After last year’s heavy rainfall and severe flooding, it is appearing that the state is heading towards another period of drought.

My plants are confused. Actually they know exactly what they are doing it’s me that’s confused. The mild winter, so far at least, has encouraged many of my plants normally still dormant at this time of year to start growing for the season. What’s a gardener to do when the roses, fuchsias, oakleaf hydrangeas and many other plants never really went dormant this year?  Here are some February tasks that I’m going to be doing.

To call Scotts Valley High School senior Megan Gurer wise beyond her years would be doing her an injustice. She’s taken advanced studies into a realm that most 17-year-olds can only dream about.

Back in October, to the relief of many and real disappointment of others, the Mt. Hermon Association announced there would be no plans for a “Velocity Mountain Bike Park” on Felton Meadow. Mt. Hermon informed the Felton community via its website, stating, “The costs associated with developing the Felton Meadow property have exceeded our current capabilities and we have decided to forego any development.” Many residents in Felton remember the sharp community opposition to a large housing project proposed on the meadow back in 2008. Prior to Mt. Hermon buying the 15-acre property, situated between the Felton Faire shopping center and Zyante Road, it was considered a local treasure of open space. A holding aquifer of wetland that mitigates flooding and wildlife sanctuary. But the property is, nonetheless, the private property of the Mt. Hermon Association.   

After being displaced by fire in its original location three years ago, the Boulder Creek Roadside Café has been resurrected just a few miles north from downtown.