Backyard Orchard News
We're Here at the Fair-- Where Are You?
If you haven't already planned your visit to the LA County Fair, now's the time. Master Food Preservers from Los Angeles County are on hand giving demonstrations and waiting to answer your questions about food preservation. On Wednesday, September 5th, Susan Nickels and Nancee Siebert got the ball rolling with a great introduction to the world of jam and jelly production (both with and without pectin).
Volunteers from MFPLA will present demonstrations at the Culinary Styles Stage (under the racetrack grandstand) on Wednesdays and and Fridays, 9/5 - 9/28 from 12 to 3 pm. Topics include jams and jellies, the art of pickling and fermenting, and how to preserve tomatoes.
In the Farm House Kitchen across from the Big Red Barn, MFPs including Liisa Primack (seen above) will be discussing dehydration and other methods of food preservation. Come visit us from 9 am to 12 pm, Wednesdays through Fridays, 9/5- 9/28 and see Liisa's fantastic solar dehydrator.
Eureka! A Western Bumble Bee
Many of us in California have never seen the Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis) Many of us...
Close-up of a male Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis) found Aug. 15 at Mt. Shasta. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Another view of the male Western bumble bee found on Mt. Shasta. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Documenting the rare find. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Native pollinator specialist Robbin Thorp is a retired UC Davis professor, but continues his full-time research. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Turning Over a New Leaf (Footed Bug)
When you first see the leaffooted bug, you know immediately how it got its name. The appendages on...
Close-up of leaffooted bug. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Leaffooted bugs making pomegranates their kitchen, living room and bedroom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Beady eyes, colorful antennae and appendages on its feet that look like leaves. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
In Mint Condition
if you're growing plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae--you know, the plants with the square stalks...
What's behind the catmint leaf (Nepeta)? (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
This is a California Pyrausta Moth (Pyrausta californicalis) on catmint. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Close-up of California Pyrausta Moth (Pyrausta californicalis) on catmint. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Up, Close and Personal
If you've ever glimpsed a European wool carder bee foraging in your yard, chances are that's all...
Male European wool carder bee heads for a catmint (Nepeta) leaf. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Male European wool carder bee on catmint (Nepeta). (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)