Last July, I carefully planted a "California Native Plant" garden. We live in a condo and our yard is fairly small (8 X 30 feet), but still enough room to have a little fun with plants and flowers. I spent a day digging, planting and providing lots of water to give the young plants a fighting chance. Little did I know that planting in July wasn't the greatest time (too hot), but what's done is done. Most of these hardy plants survived the heat and dry Santa Ana winds. Throughout the fall and winter months there was very little growth above ground which discouraged me, but it was explained to me that these plants were doing most of their growing under ground and I was promised that in the spring they would take off. I was not disappointed.
I have had so much fun watching these plants grow - I've even taken cuttings off some of them and started new plants which I was then able to give away to friends. The interesting thing about California natives is that they really don't require much water - in fact, you can kill them with too much water. There were times when I thought a plant looked stressed, and my first thought was to give it more water. But when I resisted that temptation I would quickly see that they plant was fine (in most cases). That's not to say that I have not killed a few plants, because I have - but my guess is that they were over-watered.
Since we live in a condo - there is regular irrigation on the hillside above our garden - so we are getting water from that. If not for that source, I would possibly have to water more.
As you can see these plants are fairly happy - they provide lots of interest for us and the pollinators around here. We love to hike, and we see many of these plants in our local foothills and mountains - so it's such a treat to walk outside into our back yard to see these plants and smell the scents that we would normally smell on an afternoon hike. As they become more established, I will water less and less. With the irrigation on the hillside above - my guess is that I won't have to water more than a few times a year. Saving water around these parts is a good thing right now - it's a good feeling to know we don't have to sacrifice the garden due to water shortages. I'm glad I made the decision to kill the grass and put in a more interesting yard that requires minimal care and water. More and more folks are doing the same here in San Diego County - it's a good thing on so many levels (saves money and is good for the critters and environment).
Do you ever sit down at your computer to read an email and the next thing you know you've just spent an hour clicking through various links to get to "important" information? I hate to admit how often that happens to me.
I've decided to give myself a time limit for reading emails and other informative material. All too often, I open an email that has a link in it, and once I click on it, I'm carried off to some other source, a blog or website, which promises to have the information I need to be a better real estate agent, salesperson, friend, co-worker, wife, mother, and etcetera!!!
I think of it like a sponge - I'm absorbing all this information - but a sponge can only absorb so much before it has to be "squeezed out".
So, from now on, I'm going to take in just enough material to stay informed - but move on to other important tasks before I'm pulled into the information vacuum where I become ineffective because I'm overwhelmed with all the "stuff" I'm learning about doing, but never get around to "doing" because I'm still learning. Yikes!!
There are considerable amounts of good information out there, especially for those of us in the real estate business; and it's so easy to get distracted by these helpful resources. So, one of my goals for 2009 is to spend less time learning about some new thing, and more time perfecting what I already know.
Are there things in your life and business that you'd like to get better at, but can never find the time?
Community efforts don't go unnoticed. A wonderful group of people from Genentech, an Oceanside bio-tech firm, planned a day of hard (volunteer) work at the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center in Oceanside earlier this week.
Genentech was voted one of the best 100 companies to work for by Fortune Magazine. A small group of employees donated their time, tenacity and resources to the grounds at the nature center.
They cut down trees, pruned shrubs, dug up island planters, hauled the brush and planted native plants. They accomplished a tremendous amount of work in a very short period of time. I still can't get over the improvements that were made that day. It was so fun working with them and sharing stories. One gentleman told me about a new cancer drug that they are developing, others talked about their kids and many asked questions about the native plants. It was a blast to see everybody getting dirty!
Joan Bockman, Native Plant Director, had the idea of using a boulder as a source of water for birds to bring them close enough for folks to view while visiting the area. Genentech graciously donated a 1000 pound boulder for the project. Once the pump is installed, water will always be available for visiting birds.
When all the work was done, the cheerful group took a guided nature walk led by the center's manager, Annette Schneider, where they got to see ruddy ducks, coots, frogs, osprey, monarch butterflies and other critters.
The Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center draws people from throughout the community - many come to learn and many come to help out. It's a great spot to bring kids (young & old) to get up close to nature and an opportunity to donate your talents to a local community jewel. A huge thank you goes out to the employees of Genentech for selecting the center as a place to spend their volunteer day.
Last fall, I began volunteer work at the Buena Vista Audubon Society in Oceanside in their California native plant garden. I became an instant convert to native plants. So, I decided to kill the grass in our backyard, and plant a native garden. Killing the grass wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I used undiluted table vinegar, and then I had to be very patient. It took about three months.
The grasses in the backyard were extremely hardy, and didn't go without a fight. Eventually, the grass was dead, and I was able to plant many native plants, which is so exciting because it's like have a little bit of San Diego's wildlands in our backyard. I planted Ceonothus, Encelia, Sunset Manzanita, Salvia (Pozo Blue), Buckwheat, Mountain Mahogany, Western Redbud, and more.
But again, I have to be patient. The garden doesn't look like much right now because everything is so small. But, if the plants survive the summer, they should really take off next year. (I can't wait!!)
Why plant natives? First of all, they're beautiful and unique; but also by planting species that occur naturally in the wild together, in your garden, you create an environment that will draw various birds, insects and other critters. This is the sign of a healthy garden.
Also, native plants require a lot less water than non-natives. In fact, I keep checking the soil under the surface to see if I need to water, but it's still damp under there; it's been more than three weeks since I've watered my plants. You really have to check the soil to determine when watering is needed. Because I live in a town-home, there are sources of water that surround our yard, which is most likely why the soil is still damp. So, really this native garden is low maintenance, and it provides us with a little piece of our natural landscape right here in our backyard.
Now, we're talking... aaahhhh Vista. This is where I live, and I love this town. It's about 7 miles from the coast; but where we live, we get a nice onshore breeze to keep us cool for most of the year. There are some valleys in Vista where it can get fairly warm, but still our temps are mild for the most part. Lot's of beautiful rolling hills here in Vista, and a sense of rural living in many areas. We've got beautiful horse ranches, great schools, stunning neighborhoods and plenty of agriculture to boot.
Vista is growing and changing everyday! The Vista Business Park is forecasted to grow, and as a result, add thousands of employment opportunities to our community. Our city draws people from surrounding areas to visit our parks, cultural events and historical sites.
In 1845, Governor Pio Pico issued a land grant to Felipe Subria where the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe stands today - Buena Vista Park drew people from the surrounding regions for social gatherings. This historic site, along with the Guajome Regional Park and Agua Hedionda Y los Manos Adobe, are just some of our historic treasures.
The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe looks basically the way it did when it was built 150 years ago, but it has some modern upgrades and was used a residential home as recently as 1989 when the City of Vista purchased it. In 1851, the property was given as a wedding gift for $1.00. I've lived in Vista for many years, and making my first visit to the Adobe was delightful. I plan to visit again, to get the full tour! I spoke with the Rancho Program Coordinator, Beverly Fisher, who graciously allowed me browse around and take a few pictures. (Thanks Beverly!) I felt a reverence as I walked through the rooms of the old adobe; I could just imagine the families and stories that took place there.
(Photos courtesy of Rancho Buena Vista Adobe)
Guajome Regional Park is part of the San Diego Founder's Trail, and offers camping, horse-back riding, fishing and beautiful natural landscaping.
Fun things to do in Vista!!
The Wave waterpark, take the kids to play on the water slides, and wave pool, and more!
Vista our fairly new Vista Village Center, where you can shop, eat (of course) and go to the theatre. Be sure to talk a stroll along the Buena Vista Creek!!
Our great city adopted a Marine Corps squadron, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 36. The purpose of the adopt-a-unit program is for an American city to connect to, and provide support for, a unit abroad who, by their very nature sacrifice so much for us here at home. Click here to learn how you can get involved. Good job, Vista!!
In the late 1700s Father Juan Crespi arrived in the Oceanside area, and he felt the location was perfect for what is now known as the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.
After the completion of the railroad from San Diego to San Bernardino, the city of Oceanside began to take shape. Folks who lived inland would take day trips to the ocean-side, and eventually the two words became one. When the town petitioned for a post office, they wrote ‘Oceanside' down as its name. In 1888, Oceanside's population was approximately 1000 individuals. Today, there are more than 160,000 people living in Oceanside.
Oceanside sits next the Marine Corps base, Camp Pendleton, and has benefited economically from the close proximity. Oceanside, like Carlsbad, has a pleasant climate and many crops of tomatoes, avocados, citrus and flowers are produced here as well. It also is a popular tourist town with miles of pristine coastline, a fishing (and dining) pier and small-craft harbor.
When the pier was built in 1979, it was known as the longest pier on the west-coast measured at 1900-ft. Currently, you can dine at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier while overlooking the ocean and sailboats as they pass by.
The Oceanside harbor has several fine restaurants with gorgeous views, as well as many shops to visit, a lighthouse, tour boats and fishing boats (take a tour boat to see the magnificent gray whales migrating). Be sure to join the upcoming annual Harbor Day celebration during the third weekend in September.
Sailing, fishing, bicycling and lots more fun can enjoyed in Oceanside.
Visit the Buena Vista Audubon Society for a glimpse of a replica of the recent archeological find of a mastodon, which is only the third such find in San Diego county. Children love to visit here where they can hold a live tarantula, see wildlife displays and take guided insect tours. You can also view the native California Coastal Sage Scrub plant community here, and learn about the area's habitat and important role in the surrounding ecosystem. (If you stop by on a Friday morning, you might just find me there, working in the garden with Native Plant Director, Joan Bockman. Stop by to say hi!)
The Luiseno Indians lived on the coast of Carlsbad back in the late 1700s-they lived on seafood, food crops and reportedly led peaceful lives-they worshipped the Great Spirit, the Sun-God. They currently live on a reservation near Palomar Mountain approximately 60 miles away. The area changed hands when the Spanish arrived. In 1886, the town of Carlsbad was established after the artesian wells were found and the Carlsbad Land & Water Company purchased the land.
Today, Carlsbad is rich with history and has a distinctive mix of homes, parks and many businesses. It was known as the Avocado Capital in the 1920s and the Flower Capital in the 1940s.
Visit the Carlsbad Historical Society on Beech Street where you can see a variety of beautiful gardens and learn more about the fascinating history of this town.
Carlsbad is an enjoyable place to visit and an pleasant place to live. What can you do in Carlsbad? Go to the beach-swim, surf, kayak and much, much more!!
Check out one of the many local restaurants and listen to live music at the Coyote Bar & Grill on Carlsbad Village Drive-great southwestern food and drinks.
There are so many fabulous restaurants to choose from.
Visit the La Costa Resort & Spa--get a relaxing and rejuvenating massage and/or play a game of golf.
Living in Carlsbad-great schools, nice neighborhoods and plenty of unique boutiques for you shoppers. Nice open space and beautiful views.
I'm just scratching the service of this magnificent town!! You've got to get there to see for yourselves how special this little village by the sea truly is. Go and enjoy!
We have had some devastating fires in the past several years here in So Cal. There has been much discussion about how to prevent this devastation in the future. One of the solutions has been clearing of brush around the perimeter of the home. While keeping brush cleaned up can help, it can also give homeowners a false sense of security.
It is customary after a fire for the experts to investigate and analyze the path, and causes, of wildfire. Recently, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reported their findings after the Witch Creek Wildfire in 2007. IBHS inspected approximately 3,000 homes in an attempt to discover why some survived and some didn't. Interestingly, homes that were built within 15 feet of each other were at great risk, as well as homes next to wild lands.
One idea that is often accepted is that brush alone is the cause of these fires. Of course, fuel is required for fire, but that is only one element of fire. Heat and oxygen are also required for a fire to start. Next, add high winds (Santa Ana winds) and you've got a wildfire, and quite possibly, a catastrophic wildfire or firestorm.
When considering fire safety, keep in mind, the elements required for a wildfire. If there are strong winds, heat, and fuel, a fire will move quickly and without a predictable direction. No one's house is safe in these conditions, even those who have diligently (and sometimes excessively) cleared brush. High winds carry embers for miles and where these embers land is anybody's guess. That is why it is important to make sure the exterior of your home is sealed properly. A small gap in the roof and/or siding is an ideal place for an ember to get caught and burn.
Also, it is important when clearing brush that is done correctly. Clearing everything creates an environment for grass and weeds to grow quickly before other (slower burning) plants have time to become established-grass and weeds are highly flammable.
There are many resources to help homeowners assess their homes' condition. The community of Rancho Bernardo is conducting several workshops for homeowners. Please click here for more information on fire safety.
Mt Calavera adds a bit of natural history and intrigue to the surroundings communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. Not many people realize what the 513 feet hill actually is. For years, scientists have only been estimating how old the volcano is, but the North County Times recently reported that local geologists from the San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego State University have taken samples of the minerals and plan to age-test it sometime this year.
According to Tom Demere, curator of paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum, when Mt Calavera blew many many years ago, it threw out rocks and ash that can be found as far as Chula Vista and National City which are more than 40 miles away.
The three towns surrounding the preserve each have their own unique character. Carlsbad and Oceanside sit on the coast, and have many visitors and beach-goers. Both coastlines offer miles of beach where locals and tourists alike spend their days.
Vista sits inland with rolling hills and beautiful views (hence the name).
In addition to the typical businesses throughout these towns, each has agricultural areas where avocados, citrus, strawberries and tomatoes are grown, many horse ranches, and excellent neighborhoods to choose from.
Each town has easy access to major freeways, making it convenient to get to Los Angeles, Riverside or San Diego.
Carlsbad was named for a famous European spa. In the late 1800's, a fresh-water well was dug to provide water for the trains when they stopped in the village. Later, another well was dug and it was discovered that it produced mineral water--once analyzed, it was found to have equal mineral quality to the popular mineral bath in Karlsbad, Bohemia.
In part III of my volcano series we'll take a closer look at the City of Carlsbad-it's history, culture and commerce.
I've lived in this area for many many years--it's amazing how much you can miss when you're not paying attention. Sharing this with all of you helps me to take note of the many treasures that I see everyday, but don't always appreciate.
In a previous blog, I wrote about my top 5 things to do in the North County. One of the items on my list was a visit the local volcano.
There are only three of them in southern California and we have one right here in Carlsbad. This 513 ft volcano is extinct and poses no harm to the many surrounding neighbors, but a very, very long time ago, it did blow!! The lava cooled, solidified, and over time the surrounding minerals eroded away leaving behind what is known as a volcanic plug. I participated in a "geology hike" last month, which was so interesting because this is an area that I hike in at least once a week-I had no idea that what I was seeing on the hillsides was really lava (and other stuff)!! Known as Mt Calavera, the volcano sits within the boundaries of Preserve Calavera. While the preserve itself is in Carlsbad, its surrounding neighborhoods include Oceanside and Vista.
The preserve is only 2 miles away from the Pacific Ocean--neighbors have great access to, and views of, the preserve.
Some lucky folks are able to walk out their front door and head down the trail for views of bunnies, lizards, birds, geese, ducks, flowers and more!!
The preserve is such a nice place to escape to--when you get out on the trail, you feel like you're miles away from the hustle and the busy-ness of life.
This is an introduction to the area... there's so much to talk about, like the Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside communities that benefit from being adjacent to the preserve. More to come...
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
citrus, strawberries and tomatoes are grown, many horse ranches, and excellent neighborhoods to choose from. 
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