815,160 acres) a UNESCO Biosphere site. Unfortunately, the bridge across the mouth of the estuary had been severely damaged by a storm surge
Western Australia’s interior features distinctive orange-red soil, flat terrain, and extensive unpaved roads. The area is marked by nutrient-poor soils and unique flora. The journey includes a visit to Wave Rock, scenic stops, and the rabbit-proof fence, leading to the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show, showcasing vast biodiversity through numerous native plant species.
The author recounts a trip through South Africa, emphasizing the beauty of the Western Cape’s flora, including wildflowers and the Cape of Good Hope’s scenery. Highlights include a road trip along the Garden Route, exploration of indigenous plants, a wildlife preserve, and visits to botanical gardens and vineyards, culminating in a return home.
This year, I celebrated my 60th birthday by traveling, including a much-anticipated trip to South Africa. With a focus on its diverse plant life, particularly bulbs, I explored Nieuwoudtville, the “Bulb Capital of the World,” witnessing stunning wildflowers, quiver trees, and the breathtaking landscape of the Northern Cape’s blooming season.
The narrative reflects on the author’s family heritage, highlighting a watercolor painting by great-aunt Bess and the intriguing life of great-uncle Harry. Bess, who was deaf, created artwork despite her circumstances, while Harry, a passionate naturalist, authored a hiking booklet and participated in conservation efforts, symbolizing familial connections to nature and creativity.
