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
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,
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
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
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,
Just a year ago on this date life looked very different. This was to be the year to do my take on the California motto: “Eureka, I have found it”. I turned 65 in the middle of 2020 and also
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 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.
The Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County is renowned for its spectacular spring wildflower blooms. After a wet winter, a group visited and witnessed an impressive variety of flowers, including the rare desert candle. The landscape showcased vibrant colors, creating a stunning floral tapestry across the hills.
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.
