May is a month sandwiched by two holidays that should be among our most recognized and important. Like most others, though, their genesis and intent are largely unknown or ignored.

As gardeners, we all approach the new gardening season with enthusiasm and optimism. Then, the rain comes down hard and pelts your new plants into the ground, the nights turn cold again and some of the plants in your garden aren’t so happy anymore. That’s when you need some tried and true plants to star in your landscape, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

This past year’s return of steelhead on the San Lorenzo River was good.