One of the perks of writing this gardening column for the Press-Banner is being invited to visit beautiful gardens. I recently had the honor of touring the garden of fellow columnist Colly Gruczelak, writer of “Plain Talk About Food,” at her home in Ben Lomond.

Centuries before Californians slashed and burned the natural treasures of Fall Creek to make lime, Aztecs were mining limestone on a large scale to create roads and buildings in Mexico. Scientists, like Santa Cruz geologist Frank Perry, say that is what led to the downfall of their civilization.

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected], or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

Snacking can be one of the most effective ways to rev up your metabolism and slim your waistline.

- Naomi Corinne Adams was born at 12:27 p.m. April 25, 2012, to Ingrid Corinne and Zachary Michael Adams of Scotts Valley. She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

Carmella Blu Iles was born to Jessica Nichole and Matthew William Iles of Scotts Valley at 7:12 p.m. April 4, 2012, at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. She weighed 8 pounds.

I don't have room for any new plants. Really, I don't — but come spring, I just can't help myself.

When wine professionals approach a glass of wine, they always do it analytically.