Butterflies are magical creatures. They captivate us with their beauty and freedom of flight. Often I’m asked when designing a garden to include plants that will attract them and design areas to provide habitat. Recently there was a hatch of orange Militta Crescent butterflies in our area. I’ve seen hundreds of them up here in Bonny Doon alone. What can I do to increase the chances of them sticking around ?

 Our most common local stinging insects are yellow jackets and bees. Yellow jackets are attracted to our delicious picnic food and are more aggressive than bees. They sting defensively when they feel that their nests are threatened. They also sting when stepped on, sat upon, or have in some way been provoked.  If one is being attacked by many bees or yellow jackets, it is best to vacate the area and run away as fast as possible.  These insects are capable of flying up to 15 miles per hour and pursuing for distances of 50 to 100 yards.  So don’t run too slow or stop too soon!  

Sam Martin is not your average high school student. At 16, Martin, who grew up in Ben Lomond, has qualified for Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Motocross Championship. After placing first in several amateur youth competitions, Martin, 16, received an invitation to the National Championship. Sam will participate in the 125cc and 250cc in his age group during the races from July 30 to August 4 in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

I’m helping my friend Colly, the food columnist for the Press Banner, with her cooking class at the new Boys & Girls Club in Scotts Valley. Colly has planned a summer program filled with delicious recipes and I’m looking forward to learning along with the kids in the class. The first week was all about eggs. I’m sure we’ll be using herbs in a future recipe so I’m getting my own herb garden ready. Whether you grow herbs in pots or in the ground here are some tips.

A former Scotts Valley resident returned to his hometown this week to film a scene for his original musical based on the music of the Beach Boys.

There is nothing quite as central to Bonny Doon as the elementary school. In an effort to fund essential science, music and art programs at Bonny Doon Elementary, the Bonny Doon Community School Foundation is preparing to host its annual art, wine and brew festival this weekend.

Many in Felton still miss the noon-time testing of the WWII-vintage civil defense fire siren that was discontinued back in 2016 after it got stuck on “on” and truly alarmed the community, according to long-time Fire Chief Ron Rickabaugh. 

    The summer I was five years old my Aunt Betty outfitted me in ‘berry-picking-clothes’ which consisted of my oldest pair of Buster Brown shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and a thin rope which had an empty Hills Bros coffee can attached and tied around my waist.  I was now ready for my first berry-picking adventure.

Ah, it’s that most anticipated time of the year- the spring garden tour season and I’m really looking forward to being inspired and learning something new at the same time. What could be better?

I’d like to share some of my thoughts on making for a very safe summer for everyone.