Spring's sweet face has long since flowered and faded... Most of summer's luscious fruits have been devoured. Those unchosen remain, hanging from branch and vine like shriveled, shrunken heads -- awaiting the nefarious bidding of the Witchdoctor of Winter...
(Above: crabapple tree in winter at Burbank's Farm, Sebastopol CA.)
Bright, orange orbs of fruit decorate the bare branches of the Japanese persimmon like glass balls on a Christmas tree:
The long, furry, fawn-colored pods of the wisteria droop down -- awaiting just the right moment to spring, pop, twist and scatter:
A sandstone-like fungi reveals the subtle gradients of its canyon colors -- highlighted against a background of sea-green lichens:
A mosiac of yellow and green birch leaves reaches down to caress a carpet of shamrock-green:
Like an experienced exotic dancer, the imposing chestnut tree on the top of the hill slowly disrobes -- shedding its rustic, leafy vestments a little at a time...
One of Burbank's most popular inventions -- the spineless opuntia -- dons its "gay, holiday apparel":
Strangely geometric, the citrus "trifoliate orange", now leafless in winter, mocks "Sleeping Beauty's" thorny hedges...
The jagged, bare branches of the Kentucky coffee tree clutch at the cloudy, sullen sky:
Bright gold and huge, the ripened fruit of the Chinese Quince hang as if suspended by magic from its oddly spindly branches:
Then, like a rare jewel sparkling among the earthen tones of winter -- the flowers of a foxglove:
The dark, spidery limbs of the mountain ash trees starkly contrast against the shining gold of their own rapidly-disappearing leaves and grey skies...
The fruit of the mountain ash -- like tiny pears -- clustered like grapes on each branch:
Soon, the sun sinks low and is swallowed by the darkening horizon as the Giant Silver Orb of Diana takes its place in the sky in a swirl of translucent mist...
Readying for a winter nap, the plants and trees at Burbank's Farm nod off to sleep...
Author's Note: "Luther Burbank's Gold Ridge Farm" is both an historic and horticultural site registered in the National Register of Historic Places. It is the site where "The Plant Wizard", Luther Burbank, carried on most of his experiments with perennial plants and is located in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, Northern California.
Burbank's Farm is owned by the City of Sebastopol, administrated by the Western Sonoma County Historical Society and maintained completely by volunteers.
For upcoming event info on Burbank's Farm, please monitor the Western Sonoma County Historical website HERE.
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Comments: 33
I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Burbank Farm yesterday. Of course this place is a National Landmark. This place is a national TREASURE! Not only did I not want to leave, but my friend, who THOUGHT he wanted to head back early to beat the traffic, did not want to leave either; it's fascinating!
Hi again, Jean, and thank you sooo much for everything! Most of all, thank you for putting up with us two goofballs!
Jean, just wanted to thank you again for being such an charming hostess, and the perfect tour guide. While the tour map is very self-serving, you are the walking encyclopedia of Burbank Farm, which no map, no matter how comprehensive can do; you give such interesting, and fascinating historical facts and figures -- and in doing so -- make the entire experience far richer.
Thank you again. We are coming again, too. This time, I shall not need to debate the matter with him, Jean. lol.
Going back to bed, Jean. I do NOT have to power of Burbank Farm to revitalize me today, as it did yesterday.
See ya!
:=)
I just thought of one other thing I shall need to report back, and he always does this to me. My friend that you were a botanist. Believe me, that's high praise coming from him, for he is highly critical of everyone, and everything . . .his most frequent phrase being,
I question THAT!
But anyway, he asked me in what area of science were you degreed. He figured it was botany, but based on your historical knowledge, he thought you might also have a strong background in History. I never even thought of it, myself; I never thought to ask. Would you let me know so that I may tell him. HE shall continue to ask me (or rather nag me), until he gets an answer from me. Thanks, Jean!
LOL, Gretchen!!
My Dear Lady N:
It was SUCH a pleasure to have you there at Burbank's Farm yesterday! My original feeling about our souls being connected -- kindred, so to speak -- was completely confirmed... Your companion, as well, is an absolutely charming fellow and one can easily tell in what high esteem he holds you... How endearing!
And YOU, my dear lady, are a delight! Your energy and "life force" is unique, companionable, forthright and of sterling quality... Amongst the "sea of people" over the earth, your "wave" SHINES! Your ability to recognize the "specialness" of a particular place or person is rare and to be treasured...
You may tell your gentleman friend that, while I have college units in sufficient number to -- had I stuck with ONE particular "major" -- have earned 2 or 3 BAs or BSs, in my life, I changed my mind several times, going from liberal arts (drama, dance) to vocational (after my daughter was born and I was divorced from her father) "legal secretarial" but then was forced to drop out to earn a living and then went BACK to college and (along with transferable, solid courses) then majored in anthropology with a botany minor...
However, my AVOCATION has always been history... While I struggled through math, I've never earned less than As and Bs in history/political science/cultural anthro.
Ultimately, the only degree that I hold is in "General Ed"... But there are few educational courses that can substitute for knowledge gained through EARNING A LIVING at a particular line of study -- such as I received while working in horticulture for a couple of decades...
Additionally, the last 15 years that I've spent volunteering a huge chunk of my time at the Farm along with my longtime associations with historians through my association with the Western Sonoma County Historical Society (where, for the last 5 years out of 7, I've held the office of "President") have all contributed to ANOTHER form of "working knowledge" that, in may ways, goes BEYOND what one may learn from even the BEST schools...
As to you writing an article about the Farm, this, my dear, is a matter totally up to you... I do not wield ANY power over your actions (nor would I WANT to over ANYONE). If you would like to, please go ahead but, if you would prefer NOT, don't! But if for some reason you DO write something, certainly don't do it on MY account!
I'm so GLAD that you enjoyed it, Jennifer!
So he was correct; but he underestimated you, too. Thank you, and I shall inform him. Actually, I shall show him your comment, which should put an end to any further questions to me.
He really liked you (another compliment), because he tends to criticize people more than anything else.
I think I shall do the article. People really need to hear more about Burbank Farm, and really understand the sheer genius behind the concept of it, plus just WHY the National Register of Historic Places has honoured it.
Although my little article shall be more about my bumbling trip, and meeting you (I dare not attempt at more factual data), it is one way of publicizing Burbank Farm. Knowing of a place, compared to then visiting it -- to really see and understand its significance, contribution to America, the American economy, and its importance to all that IS America is quite another thing; I was overwhelmed. Such an important piece of America's success right there, nearly at my front door, and I had no clue . . .
Taken a step further, Mr. Burbank's work has had worldwide impacts that have affected the world, even as I am typing these words. What vision, and insight! If only he could see how HIS work from so long ago has impacted the entire world a century later, but more, continuing on into the 21st century. Sheer genius!
Yes, I believe I shall do an article.
Thank you again, Lovely Lady.
Next time, I would LOVE to meet Robert, if he would. What a guy he must be to have captured YOU!!! Heavens to Murgatroid!!!
TRULY!! Additionally, the "Burbank Potato" (the rights to which Burbank SOLD in the late 1800s -- the proceeds from which he used to travel to CA from MA) was purchased by a potato farmer in Idaho who re-named it the "Russet" -- the very same potato that is now the MOST POPULARLY GROWN potato in the ENTIRE WORLD! The reason? FRENCH FRIES which are ONLY made from "russet potatoes"! So, the next time you put a McDonald's french fry in your mouth, you can remember another aspect of our 21st century life in which Burbank still has an impact!! :o)
Robert, however, is SO UNLIKE me that we are as night and day! LOL! Robert says MAYBE 10 words in a 24 hour period whereas I -- well... we know what I do... ROFL!
Natalie: The Farm is very much an "oasis" for the birds and small animals within the city limits of the town of Sebastopol... and remains so after all these years! Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
U wishing you laughter
Bless you for placing that luscious, and perfect moon on this article! When we looked at the article today, I did not see it, but this is just PERFECT.
Indeed, we do so think alike, for it would have been just the thing that I would have done!
:=)
Beautiful Glitter
it is!
****Featured in "Californians of Gather"****
I did THAT yesterday. I just did not say anything, is what, and I was not on Gather on December 14th, well not until now.
and because YOU have made my morning, and Noni is making my entire day~!
Now, I should get to work on my overdue article.
Do you know I made the mistake I should NEVER have made -- Noni juice, or rather not enough noni. It works better that any narcotic, you know? I simply was not taking the proper dosage.
Normally, I take 1 oz. daily. However, considering my current circumstance, I should have been taking 4 ounces, and VOILA! -- it is MORE POWERFUL than any narcotic! The University of Hawaii has already researched it.
Nature! Fruits! Noni -- a tropical fruit! NOTHING beats the natural way!
Back at ya very soon.
"Don't you dare!"
Of course, had you been there at the time Jean, I'm sure he would have asked. But HE was determined to get himself some good eats -- his mouth was certainly a' waterin' for that fruit; he does not smoke, drink, and no drugs (of course); he LOVES fruit, though, and TO THE MAX!" LOL.
I really enjoy seeing them.
I'm sure you could, Jules! Mr. Burbank bred his plants to be especially tolerant to drought, cold, maladies and insect damage!