Wildflowers in Iceland — a potpourri of surprises.
Submitted by Ann Wright
On a latest journey to Iceland and Sweden, a potpourri of adventures nonetheless stirs in my considerably jet-lagged mind. One of many putting options of Iceland, regardless of the stark nature of the volcanic island, are the big areas of actually stunning flowers – lupine, to be actual.
Nevertheless, I discovered that the Alaskan lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), launched years in the past to assist construct the soil and stop erosion, is just not native to Iceland. Lupine is taken into account by some Icelanders to be an invasive species, compromising native mosses, flowers and grasses.
Though the lupine in Iceland is prolific and fairly stunning with lengthy, hearty stalks of purple-lavender flowers, this plant is discovered broadly distributed alongside roadsides, in some lava fields and different fragile areas.
Nevertheless, amidst the fields of lupine some native flowers have been noticed – some seemed acquainted like these discovered alongside the Buttermilk Bend path alongside our south Yuba River: buttercups, or Ranunculus species. There have been additionally different purple-blue flowers, native wild geraniums. A potpourri of surprises was discovered alongside the way in which, and it was spectacular!
In different Grasp Gardener information, a free workshop as we speak shall be introduced from 10 a.m. to midday on the Demonstration Backyard (1036 West Fundamental St. in Grass Valley). Be a part of Grasp Gardeners of Nevada County for an vital, well timed presentation, “Nevada County Fireplace Clever Panorama and Upkeep”. Introduced by a defensible house advisory teacher for the Nevada County Fireplace Protected Council, subjects will embrace:
- Nevada County local weather and hearth
- 3 methods hearth threatens homes in our local weather
- Ideas for defensible house zones required by California regulation
- Driveways and evacuation routes
- What’s a “gasoline plant”?
- Sustaining a safer panorama
- Native firewise communities
- Precise native case research
Developing on July 16, be a part of Grasp Gardeners for the 4th session of Household Enjoyable on the Backyard – this session, “What’s the Buzz? Useful Bugs” will concentrate on insect helpers, studying {that a} wholesome garden contains some bugs and how you can invite them into our garden to remain. The household periods are designed for fogeys, grandparents and youngsters ages 4 and older. (Youthful youngsters are welcome, after all, however our restricted time and house don’t permit us to supply actions for them.) Adults should keep on the complete workshop and take part with their youngsters. Carry water, sunscreen, hats and gloves and be able to play within the grime!
On Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to midday, Grasp Gardeners are presenting a brand new workshop, “Rising an Natural Tea Backyard”. Come out to the Demo Backyard and study the historical past of tea, tips on planning your individual natural tea garden, deciding on which crops to brew your individual favourite cup of tea, after which how you can harvest and course of the herbs. Carry your individual cup of tea, sit again and find out about how you’ll take pleasure in your individual blends all year long.
Lastly, this July potpourri features a workshop on water smart gardening. Years of drought have taught us that water is a really treasured useful resource, and water smart gardening can assist cut back water wants by selecting low-water crops and methods for selling water retention within the soil. This workshop will concentrate on water smart administration of the house garden. Be a part of Grasp Gardeners for “Gardening in Drought”, July 30 from 10 a.m. to midday, additionally on the Demo Backyard.
For extra details about these and different Grasp Gardener actions, test the web site at https://ncmg.ucanr.org/ .
Ann Wright is a Nevada County Grasp Gardener
