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Persimmons – Gifts of the Season & December in the North State Garden

as I eat a persimmon? the bell starts ringing? at Horyuji Temple Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) PHOTOS above: firm rounded persimmon ripening at the Genetic Resource and Conservation Center, also known as the Tree Farm, in Chico. Persimmon have long represented… Continue Reading

Turtle Bay Welcomes New Pond Turtles

Turtle Bay Exploration Park recently welcomed four baby Western Pond Turtles. Turtle Bay is part of a Conservation Program with Sonoma State, San Francisco Zoo, and Oakland Zoo to help native pond turtles. “We wanted to be part of making… Continue Reading

Wreaths of the Season 2014

The beauty of the garden in winter is a unique pleasure: fragrant, fresh evergreens, bright berries, frosty mornings. Photo: Frosty Indian hawthorne on a cold North State morning. Seasonal greens, winter fruits, and sculptural cones have long been associated with… Continue Reading

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The Bear Facts: A Conversation with Pete Figura – Bears are Common Redding Visitors

You may recall that Sunday, a black bear romped through my Garden Tract neighborhood in Redding. He made a stop on my roof and exited through my back yard before touring other parts of downtown. Eventually, he was “darted”  by… Continue Reading

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Take a Hike on the Historical Crystal Creek Water Ditch

The Crystal Creek Water Ditch- particularly the Whiskeytown area – is a great trail for history buffs. To get there, take Highway 299 west to the Whiskeytown Visitor Center. First, stop at the visitor center and enjoy the view, snap some… Continue Reading

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Timing: November in the Garden & North State Calendar of Regional Gardening Events

PHOTO: Autumnal bumble bees resting in an an aster. Timing is everything isn’t it? It’s as true in baseball as it is in politics as it is in the garden. Good timing, and an intuitive understanding of timing, makes everything… Continue Reading

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Lawns Can Remain Happy, Healthy, During Drought

We are coming into a growing season unlike none experienced in nearly 100 years – possibly forever – considering that 100  years ago almost no one had lawns. In Northern California, water conservation requirements are often determined by the water source.… Continue Reading

Fall Prescribed Burning at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is planning to begin seasonal prescribed burning activities within the next several weeks.  Rain events in late September helped to provide desirable conditions for the safe and effective use of prescribed fire at cooler and higher… Continue Reading

Lassen Volcanic National Park to Host Vehicle Free Day October 18

After a successful vehicle free day this past spring, Lassen Volcanic is happy to announce another opportunity for non-motorized recreation along the park highway. On Saturday, October 18, your park invites you to enjoy its fall colors and crisp air as… Continue Reading