My Old Pine Tree Friends

I recently lost my pine tree friends. All the time I lived at this place in Topanga, these 2 were always with me. Together. Partners. Their branches touching. Stopping spot for birds flying across the Canyon. Resting spot for me, my back to the tree trunk, respite on a hot Summer day, looking out from there to the hillsides beyond.

Now they are no more, thanks to Mr. Pine Beetle. I tried to save them.. Had a tree man come out & shoot 'em up. To no avail. Watched them lose all their pine needles. Still, the birds came & enjoyed them.

Now, I have taken them down, after one broke in half & crashed to the ground quite loudly! Pine trees are not native to the Santa Monica Mtns. The 100ft pines were planted in the '50s back when the fire dept was giving them away for free to encourage planting. Now, the hillside will have a more native look. More open. Goodbye my friends, and now we move on.

Sweet Fennel Plants, Topanga, Santa Monica Mtns

Sweet Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare is found along roadsides, esp. closer to the Ocean. It blooms May-Sept. Originally a Mediterranean native, it has now made California its home. It has a pronounced odor and taste similar to licorice or anise. Leaves can be used in cooking, but care must be taken not to confuse Sweet Fennel with Poison Hemlock, since they resemble each other when not in bloom. In Spanish days, Sweet Fennel was spread on the mission floors for a pleasant scent.