Spiraea also commonly known as Bridal wreaths. These time tested flowering shrubs produce very attractive foliage as well as nice, full vibrant flower heads that last virtually all growing season long. They are a member of the rose family and once established, they are drought tolerant. Most varieties of spiraeas are extremely winter hardy and do not require any special protection. There are about 80 to 100 species (not sure what we have) and all have small leaves and fine, twiggy branches. Ours is starting to bloom right now as this picture was taken today.
Published by Amy on: Jan 26, 2016
#garden #gardening #flowerphotography #shrubs #whatsgrowingtuesday #cottagegarden #lomamar #sfbayarea #wherewaterfalls
Nothing can be more of a bummer than when you have your day planned for outside fun in the sun and then it pours. I mean it really pours and you don’t want to dare get into the car and drive somewhere like we did in part 1. Click Here if you missed the day trip from Pescadero to Davenport.
While it is true that nothing beats the feeling of warmth brought about by the sunshine, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun being indoors too. Rainy days tend to dull the fire of anxiety in the soul. So in this part, let’s stay in and take care of that soul of yours – you’re on vacation after all!
Rekindle that child within
When was the last time you played a board game or put together a puzzle? Board games have been played in most cultures and societies throughout history. They nurture that child within and they help build new brain cells. Yes, you can grow new ones at any age.
For example:
Scrabble & Bogglehelps with word skills. This brain workout encourages you to recognize letter patterns, create new combinations and boost vocabulary. Word skills are essential for people of all ages who what to be effective communicators (or at least with the opposite sex, right!).
Ping-Pong & Foosball improve coordination. You use it for everyday tasks like walking while using your handheld device (maybe that’s a bad example), driving your car or putting your shoes on. Active play increases blood-flow to the brain and improves overall brain health, making you ready to face any challenge your day may hold; like when it rains on your vacation!
Monopoly & Settlers of Catanare great for the frontal lobe. This area of the brain is responsible for critical thinking and decision making. It’s also the center of judgement, impulse control and social behavior. These games require complex levels of thinking, planning, sequencing and reasoning. Play nice though.
Simon & Uno for memory. By engaging in brain-stimulating activities, you can help clear the dust bunnies and re-establish old connections between brain cells. Short term memory skills come in handy for work and finding those car keys you misplace all too often.
Katamino & Marusenko Sphere (like a Rubrics Cube) boost your visual perception skills. These activities require you to shift the orientation of objects in your mind and quickly recognize shapes and colors. Soon enough you’ll be able to spot a polar bear in a blizzard on your next vacation in the arctic.
*The Cottage has the listed games above as well as many classic and current board games, cards, puzzles, mazes, and trivia for groups and the solo player.
Veg Out Sometimes bad weather makes you want to just curl up in front of the tube with a big bowl of popcorn or other treats and just veg out. Some of the most loved Hollywood films of all time are perfect for rainy days because gloomy weather can cause a bad mood and watching a movie or a marathon of them will lift the spirit. It’s easy to transport yourself to futuristic places, magical lands or back in time with a good story.
*The Cottage has: Comedies, Romance, Action, Sci-Fi, Nature, Thriller, Drama, Adventure, Documentary…. you take your pick. Snuggle By The Fire
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to stay in your jammies all day. Build a fire, snuggle up with a warm blanket, catch up on some zzz’s and get to that book that’s been on your list. Hey, you were going to read it from that lounge chair in the sun, remember? (See Part 1)
But wait a minute? Building a fire is one of those things that you might sort of know how to do, but don’t really have to do it that often kind of thing. Don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple, whether it’s a campfire to roast s’mores or a cozy one at a vacation rental.
You’ll need:
Fire Starter – the spark
Tinder – newspaper works just fine
Kindling – wood less than an inch in diameter (this will get your fire going)
Logs – you know what these look like
Before you do anything, open the flue. You’ll usually be able to feel the cold air coming from outside if it’s open. Grab your newspaper and crumble a few pieces up, throwing them into the back of the fireplace. These are going to act as the tinder, starting the fire with an easy to light surface.
Stack some of your kindling on top of the newspaper. Make sure you leave enough room in there for oxygen to circulate, as your fire will need it to burn. I like to build a tepee with the kindling.
Light your fire. Again, you’ll want to light the tinder (newspaper) in a few different spots to get it burning quickly. Your kindling should catch fire pretty easily. You can add a bit more kindling once it starts to create a nice bed going.
Once you’ve got a small fire going, you can start adding your bigger logs. You can usually just lay these across lengthwise, then stack one or two on top diagonally. Remember: you want to leave enough room for oxygen to flow so everything catches fire easily.
That’s it! You should have a warm, crackling fire going in no time. You can always add more logs if you want to keep it going longer, too.
*The Cottage has the fire prepared ahead of time. All you need to do is light it!
Play In The Kitchen
Turn on the music, open a bottle of wine and play in the kitchen. Your creative cooking skills are bound to improve considerably as you learn enjoyable ways to cook with local, flavorful and healthy ingredients. And, maybe with something you’ve never tried before!
Get the rest of the gang to join in with you for some team effort. Meals prepared and eaten at home (or a vacation rental) are usually more nutritious, healthy and made with love. So many of us eat on the go or alone and we miss out on meaningful times with those that matter most. This is why you wanted to come on vacation, right? Instead of eating out, eat in. Preparing and sharing a meal together is an easy excuse to catch up, laugh and eat the rainy afternoon away.
*The Cottage is fully loaded for all your cooking and baking needs.
Listen.
Make a warm mug of tea or hot chocolate – something you don’t normally make for yourself. Turn off the TV, computer or music you have on and open the doors. Just listen to the sound of the raindrops hitting the leaves on the trees, the roof, the ground and all the surroundings. If there is a covered spot outside to sit, go out with your mug and feel the warmth of it in your hand. Take a smell of the aroma from your beverage. Breathe in fresh dewy air. Observe the power of Mother Nature and allow her to nurture you. Maybe a rainy day turned out to be exactly what you needed after all…
You dream, you search, you plan, and you narrow down the dates for that long awaited vacation you so desperately needed (like 6 months ago!). The day finally arrives with anticipation as you jump out of bed. All you can think about is that photo of the lounge chair facing that gorgeous view you saw on the vacation rental website. In fact, you booked the property because of that photo.
You. That chair. A good book. And some sun.
As you drive to your destination you can’t help but notice grey looming clouds. Oh no! Rain, you think. It’s going to rain and my vacation is going to be ruined! No lounging in the sun with my book. Typical.
Don’t fret!
Just because rain is in the forecast doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your visit to The Coastside. There’s plenty to do even when Mother Nature has her way. Maybe its nature’s way of saying: slow down, let’s shake things up a bit and be a little creative. So grab an umbrella and let’s go on a day trip.
Coffee And Rain Go Together
Americano with some chocolateSweet nostalgia
Downtown Local in Pescadero offers top-quality Sightglass coffee (a San Francisco artisan roaster) AND Kombucha that’s expertly crafted in an ambient, warm, cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for rainy days. Sit for a bit in the theater they have tucked in the corner while munching on a scone and watch silent films. Soak up some cool, retro, nostalgia with: old school toys, trinkets, vintage magazines, one of a kind clothing, vinyl albums, Royal typewriter and the “dual disk” Apple computer to name a few.
213 Stage Road, Pescadero Open daily from 9-5 pm
Head To The Lighthouse For A Little Drama
Photo: Billy Gast, FlickrPhoto: Oceanic Society
Pigeon Point is about a 12 minute drive from downtown Pescadero. It’s a great spot to walk around and view the 115 foot lighthouse (one of the tallest in America), whale watch and take in the power of the Pacific. The ocean is much more dramatic and romantic (at least I think so) during a storm.
Every winter and spring (rainy season), approximately 18,000 Pacific gray whales embark on an annual migration from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic Bering and Chukchi Seas to warm birthing lagoons off the coast of Baja California. During the epic 10,000+ mile round-trip journey – one of the longest in the animal kingdom – gray whales hug the coastline, offering a rare opportunity for land-dwellers to catch a glimpse of these enigmatic creatures.
The oceanside observation deck at Pigeon Point allows whale watchers a 300 degree view as they scan the horizon for whale blows. Docent volunteers are “on-deck” to help interpret these magnificent marine mammals and their behavior for visitors. Be sure to stop in the Visitor Center to learn some interesting California history.
210 Pigeon Point Road, Highway 1, Pescadero
Take A Scenic Drive Down The Coast To Davenport
Town of Davenport, CA
Davenport’s (about 22 minutes from the lighthouse) roots go as far back as 1867, when whaling captain John Davenport built a 450 foot shipping wharf in the area. The town experienced a surge in development after the turn of the century, when the Santa Cruz Portland Cement Company opened its factory and drew workers to the region. The cement from the plant was used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 quake, build one of the Panama Canal locks, and even construct the dry docks in Pearl Harbor.
Stop In For A Leisurely Meal
Photo: Whale City BakeryThe classic BLT
Whale City Bakery (which use to be a dive bar, then a card room, then a gas station, now the bakery) they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily along with an in-house boutique bakery, full espresso bar, patio seating with ocean views, and live music several nights a week. Run by three generations of family, they pride themselves on fast and friendly service, home cooked meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and the art of traditional, no frills baking.
Whale City Bakery – 490 Highway One, Davenport Open daily
Or, Fuel Up At The Roadhouse
Roadhouse menuMargherita pizza
Delicious and affordable California coastal cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from neighboring organic farms is the hallmark of their kitchen. The restaurant’s dining options are diverse, with fresh seafood and California style cuisine like artichoke lasagna. They also have a bar with many outstanding wines from the area, and locally brewed beer to get you settled into the country pace of a rainy day.
Davenport Roadhouse – 1 Davenport Avenue, Davenport Open daily
Admire Some Art
A creation in the worksPhoto: Lundberg Studios
Lundberg Studios is a premier art glass manufacturing company for over 40 years. They have produced some of the finest art glass of our times. The design styles range from antique to contemporary, from Tiffany to Art Deco. The glass is made entirely at the studios in Davenport on a limited production basis. Melting all its own exotic colors, Lundberg Studios has refined the art of making quality glass by using a blend of techniques both traditional and innovative.
Lundberg Studios- 131 Old Coast Road, Davenport Open M-Sat from 11-4 pm
Sip Some Local Grapes
Wine tasting room in Davenport, CAPhoto: Wine Fashionista
Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room. Here you can enjoy authentic South Bay wines in a playfully quirky setting. Sip on some of the area’s best vintages, and pick up a few bottles to take home. Bonny Doon Vineyard has enjoyed a long history of innovation – the first to truly popularize Rhône grapes in California, to successfully work with cryo-extraction for sundry “Vins de Glacière, the first to utilize microbullage in California, the first to popularize screwcaps for premium wines, and, quite significantly, the first to embrace true transparency in labeling with its ingredient labeling initiative. Bonny Doon Vineyard grew and grew with some incredibly popular brands (Big House, Cardinal Zin and Pacific Rim) and it became the 28th largest winery in the United States.
Boony Doon Winery- 50 CA-1, Davenport Open Wed-Mon from 11-5 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Speaking Of Unusual Suspects…
Photo: LocalWiki
Davenport Jail is a small reminder of rowdier times in small towns. Built in 1914, it was used twice as a jail (two teen horse thieves apparently) and has only two cells. The jail is currently a small museum with information on the area of Davenport. The construction was used with cement provided by the cement company in the area. It is open the first Sunday of every month.
Davenport Jail- between Ocean Street and Davenport Avenue
Pick Up Some Sweetness
Boysenberry pie, strawberry truffle & blackberry cheese cakeOrganic is the way to go
Okay. So, you’ve explored the town of Davenport and have full tummies. Now, pick up a treat at Swanton Berry Farm to take home with you. Enjoy it later by the fire along with that bottle of Bonny Doon wine you picked up. The farm stand has: homemade jams, famous fruit cake (the real deal), blackberry cobbler, strawberry shortcake, amazing truffles and pies, hot strawberry-apple cider, hot farm made soup as well as Swanton T-Shirts and more goodies. They have a collection of vintage table games, wonderful history and nature displays and of course good tunes playing. Cash and check only.
Farm Stand- 25 Swanton Road, Davenport Open daily from 8-5 pm (in winter) and a little later the rest of the year
Bacopa (Sutera cordata) has long, cascading stems that smother themselves in tiny, perfect, five-petal flowers from June through October. Flowers are in shades of white, pink, lavender, blue and even coral red. It’s native to the wetter regions of South Africa and likes full to partial shade. The plant must stay moist at all times, as they are originally used to the high humidity.
Bacopa is related to the water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) or the classic Ayurvedic herb you might be very familiar with. The herb has an age-old reputation for being an effective and powerful antioxidant to reduce stress-induced anxiety and enhance cognitive abilities.
On a side note. Are you a Nintendo fan? The game ‘pikmin’ is named after Bacopa. Who knew?
“We used a variety of innovative and unusual activities to build anticipation for the Nintendo GameCube. Naming a flower after a video game is just one more way Nintendo is ‘seeding’ creative marketing.” – Peter Main, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America.
Few blooms say winter or the holiday’s to me, then Cyclamen. They are part of the Primrose family and native to the eastern Mediterranean climate. Cyclamen naturally bloom in the fall, winter, and spring when the weather turns cool and damp. During the hot, dry summers, Cyclamen become dormant; their foliage yellows and dies back and the plants show no signs of growth. They store energy for the next flowering season in their round tubers. Today, new cultivation methods and varieties offer longer-lasting, hardier and more regular flowering and in a wide range of colors. The plant looks delicate, but cool-weather Cyclamen are actually tough soldiers on the planting fields. So, stand attention when you see one.
Lilyturf (Liriope spicata) although neither a true grass nor a lily. This grass-like perennial with clumps of arching, green leaves (we have the variegated) is used in the garden as a ground cover. Spikes of tiny violet-blue flowers appear in late summer. I read that there’s no groundcover known to humankind that’s as successful as liriope. It prevents erosion on even the steepest hillsides, it survives wet or bone dry conditions, and doing all that in full sun or deep shade. You can yank it roughly out of the ground and cram it back into the ground and it won’t complain! It’s also deer proof. Yet, I’m not sure about those banana slugs, I’ll keep you posted.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with needle-like leaves and a WONDERFUL fragrant. The flowers can be purple, white, blue or pink. It can withstand lack of water for lengthy periods of time making them good candidates for California right now as we’re in a drought. Rosemary can grow quite large and retain attractiveness without much trimming. It’s a prized seasoning in the kitchen and has been used as a natural medicine for a millennium as well. In the Middle Ages, rosemary was associated with wedding ceremonies. The bride would wear a rosemary headpiece and the groom and wedding guests would all wear a sprig of rosemary. Rosemary was thought to be a love charm but maybe because you could woo the other with some culinary delights with it too! Good food, good times and good health all year round with this plant!
Japanese Anemones also known as windflowers. Native to China, Anemones have been cultivated in Japan for centuries. They provide weeks of color from late summer through fall (depending on the variety). They produce masses of 2-3 inch flowers that are held on slender stems and sway delicately in the wind – hence the common name windflower. The flowers range from white to dark pink and purple. The ground cover can spread quickly once established and planted in the right place. Last year, ours didn’t look so good but this year it’s starting to take off. They’re an important late season source of pollen for bees too.
The fuchsia is a beautiful, exotic looking flower with striking two-tone colors. The majority of fuchsia species are native to Central and South America. I’m not sure of the variety we have. Several species can grow at sea level but the highest is F. apetala. It’s found in the mountains of Bolivia and Peru growing up to 13,900 feet above sea level! Very hardy.
In March 2011, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra gave an hour-long concert at London’s Cadogan Hall to a packed house of plants, including many tasteful fuchsias. The concert was organized to test the theory that classical music helps plants grow better – which it does. Plants also like you to talk to them too.
Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) and since tomorrow is the first day of autumn, I had to include it! These evergreen ferns with elegant papery fronds unfurl in striking shades of orange-red to copper-pink in the spring, mature to a glossy deep green by summer and then return to a bright copper for autumn! They’re native to the woodland hillsides and mountain slopes of Japan, China and Taiwan. These ferns are delicate looking, yet tough and hardy. If you’re looking for a sweep of color in hard to fill spots that are partial to full shade, then try an autumn fern.
This picture was taken in June and you can see the fern is starting to change to green.
