I have a shady garden, so each flower on a shrub, tree, perennial or annual is a precious commodity.

We humans used to be mostly foragers and obtained our nutrition before the end of the last ice age by being hunter-gatherers.

Earlier this year, the flowering plums were the first trees to welcome the beginning of spring. Then came the flowering cherries, crabapples, pears, redbuds and lilacs. Now, the flowering dogwoods take over as the stars of the show. They are blooming everywhere I go. Whole neighborhoods, lined with dogwood trees, are coming to life. I know of several beautiful specimens along Hwy 9 that burst into bloom this time of year, covered in snowy white, pink or rosy blossoms. There are many types of dogwoods and every garden has the perfect spot for at least one. What better way to honor Earth Day 2014 than to plant a tree

The salmon season started April 5 with great anticipation. Anglers were not sure what to expect with rumors of fish and baitfish in the bay, but no positive reports.

Surrounded by roses of nearly every color in the rainbow, I smelled vanilla, spice and honey. The sun peaked in and out of the clouds allowing the vivid hues of the petals to change with the light. I was enjoying the garden of rose aficionados Mark and Lane Maloney of Scotts Valley. Among their 40 rose bushes I was to learn how an expert cares for these beauties.