We've been busy pruning and trimming the orchard and the trees in the Junior House Courtyard. The fig tree, located in the Junior House Courtyard, was donated at the 2016 Anza Day celebration, by Patricia Preciado Martin, a childhood resident of Historic Hacienda de la Canoa (HCR). This feisty little fig tree rebounded from last summer's grasshopper damage and still produced some fruit prior to going dormant for the winter.

 

This particular tree came with a tag indicating it was a "Black Fig".  Several weeks ago, we pruned it and took cuttings. As of today, all cuttings are showing signs of sprouting roots. As noted in last month's Sand 'N' Seeds newsletter, several of us went to Mission Gardens for a Pruning and Propagation Workshop, where we received cuttings for the Ora Blanco Fig, Mission Grapes, Quince tree and Pomegranate trees. We are pleased to report that a large majority of those cuttings have begun leafing out and producing roots. We will try to use as many of these cuttings as possible to increase and/or replace present trees in the orchard.

 

We have begun adding plants to our newly established "Butterfly Garden" located in the Grijalva House Courtyard. The first and most important plants were milkweed. As the weather improves, we will be adding nectar plants, both annuals and perennials.  This project should be completed by early summer.

 

The selection and planting for the three Mexican pots, donated by Linda and Byron Gricius, should be completed by mid-to end of March. We are considering shade loving, climbing vegetables and flowering plants. For the two pots on either side of the kitchen door, narrow tower trellises have been purchased to allow our plants support to climb. The third pot will contain creeping/trailing herbs.

 

Our gratitude and many thanks go to our weekly, Tuesday morning volunteers, without whom we would not be accomplishing these many improvements to "the ranch's" gardens. THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

We invite everyone to join us for the HCR Heritage Day celebration on March 3 ^rd beginning at 9 AM and concluding by 3 PM. We are located just south of Green Valley Hospital on the frontage road.  There will be new exhibits of antiques and collectibles, fine arts and crafts and local food vendors. I've been told the Sonoran Hot Dogs are outstanding!  Come see the George Redondo Proctor Western Heritage Collection and help celebrate what would have been George's 100th birthday. By all means, slow down to see the newly restored Canoa Lake!  Or even venture a short walk to the lakeside.  It's a site to behold in this arid countryside. While taking in all the exhibits, stop by and say Hi. We'll be located outside the Senior House Herb Garden.