Low-Maintenance Housewarming Gift

I returned to Home Depot to pick up one of these succulent collections as a housewarming present for one of my friends.  She is really busy so low-maintenance, drought tolerant succulents was a perfect match for her.


As I was walking to the register, a woman stopped to ask me where I got them from.  She loved them too, and she was surprised they were only about $20.  I am feeling good about my purchase.  I think my friend will love her housewarming gift!


Clean Up Stragglers and Stretch Your $$$
If you happen to get a collection that looks straggly or overgrown, take a sharp knife and cut back the stragglers, but do not throw away these cuttings.  You can turn these cuttings into new plants.  Succulents are easy to propagate.  I normally just stick them in ordinary potting soil and keep the soil warm and moist (but not soggy) until they sprout roots.  If you wish to take the safer route, allow a "scab" to develop over the end of the stem by allowing the cutting to dry out a bit, then dip the cutting in some Rooting Hormone before planting them in the dirt.  

Hiking in Mother Nature's Garden

View of Ocean from Tomales Point Trail (Point Reyes National Seashore, CA) 

It's spring!  I love to go hiking this time of year in California.  The ponds are full and the waterfalls are strong from the winter/spring rainfall.  Everything is green and the fields are full of blooming wildflowers.  It's a great way to rejuvenate your spirit and get a little exercise.

Here are some photos from my most recent hike.  I wish I could recapture the beauty of the place, but the pictures really don't do it any justice.

Another view of the ocean from the trail

Photo of waves crashing below us

Photo of a bed of wild irises.  

I also found a random cluster of giant calla lilies, chamomile, poppies, and other wildflowers.

Photo of a border of rocks.

You can hear your own heartbeat here.  It is so silent. 

Several deer in the mist

  Trees in the mist

To get to TOMALES POINT TRAIL (15 km / 9.5 mi.)

This open trail through the Tule Elk Reserve offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. The first 5 kilometers (3 mi.) to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained, but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other shrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. Fog and wind can limit visibility and make this hike more challenging. The Tomales Point Trailhead is at the end of Pierce Point Road, 40 minute driving time from Bear Valley.

For More Trails at Point Reyes National Seashore Click Here

        

Potted Succulent Mix at Home Depot

I saw these beautifully arranged potted succulents at our local Home Depot for only $19.98.  They have some interesting combinations.  If you have time, you should swing by and see what they have in stock.