Another day in Paradise! For 2 weeks, it was super cold. As I write this, the temperature is 70°. According to the rodent we celebrate on February 2nd, we will have 6 more weeks of winter. As I enjoy the sunshine, it is hard to believe. We should enjoy the warmth but plan for the cold.
Trees freeze, not because of cold temperatures, but because of extremes; warm days and cold nights. Often our warm temperatures fool the trees into thinking that it is time for spring and time to bloom. Our sun is seductive! Whitewashing the trees keeps them cool and not easily lulled into blooming too early. Whitewash is a mix of white latex paint and water. You can paint the trunks of your trees this time of year to keep them from getting too warm, thus freezing at night. Fruit trees are susceptible. So also are young trees (less than 3 years in the ground) like Redbud, Chinese Pistache, and Raywood Ash. There are probably other varieties however, these are the varieties I have seen in larger numbers. Whitewashing over tree scars which are on the south and west sides of the trees, regardless of variety, is also very beneficial.
Our winter months have been very dry. Topical bugs such as aphids, spider mites, and scale explode in population when it is dry. Rain controls their population, and without rain to control them, they are like teenagers without parental guidance! In spring, the larger bugs will not be able to control the number of the smaller bugs. This is where you come in. Pretend to be the rain. On beautiful days like today, hose down your evergreens (their winter hangout) with a hard blast of your spray nozzle. While doing so, scream at the top of your lungs “Not at my house!” It’s therapeutic.
Weeds are weeds until we figure out what they can do for us, at which point we call them beneficial.
Dandelions have emerged and will soon flower. Dandelion flowers are first to emerge when bees are initially foraging (for bee food). The leaves are used in salads (food) and teas. Dandelion tea is natural and can help with weight loss (cheaper than Ozempic). It also helps with heart and liver support, blood sugar control, and so much more! They grow in areas of compacted soil. Their root systems are such that they aerate the soil (soil conditioner). You can tell how well they are doing in the aeration process by their leaves. When the leaves are flat, they are hard at work. As their leaves lift off the soil, they are getting close to completing their task. When the soil is well aerated, they disappear on their own. NO NEED FOR CHEMICAL CONTROL! The perfect weed!
Lastly, thank you for the warm condolences I received! This community is so wonderful! I received many letters and emails from other mothers and fathers who have lost a child. Losing a child changes a person. It is our choice as to whether it changes us for better or for worse. I continue to focus on positive things. It is hard to rise from the ashes. It is even harder to rise and shine! Your support has been like a salve on my wounds.
Thank you! Continue to be kind to each other. We have no idea what pain others are carrying.
Sincerely,
Camille the Arborista