It is hard to sling mud – anyway you sling it… ~ via Steve

It’s busy in our nursery and orchard during the spring and summer, so we try to get as much work, especially infrastructure, completed in the fall and winter as we can. And that often puts us up against the weather. In Humboldt County, the soil can get pretty clayey and clumpy after the rains and we have been getting plenty of rain. I won’t go into how grateful I am the rain has come, it was only mid-December and the well was still impacted by our summer use. It actually scared us, really shocked us; and now we are instituting any number of water consciousness techniques across the ranch. One of those is the new rigid PVC pipes we are laying in the orchard. The previous pipe system was black poly with endless metal clamps, and endless leaks.

Soon to be buried PVC pipe in the orchard.

And this brings me back to the weather.  Around here, you have to take your nursery labor as you find it and this winter, starting in January, I was lucky to find two very hardworking young men from my local university, Humboldt State. I couldn’t wait on the rain – the job just seemed too big (7000 feet of pipe to lay) and I had the labor – so, the boys and I slogged ahead. Turned out, like a lot of jobs, it was more intimidating in anticipation than in execution. The boys could really only work on the weekends, so we have done a portion of the job each of the last few weekends. Now we have the ditches dug (damn, do I hate trenchers), the pipe laid, glued and the emitters screwed in. Next weekend, I hope to be covering the ditches. We have managed, mainly, to get the work done during dry spells in the weather. It is hard to sling mud – anyway you sling it. The boys are out in the field as I type this (working on a Sunday and in the rain, bless them) inserting the last of the emitters.

I can just see those smother crops I can grow and mow now, poking up through the meadow grass.

Ah, life is good!

Big Storm

We just had a huge storm here.  It was estimated we would get 20 inches of rain in 5 days.  That’s 4 INCHES A DAY!!  And I think we got it.  The rain poured from the sky constantly.  Thankfully my power did not go out (miracle).  A lot of branches are on the roads, and the river is huge (finally).  The tops of the mountains got snow.

The mountains beyond this one will have feet of snow! Sledding anyone??

Right now it seems to have let up…but the weatherman predicts another storm as big as this one!!  Gulp…cross your fingers for us.

“Creek” fencing project begins!

I think I may have mentioned I recently moved into my childhood home.  It has two small fruit tree orchards and a large vegetable garden.  Only problem is, I can’t plant anything without the deer having a field day!  There are multiple places the fence has fallen down and the deer can get in.   A few were caused by trees falling, one huge hole was created by PG&E and Davey Tree, when they had to fix a downed power line.  And a couple are just simple wear on the fencing itself.

So yesterday my Dad and one of our employees (who is also a great friend of mine) came over to walk the fence line.  We cleared a path along the entire thing so it can be accessed when we actually do the fencing itself.  We made a parts list aswell.  We need over 100 new posts.  Almost the entire length of fence needs to have an extension added to the top, bottom or both, and a good portion needs to be replaced entirely.

It sounds like my fence is a complete disaster.  But it only took three hours to walk and clear the entire thing.  And although a big portion needs to be worked on, a good length of it is just fine.

We are ordering the necessary parts today and hopefully the project will be finished in the next two weeks.  I’m going to ask a bunch of my friends to come over and help.  Some good food, a little beer, hopefully a day without rain, and the whole fence will come together in a snap.

(BTW, “Creek” is what we call my homestead because of where it is located.)

More Foggy Morning

Like a place lost in time...

Almost resembles a river flowing through the valley.

This Morning

In the winter you never know what the days weather may bring until you drive up a mountain.  Most of the little towns around here are near the Eel River, and the moisture rolls in from the ocean each night and blankets the valley in a dense fog.  Sometimes the fog is really clouds, and the day will stay overcast.  But sometimes you can drive above the fog and encounter…

…a sea of clouds so dense you feel you could walk out onto them.  Seeing this, you just know what the gods up on Mount Olympus must feel like.

The mist curls and climbs its way up the mountain sides, clinging to the trees in hopes of defeating the suns rays.  Failure is inevitable, but no worries, night will bring a second chance for the fog to triumph.  As for today…Sunshine!!

Summer Arts & Music Festival

For the past 30 odd years, our community has held the Summer Arts & Music Festival.

I’ve been so many years I can’t even count.  Unfortunately I haven’t been able to go for the last few years (I was in Portland) but this year I got to go.

I went both Saturday and Sunday.   On Saturday I was there with my friend M for a whole 12 hours.  It was great.  Beer, wine, music, TONS of people.  Everyone comes out for the festival.  You’ll run into people you haven’t seen for years.  I saw at least a dozen people I went to high school with and haven’t seen in a good 10 years.

This year was bigger then ever.  Lots of good food; Indian, Thai, BBQ, NY Pizza, Ice Cream, and the world famous KMUD Iced Coffee (KMUD is our local radio station.  My dad has a radio talk-show every third Wednesday of the month.  The Computer Guys).

All kinds of beautiful hand crafted art.  Paintings, clothes, fairie wings, hair ornaments, umbrellas, aprons, cloaks, wooden spoons, jewelry, the list goes on.  I got a few pretty things, here’s what I got.

The earrings are made by my friend J, the perfume is delicious, and I got tons of compliments on the blue feather hair piece.

I had my little Canon PowerShot with me and took a few videos of the Feet First dancers performance.  I’m working on getting those videos up on our website, but we’ve never done that before so it’s taking some time.  I’ll let you know when they are available because they are definitely worth a quick look.  Our community may be small, but we manage to create a boatload of talented young people.

They performed a few excerpts from their recent ballet recital.  And of course they had to have the little ‘uns dance for us.  They were so cute.

The lilac fairie from Sleeping Beauty.

Little Red Ridinghood and the Wolf

Angel ballerinas.

And finally, the little 'uns doing hip hop!

A Glimpse of “Country Life”

Life in the country has it’s own rhythm.  It’s own “reality” even.  Let me explain…

We have two local markets.  The one is Garberville is Sentry (it’s actually a Ray’s now but it’s still Sentry to anyone who knows).  The store in the neighboring town of Redway is the same way, it’s Murshes but actually it’s ShopSmart.  Basically, if you ask a local how to get to the nearest grocery store, you better not be looking for a sign!  But then again, neither of the towns are big enough to miss the one market in either of them.

Usually the locals here are considerate and nice.  But if a tourist happens to be somewhat annoying (or not even – we don’t really care for tourist even though they do bring in the majority of our clientele) and they ask for directions we will give them the “long way around”.  To be honest, I’ve never Actually done this but I’ve certainly been tempted.  “Well now you need to turn around just ‘head there, go back through town and take the right after the freeway exit, now continue up that road about say…a mile, maybe it’s more then that, it’s right past the driveway with the large turnaround in front and the old pile of gravel, well the gravel’s gone but it’s that driveway, only don’t take that one…keep going until the ridge flattens out and on the other side you’re gonna take a right onto a dirt road. Keep going that way for about an hour…maybe two if you get stuck behind some cows..and that’ll take you right to Myers Flat.”

(In reality, Myers Flat is about 10 miles/10 minutes North on the Freeway

When we were about 16, M and I heard about an old cemetary that was supposed to be up a road near where she lived.  Seeing as we were rather courageous (or stupid, you decide) we wanted to go check it out.  So one Saturday we went for a drive.  We had no idea where it was supposed to be, we just knew it was out this road…somewhere.  We kept an eye on the side of the road and drove.  When we saw the first No Trespassing sign we didn’t think anything of it.  They are EVERYWHERE here, and so we continued on.  Then another passed, and another.  Again we kept going, at least we Thought about turning around, but figured we’d come this far and we Really wanted to see this cemetary.  After the sixth No Trespassing sign (and I think at least one Trespassers Will Be Shot sign) we decided to turn around.  As we made our three point turn I glanced out the window and there it was!  The Cemetary!  Well of a sorts anyway, it turned out to be nothing but a little pet cemetary.  Maybe two kinda sorta headstones all grown over with vines and moss.  We laughed, and couldn’t believe we went through ALL that trouble for nuttin’!

Making the Most of it…

I try to always make each post informative, useful, fun and relevant but today I wanted to share a glimpse into my life.  Because, even though this is a business blog, it is written by…you guessed it…ME!  So I want you to know me, who I am, what I like and when I have a free moment, what I like to do.  Our home is a wonderful place; mountains, redwoods, meadows, rivers and the ocean are all right here for us to enjoy.

Spring is gorgeous in Northern California (and elsewhere too I’m sure) but I must insist our Spring is spectacular, and my FAVORITE season.  So whenever I have time I like to get outside in the sunshine.  This last Sunday I called my best friend, M (she was still in bed at 10:30am the lazy bum!) and told her to get her *** in gear and go to the beach with me.  I hadn’t been since I moved back home, so in over two years (I can hardly believe it) and it was a beautiful day.  Being her only day off, and still half asleep, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to get out of bed.  But I told her she hadn’t seen me in a week and therefore it was mandatory she get up, get dressed, grab the dogs and meet me in town in an hour.  And she did.  And we had a WONDERFUL day!

We grabbed some grub at Sentry and headed out to Shelter Cove on the Lost Coast.  They recently put up 25 new 25mph signs all along the 20 or so mile drive. It would be Nice if people drove slowly along the windy, curvy, every other corner is a blind corner road but it’s not going to happen, and the signs were a waste of money (but nice try anyway).  After going on about how fast people drive, we actually took our time.  It was 80, all the windows were down, the music was up, and low tide wasn’t for another two hours so we had plenty of time.

As we came over the last range, and the feel of the air changed in a way only the ocean can cause, and I caught glimpses of the water through the trees, I took a deep relaxing breath.  The ocean has always been something I’ve loved.  As a child, when my parents took us camping at the beach, I always stuck my head out the window and breathed in the air.  The smell is so distinct and calming.  It’s always lush and alive, especially during the Spring.  We took the round about way through the town of Shelter Cove, doing a little sightseeing of the houses (so many beautiful homes) and headed to Shelter Cove beach.

Shelter Cove beach @ low tide

How I love four wheel drive!  We went down the boat dock drive, put it in low and headed out the beach.  Past the other brave trucks, through the maze of toys left strewn by a large group of boys (birthday party? cause if those were all one family…gulp!) and on down to  where the creek cuts off any further access.

M’s dogs Bubba and Bell were SO excited.  Bubba is a three year old male bull mastiff.  Bell is a 9 week old female bull mastiff.  (M is planning on breeding once Bell gets older.)  And this was Bells’ first trip to the beach!  And she did just great.  Neither of them wanted to get in the water, cause it was freakin’ COLD!  But once we started running and playing in the surf they didn’t mind so much (although when we were leaving we saw a group of dogs running full speed straight out into the waves, so Bell and Bubba are officially weenies.)

Bubba & Bell @ the Beach.

We spent about two hours playing in the sand, running around with the dogs and sitting in the sun drinking a few beers before it got too hot.  So what did we do??  We went up to Seal Rock and sat in the grass, played with the dogs and read in the sun.

M got burned.  I have learned from a lifetime of being pale to apply sunscreen BEFORE I leave the house.  M still insists she doesn’t burn, she Tans.  mmmHmmm.

Lupin flowers in full bloom

Taking the other back way along the Lost Coast cliffs we headed home.  We took a detour out old Briceland road and tried to pet a cow before we realized she had a little calf near by which was why she was running away.  A long section of that old road has nothing.  No houses, no fences, nothing.  It’s one of the most beautiful places this time of year.  The vast meadows are a sweet green, the Oregon White Oaks are covered in bright young leaves, and the light is some how different.  Softer.

Although living in the country, practically in the middle of no where, certainly has its disadvantages, this past Sunday was enough to make it all worth it.  Monday and today are equally as outstanding.  Spring is in full swing (weatherman says it’s gonna get colder again tomorrow) but I know Summer is right on her heels and it’ll be so hot we’ll be praying for Winter to come back.  But for now….*sigh*

Looking South down the Lost Coast

~Stephanie

For the Love of Dogwoods

Leaves of two to three year old Cornus Kousa Dogwoods

In the town of Redway, about 20 minutes down the dirt road from our nursery, is a smell of the gods. If you drive down the hill toward Briceland and Shelter Cove you’ll quickly make your way into what’s locally called, Lower Redway. If you take the first road to the left, just before you cross the river you’ll find yourself in a dense redwood tree patch. Scattered throughout the speckled light you’ll smell before you’ll see the delicate, beautiful dogwoods.

Because of their location, and being my only experience with dogwoods, I always thought of them as fragile, high maintenance trees. But this is not always the case. As we searched the market for our product choices, we always tried to make sure the plants were hearty, easy(ish) to maintain, and of course beautiful. And amazingly enough, Cornus Kousa Dogwoods were on the list! Unfortunately I don’t know if our local dogwoods are the same variety, but I do know if given enough space, water, and loose soil the Cornus Kousa Dogwoods can grow to 20x20ft! Their canopy’s are naturally rounded which makes them a perfect candidate for accents along a driveway, or just a matched set at the main gate.

They fare much better outside in the country, but because of their magnificent scent and flowers, they are often placed into pots for use in smaller spaces. If you decide to plant in a pot make sure it’s in dappled shade. If the pot gets hot it’ll dry out and that’s not good. To keep them healthy and happy give them plenty of water, repot or break up the soil at least once a year and prune sparingly. Once the tree has settled, after the first year or two, you can prune the lower branches to accentuate the bark. This particular dogwood has a beautiful bark, portrayed to it’s best advantage on older larger trees.

Another highly attractive characteristic of the Cornus Kousa is not only the gorgeous flower but the sweet little red fruit they create. I personally had no idea dogwoods had fruit, but they are quickly devoured by birds, so that’s not surprising. If you can manage to keep the birds away long enough for the berries to cover the tree its certainly worth taking a photograph.

Sadly the flowers and berries are only around in the spring for a month, maybe two if you’re lucky, but that isn’t the only show this tree has to offer. In fall the leaves turn a varied shade of red, brown and maroon. The deep rich colors of the bark with the bright splash of color above is amazing.

It would seem all I’ve said would be enough for one tree to handle, but there’s more! Dogwoods, unfortunately I couldn’t find any information specific to Cornus Kousa Dogwoods, can also be used medicinally. The common flowering dogwood contains tannic acid, gallic acid, resin, gum, lignin, and potassa. Extracts can be used to induce vomiting, reduce fever, and as an astringent for the skin. Native Americans used dogwood for the above reasons as well as a remedy for colic. The ripe berries can also be put into a tincture and then mixed with whiskey or brandy. One of the coolest uses I found was as a rudimentary toothbrush. If you chew on the end of a stick it will break up into little hard strings, perfect for cleaning and whitening. Be gentle though, it can be rough on the gums.

As I said earlier, we want the plants we offer to be hearty, healthy and if possible, even good for you. Cornus Kousa Dogwoods are one that meets all our requirements and beyond. We currently have first, second and third year dogwoods for sale. They are available in bound root-balls. You can check out our website at www.milewidenursery.com or keep an eye out on eBay for us, we occasionally have some first years up for a great deal. See you out there.

~Stephanie

Wildlife Abounds

 

A buck standing at attention in the morning fog.

My family’s land is located in the mountains of Northern California.   Because of this, we are surrounded by woods teeming with wildlife.  Most people see a deer and think, “So cute!!”  Although we admire the buck’s beauty, we also see the animal that decimated our olive orchard last spring.

Whenever I walk I almost always catch a glimpse of a deer or two out in a meadow.   Maybe a rabbit might dart across my path or a coyote will howl in the distance.  Dusk is one of my favorite times to walk.   The sky turns so many colors, and the way the light shimmers thru the trees can be breathtaking.   I often find myself daydreaming as I slowly wander down the road.   Seeing a mushroom here or a pile of poop there.

However, walking at dusk has its disadvantages.   As I mentioned before, we are in the wilderness, and with the grazers comes the carnivores.   Mountain lions are aplenty here.   My father and brother have both been stalked multiple times at night.   Now they don’t go out in the dark without a gun.   Dusk is the time for hunting.  Deer (and unfortunately humans’) eyesight is poorest during these late hours of the day.   And mountain lions know this and take advantage.  Luckily I have never been on foot when I’ve spotted a lion (although I’ve definitely gotten the chills like someone is watching me attentively) but I have seen two while driving.   One I only caught a glimpse of a backside with tail.   But the other I was able to see the entire animal, or at least I hope it was all of him.   His head was going off one bank of the road while his tail was still in the bushes on the other side!  He was gone before I had a chance to absorb how huge he really was!  Without tail he had to have been at least 10 feet long.

We’ve never had an animal attack on our land (although they have happened recently in the surrounding area).  We do find deer carcasses quiet often, which is a delight to the dogs.  And although it can be kind of scary to have natural born hunters creeping thru the woods outside your bedroom window, we love it.   Having a healthy ecosystem means we can be secure in the knowledge our land remains abundant and safe, just the way we want it.

Stephanie ~ 1/27/09