I finally got around to making the August wreath. I snipped some suckers off our California Pepper tree (Schinus molle) and also some of the seed pods from the Salvia Clevlandii. The pepper is blooming with tiny white flowers, and the sage is extremely fragrant. So altogether the two make a lovely looking and smelling wreath.
Salvia clevelandii is one of the stars of our garden. It takes very little water, the native bees love the purple blooms which are arranged on a sort of wheel, there are 2-3 wheels per stem, hummingbirds love them too, and then the birds love the seeds. The shape of the plant is very architectural and gets quite tall and makes a big statement.
This photo is from Las Pilitas nursery in southern California and there is a nice description of the plant here.
It's not a dense plant though, especially with dry soil, so it has an airy look to it which I like (movement in the breeze too which is my favorite) and it needs cutting back each autumn. The scent is very strong, and you'll either love it or hate it. I love it. It smells wild. It smells of chaparral. It smells of Mt. Diablo in summer.
Speaking of summer, we are overrun with cucumbers. Tom has made 16 jars of pickles, all kinds, and I have another large jar in the fridge with half-sours, my own personal favorite. We've eaten cucumbers in all ways and are still awash. Perhaps you would be surprised to find out (I certainly have been) how many people do not like cucumbers. I'm having trouble giving them away! Tomatoes and peppers are steady, so is basil, and green beans are an everyday event as well. Today I shall make salsa.
I've ordered garlic, shallots, asparagus and seed potatoes for fall planting, as well as all brassicas, greens, and root veg seeds. I won't start winter seeds in the greenhouse until September first, with a plan for all the winter veg to go in the ground October first (though asparagus will go in in January). Which reminds me, I need to order fresh row cover, Agribond 19, which I get from Peaceful Valley. So here's your reminder - order those overwintering items now - garlic and shallots sell out quickly.