Harvesting Elderberries, NOT Pokeweed / Pokeberries!

Lots of folks are out harvesting elderberries, especially the North American native American Elderberry, or Sambucus Canadensis. Health benefits abound! BUT, many people are posting photos of Pokeweed or Pokeberry (also known as Pokesalat) on social media, and asking: Are these Elderberries? NO! And knowing the difference when you’re harvesting elderberries is critical! Pokeweed berries […]

Identifying Plants In Our Yard

Identifying plants — especially native ones — can be a somewhat difficult process, especially if you’ve moved (as I have) to a bio-zone different from where you’ve lived before.  I was talking about this issue with my brother Gene, out in Washington State. He’s gotten very good at identifying native plants on Vashon Island, where […]

Saving Water – Bucket List Water Conservation

Most folks agree: Water conservation is vital, since water is the most important resource on the planet. Having running water is almost as important. Wasting water is something that’s bothered me since I was a teenager. Becoming an independent water user was one of the first items on my “to do” list when I moved […]