Backyard Orchard News
Ducks Vs. Bees
In March of 2012 when we were touring The Bee Collective's Bee Sanctuary near The Domes on the UC...
This wood duck box is being used as a bee hive in The Bee Sanctuary on the UC Davis campus. Examining it is Derek Downey who directs The Bee Collective and The Bee Sanctuary. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Arctic weather causing freeze damage at Lindcove
An unusually cold and prolonged weather system moved into California on December 3rd, and...
Application of water during freezing temperatures raises air temperature at ground level.
Wind machines raise air temperature at ground level.
The Trouble with Late Bloomers
It's rather troubling trying to rear subtropical butterflies, Gulf Fritillaries (Agraulis...
Newly emerged Gulf Fritillary butterfly. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A brief bit of sunlight, and the newly emerged Gulf Frit fluttered its wings. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Workshops on soil quality are available this week.
Two unique workshops on soil quality will be provided this week. One will be held on Tuesday,
December 10, 2013, on the UC Davis campus in 3001 PES (Physical and Environmental Sciences) at 11:00 am and the other will take place in Five Points on Wednesday, December 11, s013, also at 11:00 am.
The sessions will feature Brendon Rockey, a farmer from Center, CO and Jay Fuhrer, an NRCS District Conservationist from Bismarck, ND. They’ll be leading the workshop that will also include a lunch and a follow-up discussion.
For further information, please contact Jeff Mitchell, CE Cropping Systems Specialist, Kearney Agricultural Research & Extension Center, at (559) 303-9689 or jpmitchell@ucdavis.edu.
'Biotic farming' considers all living things, not just the crop being grown.
Ah, Humbug!
It's no secret that bugs often get a bad rap. Take the negative expression, "Bah, Humbug!" uttered...
This honey bee was not aware of the "no fly" list; bees don't usually fly when the temperature is 49 degrees, but this one did. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Honey bee gathering nectar on Calliandra californica, aka Baja fairy duster. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Honey bee continues foraging on Calliandra caifornica. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)