Winter Wonder in the Garden

by Charlene Burgi

Did I really title this correctly? As I looked out the window, things appeared drab and dead. The leaves have fallen, plants are dormant and the evergreens look a bit worn from the harsh weather conditions. From the window, there wasn’t much to write about. Whatever could be so wonderful out there?

Donning my jacket and camera, I slowly scrutinized the plant needs following the freeze, winds and lack of water before the recent storm. To my surprise, I noticed the daffodils popping out of the ground, the fragrance permeating the air from paperwhite narcissus in bloom, an overabundance of lemons adorning the tree, and camellias budded and just showing signs of color. And the daphne, my favorite fragrance in the garden, had just a hint and promise of opening its blossoms.

Walking by, I caught a glimpse of tiny winged seeds hanging from the Japanese maple and bold ornamented seed balls dangling from the sycamore tree. The bark of the trees also captured my eye. We often miss the beauty of that feature in our trees when the leaves and shade they cast instead capture our attention. The coral reds of the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’) or red twig dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) are spectacular in winter.

This walk wasn’t so dull after all! Upon further investigation, I found the thick layer of mulch around the plants was well worth the effort of installation. The health of the plants in spite of the abusive weather indicated that the mulch helped to maintain soil temperatures with its insulated blanket and prevented the moisture in the soil from evaporating during the long dry spell.

It is never too late to add this valuable product to your garden. Your plants will thank you for this special treatment by lavishing you with bountiful blooms and vigorous health all year long. Additionally, winter walks aren’t nearly so treacherous as the mulch prevents erosion, absorbs the water so you are not walking through rain puddles, and hides drip tubing so you are not tripping over hoses. Come to think of it, mulch is a gift that keeps giving to anything or anyone in contact with it, except Sydney, our golden retriever. Syd loves to roll in the mulch. Needless to say, her long fur is a conduit for the mulch, so often our indoor carpets look as though we really wanted to bring the outdoors inside!

May I suggest that you grab your coat and take a slow stroll through your garden? Is it really as dull as it appeared from the window? If so, consider installing some of the winter beauties mentioned above. For the most part they are water-wise, some deer-proof, and all glorious to behold.

Mark Your Calendars!

If you’re tired of your water-guzzling, labor-intensive lawn, be sure to join us February 17 for a FREE, hands-on sheet mulching workshop. This simple and inexpensive technique can help you suppress weeds, improve soil health, save water and bid that lawn goodbye.

Also coming up in February we have a complete series of rainwater harvesting workshops, including a FREE one-day introductory workshop for homeowners—lunch included! The workshops are being presented by the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA). If you are interested in either or both of the two-day, professional-level workshops, be sure to register before February 1 for the early-bird rate!

MMWD Flushing Water Mains in Southern Marin through March 22

Water main flushing

If you see large quantities of water running down the street in Mill Valley, Marin City or Sausalito in the coming weeks, it is probably no cause for alarm: The Marin Municipal Water District’s annual water main flushing program is currently underway in southern Marin. Water main flushing is recommended by the California Department of Health Services to help maintain water quality by removing sediment buildup in transmission and distribution pipelines.

Each year MMWD “flushes” approximately 20 percent of its water mains. To flush a water main, selected hydrants along a section of the main are opened. The high velocity of the released water scours the main, removing any collected sediment. The water is released onto the street, the chlorine is removed by dechlorination tablets, and the water enters the storm drain run-off system. Flushing takes about 15 minutes for each hydrant.

In the past, MMWD performed flushing at night to minimize the impact on residents. Last year the district began flushing the pipes during the day to save the overtime costs of sending crews out at night. This year the district will again be flushing the mains in the daytime to reduce costs without compromising water quality.

During periods of flushing, customers may notice large quantities of water in the street, as well as slight pressure drops, air in the lines or “dirty” water in their own plumbing. If you notice these effects, we recommend running cold water through an outdoor tap or garden hose for a short time to remove any loosened sediment in the pipeline. This water can be safely used on plants.

Flushing began January 12 in Mill Valley and is scheduled to continue most Thursdays through March 22 in Mill Valley, Marin City and Sausalito. Click here for a complete schedule.

Centennial Kickoff and “Water Walk”

Thank you to all the "Water Walkers" who helped us kick off our centennial year celebration!

by Jaimie Baxter

On Saturday, January 14, the Marin Municipal Water District kicked off a year of centennial events with a family-friendly “Water Walk” on the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed.

Leaders of the Water Walk—including Craig Lauridsen of the Water Conservation Department, Ranger Matt Cerkel, and AmeriCorps volunteers Jessica Missaghian, Ben Schleifer and Jaimie Baxter—guided a group of 15 adults and children through the diverse ecosystems surrounding Lake Lagunitas. On the first few stops of the walk, the group learned about water conservation, water demand and the history of Lagunitas dam and watershed lands. Craig Lauridsen recited a quote written in 1880 from the banks of the now Lake Lagunitas: “The reservoir being filled to its full capacity in any wet winter, will hold more than enough water to supply all the present or perspective wants of San Rafael and vicinity for more than two years” (History of Marin County, J.P Munro-Fraser). Craig then asked the crowd if they knew how long the lake would sustain the current residents of Marin County. The answer? Only five days until Lake Lagunitas would be sucked dry.

As the walk continued, hike leaders discussed adaptations of redwood trees, the cooling effects of madrone trees and the foraging expertise of the acorn woodpecker. The leaders and participants shared other tidbits about the local flora and fauna throughout the trek. Concluding the walk was a discussion about the persistent invasive species of the watershed—including the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), French broom (Genista monspessulana) and the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)—and MMWD’s efforts to monitor and control them.

Our hike leaders

Our expectations for this water walk were greatly exceeded. We hope to see many more eager and enthusiastic faces at our centennial events in the future. Our next event will be a Leap Day Amphibian Hike on February 29. Please join us for another fun-filled event on the watershed!

Spawner Update: Weekend Rains a Welcome Event for Coho

by Eric Ettlinger

Coho salmon jumping in San Geronimo Creek (courtesy of Virginia Fifield)

Good news! High flows this weekend allowed coho salmon to migrate into the tributaries to Lagunitas Creek for the first time since Thanksgiving! Observers saw at least 20 adult salmonids (mostly coho plus some steelhead) jumping through the “Inkwells” on San Geronimo Creek. I’ve included a photo of a particularly fat coho salmon jumping there, courtesy of Virginia Fifield. We’ll conduct spawner surveys once stream flows recede a bit and I’ll post an update on what we find.

Spawner Update: Dry Spell Finally Over

by Eric Ettlinger

The long dry spell is finally over and we’re expecting heavy rains tonight. This should provide the migration flows that the remaining coho salmon have been waiting for. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that coho will migrate into San Geronimo Creek and Devil’s Gulch and spawn. Tomorrow may be the last, best chance to see salmon spawning this season.

For the local readers, I would appreciate hearing if coho or steelhead are seen jumping through the Inkwells (at the mouth of San Geronimo Creek) or into Devil’s Gulch. We’ll be conducting spawner surveys next week and I’ll post an update on what we find.

Timing

by Charlene Burgi

I am amazed how the weather influences my activities. The cold weather oddly made my stacks of unread seed catalogs appear as the most desirable reading material I have on hand. What better way to spend the afternoon than with a hot cup of tea and garden catalogs.

As I leafed through the pages, I noted the germination time for starting tomatoes. It dawned on me that we are approaching the time when some of the slower germinating seeds should be planted. The danger of frost will be over in Marin in ten weeks! Rest assured, I am not suggesting that you don the long johns and wooly caps right now to sow seeds, but take inventory of your seeds saved from last year or previous years to prepare for planting indoors. Do you have all that is needed for the task?

During the year I set aside empty egg cartons and cut toilet paper rolls in half to use as seed planters. Egg shells can also be used by poking a hole in the bottom with an ice pick or nail and then cracking the egg about a third of the way down from the top. Fill the empty shell with planting medium and plant your seed inside. Crush this little planter when the seedling is ready to go into the ground.

A sweater box with two inches of pea gravel makes a great miniature greenhouse. Set seedling planters on top of the gravel and close the lid until germination occurs. Or save the container from your supermarket rotisserie chicken. These little planters can be stored until you are ready to use them for planting seeds. If you don’t have these items on hand, ask friends and family members to save them for you, or you can purchase peat pellets or other planting containers at your favorite nursery.

Use soilless planting medium to start seeds for the greatest germination success. You can buy soilless mix in bags or make up a batch of your own using dry ingredients consisting of one part perlite and one part vermiculite. Add two parts peat moss or coir and two parts well-rotted compost or vermicompost and mix all ingredients together in a bin. Moisten only as much mixture as you need to fill the seed planters. This mix will provide good drainage and air space while holding moisture—all vital components for successful seed germination. Once the seeds germinate, you will need to use a mild solution of compost tea for added nutrients.

If you saved your seeds from last year’s crop or have old seed from the past, you can check to see if they are viable by placing a dozen seeds between two damp paper towels. Place the paper towels in a clear plastic bag and leave the contents near a sunny window. Check the seeds on a daily basis to see if they have sprouted. Do not allow the towels to dry out. Within a few weeks, you should see the seed casing open revealing tiny sprouts. Only use the seeds from packets that get good germination results! Oh, don’t forget to label the towels with a popsicle stick or other labeling method that can withstand the moisture.

Before planting, be certain to read the instructions on the back of each packet, as each type of seed may ask for specific treatment prior to planting. For example, some seeds need stratification—exposure to the cold—before they will germinate. Other seeds with hard casings require scarification—nicking the casing to allow moisture to enter. Other types of seeds may require heat. All but the tiniest seeds will germinate faster if you soak them overnight in warm water. If you soak, be ready to plant in the morning or the seeds could rot!

Heat and light are imperative after the seeds are firmly tucked into their little planters. Some people use bottom heat for germination and grow lights. In the past, I have placed a clear plastic bag over my seeds and set them in a sunny window to create a mini greenhouse. If you choose this method, please check regularly to see if the seeds have germinated or your tiny seedlings will bake. Once the seeds sprout, open the bag to allow air to circulate. If the window area is too warm, you might need to move the seedlings to an area with good indirect light.

Two weeks before the danger of frost is over, you will want to “harden the seedlings off.” This prepares them for cooler temperatures, wind and sun. Place them into cold frames or an unheated greenhouse before transplanting them outdoors. You can make simple cold frames by creating a tent of clear plastic secured at the ground. For more elaborate plans check this website.

Have fun with this project. Get the children or grandchildren involved. The “dirt” they get under their nails now will last a lifetime of gardening joy in the future.

February Rainwater Harvesting Workshops: Early Bird Special Discounts

MMWD is partnering with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) and The Urban Farmer Store to offer a full series of rainwater harvesting workshops next month. If you are a home gardener who has been wanting to learn more about rainwater harvesting, or a landscape professional interested in applying for ARCSA’s Accredited Professional (AP) or Certified Professional (CP) designation, this opportunity is for you. See the links below for more information, and be sure to register soon to take advantage of special early bird discounts!

February 18: Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting (100 level) – FREE for MMWD customers
February 20-21: ARCSA Accreditation Course (200 level) – Register by February 1 for early bird rate
February 22-23: ARCSA Design & Construction Workshop (300 level) – Register by February 1 for early bird rate

Get Ready for the Rain!

by Dan Carney

Are you looking for environmentally friendly ways to keep down the weeds and fill up a rain barrel this winter? Please join in the fun at two FREE workshops this February and you will be rewarded with a wealth of practical knowledge and techniques to improve your garden.

Sheet mulching

Introduction to Sheet Mulching: In this two-hour workshop you will learn how to use cardboard and organic mulch to virtually eliminate weeds, reduce water use, enrich soil, attract worms, replace unwanted lawns and make your plants extremely happy. If this all sounds too good to be true, come try it for yourself and see how easy and effective this simple technique really is. We will have piles of mulch, a roll of recycled cardboard and tools ready to go. You are welcome to bring your work gloves and grab a rake, too!
When: Friday, February 17 (10:00 a.m. – noon)
Where: Marin Municipal Water District, 220 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925 (meet in the parking lot adjacent to Tamal Vista Blvd.)
What to bring: Curiosity and gardening gloves (optional)
How to sign up: Leave us a message with your name and contact information at (415) 945-1521 or send an email to wmenara@marinwater.org.

Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting: Spend the day learning how to harvest rainwater at your home. Expert instructors from the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) will guide you step-by-step through the fascinating process of storing and using the liquid gold that falls from the sky. Whether you are planning to harvest 50 or 5,000 gallons to store for emergencies, watering veggies, washing clothes or flushing toilets, rainwater is for everyone! This event is co-sponsored by The Urban Farmer Store and MMWD.
When: Saturday, February 18 (9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Where: Tam Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
What to bring: Notebook and pen (lunch is included)
How to sign up:  Reserve your seat today by logging onto the ARCSA event website, or contact Becky Squires at (512) 617-6528.

MMWD Encouraging Watershed Visitors to “Pack It In, Pack It Out”

The Marin Municipal Water District is reducing the number of trash cans on the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed and asking visitors to help protect the natural beauty of the mountain by carrying out their own garbage.

And, yes, that includes dog doo, too. Have you noticed plastic bags of pet waste placed by the edge of your favorite hiking routes? Dog owners will be doing us all a service by placing these in garbage receptacles at the trailhead or back at their house.

By removing underused cans and replacing individual cans with larger, centralized trash receptacles, the water district is aiming to reduce environmental impacts on the watershed and beyond. So far, 24 garbage cans (almost 40 percent of the total) have been removed or relocated. The remaining cans are being consolidated to parking lots and main trailheads.

With fewer cans scattered about the watershed, fewer truck trips are needed to service them, which in turn means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The changes will also reduce the amount of time district rangers spend emptying the trash, thereby freeing them up for their primary duties of protecting watershed lands and ensuring the safety of visitors.

The district also is looking into ways to reduce impacts from failing vault (concrete or plastic tank) toilets on the watershed. The trash and toilet tweaks not only will help keep the watershed green but will save the district some green—an estimated $12,700 per year.

The Mt. Tamalpais Watershed encompasses 18,500 acres and is a primary source of drinking water for 185,000 residents of central and southern Marin. It is also home to great natural diversity with over 900 species of plants and 400 species of animals, including 77 rare, threatened and endangered species. The watershed welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year from throughout the Bay Area and beyond who come to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

Thank you for doing your part to help take care of this very special place!

The Question Remains…

by Charlene Burgi

Is it really January? The skies are crystal clear and the breezes are warm and gentle. This beautiful weather is drawing me away from what I should be doing in the garden right now. I should be checking the nurseries stocked with large bare root assortments of roses, fruit trees, perennial vegetables and ornamentals. I should be perusing seed catalogs and planning for the spring vegetable gardens, but the balmy weather is causing me to fawn after plants that would perish in cold wet weather. This false spring is a temptress!

The unusual weather has led several people to wonder if water rationing is on the horizon. In fact, just thinking about “rationing” brought me back to the ‘70s in Marin when we took extreme measures to save our landscaping. I still have unpleasant memories of hauling buckets of laundry water out to my plants. I wonder now if we had worked harder at conserving our water before that drought, could we have saved more plants from their demise?

The good news is that, thanks to last year’s heavy rains, our reservoirs are only a little below their average capacity for this time of year, and there’s still plenty of time for more rain. But the long dry spell is a reminder of how unpredictable our rainfall can be from year to year and hence why conservation is always important. The more we save now, the less chance of needing to ration water in the future. The question is, why wait? Here are some things we can do right now:

First, attend the Laundry to Landscape class this Saturday, January 14, to learn how to divert laundry water to the garden. Every load of wash could mean several gallons of water rerouted to plants, and every gallon diverted is water saved in our reservoirs and for the salmon. My earlier vision of sore biceps in the ‘70s fades as I consider the ease of minor plumbing changes today.

Next, call to schedule a free Green House Call with California Youth Energy Services. They will check for both electrical and water efficiency and even give your home a mini retrofit with water-efficient showerheads, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and more.

While the weather is so wonderful, check the thickness of mulch around plants to slow the evaporation of moisture from the soil. For new plants, choose water-wise varieties that can provide lots of color without guzzling the liquid gold to survive. When planting them, add a healthy amount of organic matter to the native soil for better moisture retention. Do use the precious resource for edible crops and work the soil with lots of composted materials before planting the vegetable garden this spring.

Irrigation systems are another source of waste if not kept in prime condition. Consider if some spray systems could be converted into drip systems now. A good QWEL irrigation landscape contractor could help here. You might consider turning the irrigation system on—especially if your plants are in need of a drink anyway—to note what needs fixing before irrigation season. Walk around each station while it is watering to make sure emitters aren’t plugged or popped off the tubing. Check spray heads to make certain they are directed toward the area you want watered. Invest in a smart controller to take the guess work out of how long the system should run to keep your plants healthy. We didn’t have smart controllers in the ’70s. This is yet another tool to ease the thought of rationing.

How many water saving ideas can you think of? Please share those ideas with everyone who reads the blog. I will post your tips weekly. The beauty of saving now is we still have several months left for potential rain, and meanwhile we are developing some great habits. I am willing to bet those of us who lived through the ‘70s drought are still implementing many water-saving practices we learned back then!

Frost Damage and Pruning

Since I discussed pruning techniques in the past two weeks, it would be prudent for me to warn that this is not the time to prune frost-tender plants such as bougainvillea and citrus. Despite the temperate days, a hard frost could present itself at any time and do some serious damage. Those tender plants would be left unprotected with their top growth missing. This type of plant must wait until late March or April to see a set of pruning shears. More pruning detail for these plants to follow at that time.

Have a great weekend.

Join us for Centennial Celebration “Water Walk” January 14

Lake Lagunitas

MMWD is turning 100 this year, and we’re kicking off our centennial celebration with a family-friendly, guided Water Walk around Lake Lagunitas this Saturday, January 14, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join us and learn about our water supply, water conservation and the ecology of the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed!

The walk covers approximately two miles of fairly flat terrain and will be led by one of our water conservation specialists. We’ll meet at the Lake Lagunitas parking lot at the end of Sky Oaks Road off Bolinas Road in Fairfax. Parking passes are required and may be purchased at the kiosk at Sky Oaks Watershed Headquarters.

For more information, please contact our Volunteer Program at (415) 945-1128 or volunteerprogram@marinwater.org.

April 25, 2012, will mark 100 years since MMWD received its charter as the first municipal water district in California. Before that, water in central and southern Marin was provided by a number of small, private companies, many of them subsidiaries of real estate developers. To ensure a reliable water supply, the citizens of Marin came together to create a publicly owned and managed water system. In the process, they also lay the foundation for the perpetual protection of the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed—today a primary source of drinking water for 185,000 Marin residents and a natural wild land with tremendous ecological value.

We’ll be celebrating MMWD’s centennial all year with special community events and watershed programs. Be sure to save the dates for these upcoming naturalist hikes:

February 29: Leap Day Amphibian Hike
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Luck o’ the Lichens Hike