It’s been a weird winter, weather-wise, but aren’t they all one way or another? My flowering plum is blooming weeks early. I have an Autumnalis flowering cherry tree that blooms several times a year. The last blooming cycle started in late November and it’s still blooming now. This tree came into my life 20 years ago as a bare root tree. We’re old friends. Now is the time to add ornamentals and edibles like fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables while they’re available in bare root form. They are easy to plant, economical and establish quickly.

A proposed development for the area known as Gateway South in Scotts Valley brings with it a history of stops and starts.

Agape Dance Academy made a big donation to children battling cancer following fundraiser performances of The Nutcracker.

A group of mountain landowners hope to train a new generation of stewards to protect the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

I have a pet maranta. It doesn’t have legs or a mouth but it can say “good night.” When it’s dark this common houseplant closes its leaves, unfolding them the next day with the light. Because it’s easy to grow, my prayer plant, the common name, is one of my favorites. Doesn’t hurt that the foliage is an absolute stunner with vivid red veins over a two-tone green background.

Well, it’s happened again — the sun made its way around our planet once more. As the calendar turns to a New Year these are some of my thoughts for 2018.