VINE INVASION

They Are Everywhere

The Petaluma Valley, home to Santa Rosa, Petaluma and other lesser communities, used to be known as a premier growing area for Apples. There is even a major highway named after them: the "Gravenstein Hwy". They may have to change the name of it with the incursion of so many acres of wine grapes.

Though I couldn't confirm it, it certainly did appear on our drive that there are far more vineyards than apple orchards.

DUNCANS MILLS 2

The Charm

There were few stores in this small town but nearly all were geared for the tourist. 

The window of this shop really caught my eye as the array of tea pots on view were intricately colorful.

This barn is the only remaining structure from the mill at Duncans Mills, now used as a meeting room at the RV park.

An unadvertised draw to this little corner of the world is the placid Russian River. 

Spring was underway in Duncans Mills. I certainly recognize the wild azaleas at right but was stumped by the colorful blossom in the planter at right. Looked a little like a Christmas ornament.

 This climbing vine hadn't yet gotten the word that Spring was here.

Read the sign. Smile. This little bit of whimsy was down the road in another small town: Monte Rio.

A FOREST IN THE DESERT

Joshua Trees

So named as early Mormon emigrants saw, in the shape of some of these large yuccas, Joshua with his arms thrown to the heavens. Ranchers and miners used the sharp pointed leaves as fencing and the trunks for burnable fuel for early ore smelters. Even earlier inhabitants, Indians, used the leaves to make woven baskets and sandals. The seeds are edible.

Though not what you and I might typically call a forest, they do grow in groves. Healthy trees can often last 100 years and some have been found that are 1,000 years old. Root systems can spread 30 to 40 feet outward. Though there were no big yuccas visible here, they can grow to almost 50' tall. 

EARLY SPRING AT THE CHICAGO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Sprrooiinng!

This is one of over 2.5 million plants found at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Imagine the army of gardeners needed. This visit was in April last year.

Not everything was in bloom, it only seemed that way. The park entrance fee is free if you arrive on foot, via rail or bike. Cars are charged $20.
The Garden is just 20 miles north of downtown Chicago.

There are 385 acres of park and 27 dedicated display gardens. We couldn't see it all in the half day we gave ourselves.

Tulips, exotic and otherwise took center stage. One million people visit this park every year. 

The park is usually in the top 10 of any list of public gardens in the US.

A place for everything and everything in its place. The Garden offers classes and certification. 

The even offer a full track of classes to be able to gain a Ph. D. in several classifications.