Questions for the Garden Experts

After a trip to the CACG this morning, I have a few questions for Bob, David, Jenn, or anyone else who may have some answers.  Feel free to reply back in the comments, or shoot me an email!

1) These mushrooms were spotted near the middle compost bin. Anyone know what type of mushroom this is?

2) I found some fresh straw placed on the old potato towers near the greenhouse.  Anyone know what is planted in those?

3) I used a pitchfork on the compost bin on the left for a bit while the kids played in the garden fort - any thoughts on how this bin looks, and any next steps for it?

4) Is the middle bin looking ok?

Merry Christmas

Macalvey Drive Rainbow

A rainbow appeared right over our neighborhood amidst the cold, wet weather on Sunday.

Hoping this was some kind of good luck charm for the 49ers in tonight's match-up against the Seahawks.

Sweet Peas from Brenna's Pre-School Class

Thanks to the handy-work of Karen and the Room #103 at North Creek Pre-School, these Sweet Peas have found a comfortable home in the Center Avenue Community Garden.

Karen taught a lesson in Brenna's class in November about composting, recycling, and gardening, and the students planted these Sweet Peas.

A month later, the Peas have been planted in larger pots, and Karen hopes to bring some tasty veggies down to the students to enjoy!

Here's pictures from today's transition into the bigger pots:

Downtown Martinez Pick of the Week

Favorite Dinner Spot - Lemongrass Bistro,  501 Main Street, Martinez

Lemongrass Bistro, with a blend of Southeast Asian influences,  is probably our top restaurant in Martinez, no matter the style of food. The service is excellent, and we've always had a great meal every time, whether we ate in, or picked up the food to-go.

Our favorite dishes include appetizers like the Crispy Shrimp Rolls and Chicken Skewers, the Grilled Beef, and the Drunken Noodles.

We highly recommend Lemongrass for a nice dinner out that won't break the bank.

I'll try to add some of other favorite spots around the area - we like supporting the local businesses!

Two Kids and a Leaf Pile at Hidden Valley Park

"It is a happy talent to know how to play." -  Ralph Waldo Emerson

We can all use more of these things

Progress at the Garden Spiral

The lettuce and garlic that Carlos and Jenn planted in October are beginning to fill up the spiral near the Center Avenue side of the Garden. Here are some pictures of their progress.

December 15th

December 15th

November 26th

November 7th

October 27th

October 27th

Foggy High-Tide at the Martinez Marina

We ventured down to the trails around the Martinez Marina on a day that featured the 'King' high tides around the Bay Area.

Our usual course through the 'Bridges' course was re-routed because of the water.

 The kids assess the water situation at our 'Secret Bridge' cut-through in the marsh.  This was the first time we'd ever seen the water this high.

    No passing across the Secret Bridge on this morning.

         After taking the long-way around the Secret Bridge, our plans to cross the Rainbow Bridge were cut short because of the tides.  Although we have the big stroller tires, we thought twice about crossing through this patch.

    Our only option to get to the Tunnel Park was crossing the stream of water in the background of this picture, so the kids covered themselves up when I told them we had to race through.  After making it safely across, Brenna asked, "Daddy, was does 'high-stepping it' mean?"

Paper Roll Christmas Tree Topper

We found a good use for the paper roll before it heads to the recycle bin.