Today the Firemen Came and Visited my Garden..

Today the firemen came and visited my garden.  The two of them were sitting together on my garden bench, enjoying the dappled shade that the big Pine tree makes, and no doubt marveling at the tangle of Iceplant at their feet.  They chose to write their inspection notes from this spot, rather than going back to their truck.  I have to say, it was a bit strange to see the dark blue uniforms on my garden bench. 

It's July and time for brush clearance inspection in Topanga Canyon.  Of course, I passed.. I always do.  As usual, the firemen were mostly concerned with clearance around the perimeter of the house, so in case of a fire they can get in there to put it out.  Some folks in Topanga think you have to scalp your hillside yard of every living thing for 100-200 ft from the house.  THIS IS NOT TRUE.  In fact, a good thinning of bushes and low tree branches is much more effective at stopping a fire than removing everything.

"What's happened to your house numbers?" one of the firemen asked me.  "They must have come loose.  I promise I'll take care of that," I replied.  He reminded me how important house numbers are to the firemen: in the event they get called out to fight a fire they have to know the correct address.

Well, a wonderful breeze has picked up on this warm July day and strewn more leaves onto the deck from the Walnut trees.  So, off I go to sweep them all up.  Another pile of 'brush' is born!

March: Mountain Lilacs in the Canyon

                                                Ceanothus oliganthus, by Kathy Vilim

What does my world look like today? Well, Topanga Canyon is very green.. St. Patty's Day Green, in fact.  Yet for much of the country, still dealing with the last snows, that is hard to embrace.  Besides the green grasses growing everywhere, there are Mountain Lilacs blooming (Ceanothus oliganthus), pale blue or white blooms that cover the hillsides, imparting an undulating softness.  I photograph them, hoping I do them justice.

A coyote barks into the night. There have been lots of them lately.  This morning I was delighted to see a deer in my back yard!  She jumped effortlessly over my picnic table on her way down the path from my house.  A rare sight when you are a few miles from Los Angeles.  I wanted to leave water out for her.. but wouldn't that be an ambush with coyotes in town?  It is hard to know sometimes how to help wildlife.  I decided to let nature decide that one.

A toad croaks.. crickets.. butterflies appear.. all sure signs of Spring! The Sycamore trees and the Walnut trees both putting out new fresh green soft leaves.. Even in Topanga where the Seasons pass with the blink of the eye, there are gentle signs of Spring.