Let me tell you about my garden

Dear Sweet Baby Jebus...it's been quite some time since I've written anything here. I'm sure I warned you this could happen. Let's see if we can just pick it back up, shall we? 

My favorite thing about Oakland lately is my garden, so I'm just going to tell you all about it. Wild America is happening just outside my backdoor! There's a visiting oriole who likes to gulp from the hummingbird feeder. He is so very orange and a real exotic compared to the usual visitors. The male house finches think they're special but this guy shows up in a flash of orange that hits you like the sun. He's elusive and plans his visits for when my camera is elsewhere. 

The bees are out in full force. I see so few of them outside of the summer months, it's worrisome. The Borage is the first flower they show up for in any real numbers. Now that the Bee Balm is blooming they are all over it and seem happy. I'm going to say any bee that isn't on a stinging rampage is probably pretty happy...

Monarda (Bee Balm)

I like to stay organic in my yard. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) seems to work for me...I don't mind squishing a cucumber beetle between my fingers and tossing it to the chickens. Aphids are easily removed with a blast from the hose and if a plant doesn't do well or attracts pests, I toss it out. Insecticides just don't feel like the right option. Not because of any moral code or strong beliefs; just that they bring imbalance, they're not necessary and there's already too much of it being tossed around. I grow my veggies mixed in with my cut flowers; why would I apply poison?. Part of gardening for me is creating a full ecosystem...I want all the bugs and birds at the party; just as long as there's a balance. The wasps never bother me and I enjoy watching them hunt in the sunflowers and zinnias. I don't mind sharing some of my fruit with the bugs and squirrels and sometimes they do take more than their share. But for the most part, there is balance and place for all things. Even weeds...some produce seeds that draw Goldfinches so I let them grow in a wild corner of the yard. I feel like I'm drifting off point...but what is the point really? To share my happy Oakland experience with you, dear reader! (who is likely friend or family and can hear this prattle from me any time) Thanks for listening.

Gomphrena 'Fireworks'

The Estuary

The Oakland Estuary's official name is Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline but I only know that because I went looking for a map. I figured you might like one after you read all the nice things I have to say about the area. You can have it now: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mlk


I like to use the entrances near High Street of which there are many. The path follows the shore line all the way to Hegenberger. You might see a Belted Kingfisher plying his trade on the East Creek Slough or watch the crew team practice. Lots of folks from the live/work lofts on San Leandro Street bring their dogs here and it's popular with bicyclists and walkers too. Corn Flowers grow wild along the most western path and the place is silly with shore birds. Thousands of migrating birds come through Arrowhead Marsh annually to grab a snack and a nap.


This area runs along the southern edge of Oakland and is spitting distance from the 880 and light industrial/commercial area where trees are hard to come by and there's too much pavement. That is what makes this area special...it's an oasis in the urban jungle. The air feels better here, the sky is bigger and seeing birds going about their daily routine relaxes me. Plus, there's hardly anyone there. This is one seriously under utilized park. 


Recently, the path was repaved and some areas landscaped. There are restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables and benches in the right spots. And parking...plenty of glorious parking.