Redbud in a Snowstorm



Even the thinnest of saplings has a coating of snow.

Gooseberry in Bloom



The ribes amarum or bitter gooseberry is one of the early bloomers. They tend to grow under the oaks at least on my property.
This variety has very tiny flowers which bloom and become berries very quickly.

Snow at Sunset



A light blanket of snow that melted away the next day.

The Surprise of Snow



Late in the afternoon, hail turned into snow.

Quince for the New Year



From blossoms come fruit.



http://www.asianart.org/documents/FruitsandFlowersBrochure.pdf

Amphibian Habitat



This puddle becomes a thriving community of frogs in late spring.

Apres Le Deluge



A brief respite before the next storm. Looking south at the valley and all that lovely clear air.

The Creek Is Back



One good storm and the creek at the northern end of the ranch is flowing!

First Big Storm Foam



My neighbor observed this phenomen several years ago. After the first rain, there is a soapy residue on the rocks. The next storm is coming in tomorrow.

Lichen in All Shades of Green



In the shade dead branches of live oaks sport all manner of lichen.

Seasonal Puddle



Finally, after getting nearly two inches last weekend, there's water on the ranch. This puddle forms part of a seasonal stream that runs off the property.

Clouds on the Move



Ward Mountain partially obscured in the background.

The Safest Place



Amid the thorns, a small nest. And few plants are less inviting than the white thorn ceanothus. What creature would possibly fight through those thorns to disturb the nest? I looked for eggs but it appeared to be abandoned with just a few dead leaves blown in.

Dusk After Storm



Looking at that gloriously clean and clear air from the back porch.

Laurel in Bloom



After the rain, tiny yellow flowers appear. So tiny, they are easy to miss at casual glance. I just planted a bay near the house. I'm encouraging the native specimens by keeping the live oak and clematis from overrunning them.

Rain!!



Never was a storm more welcome. The sound of rain on a metal roof is the most comforting.

The seasonal streams are running. Green is breaking out -- elderberry, gooseberry and grass.

Please more of the same.

White Camellia



Blooming and falling off the bush in rapid succession, blanketing the ground. This was taken on the last sunny day.

Lavender Fields Forever



I've grown so many varieties especially the drought and cold tolerant ones. They are blooming now and the bees are buzzing.

Camellia Color



Despite our very dry January, the camellias are looking lush this year. Go figure. I planted these in a shady area long before I decided to grow only California natives or Mediterranean plants.

Tiny Blossoms



Manzanita in full bloom attracting bees and hummingbirds.

The Boulder Stands Alone



Moss grows on it. Grass used to grow on it and might again. Animals have burrowed under it for shelter.

Storm on the Move



Looking out my back window waiting for the rain. Nice to see a glimpse of the valley after days of haze.

Humble Hardy Herb



Rosemary flourishes wherever I've planted it. Placing cut stems in vases around the house lets the fragrance in.

These tiny blue blossoms climb up the stalks.

Starkly Wintry



Denuded white oaks lending an eerie air. Not enough green this winter, too much brown and gray.