after the deluge, January 2017

We had around 7.81 inches of rain this month, a real treat after several years of very little rain. I am not savvy enough to be able to find historical records although I know they are out there.

As an indication that southern California was even wetter in the mountains, it was a good month for snow at Mammoth: 245.5 inches of snow. This was apparently the most ever in one month since the 1969-1970 season.

Before the deluge, I planted seeds (carrots, spinach, radish, arugula and peas) in my garden plot. Nothing showing up so far.

However, the violets are in bloom. These are volunteers. I don't know the species. Family: Violaceae. Viola sp.

The aloe is also in bloom. Family: Asphodelaceae. Aloe vera

Hello snails!

Today I spied snails new to me in my garden.

I believe they are decollate snails and apparently eat brown garden snails. Funny, I have noticed fewer of the regular snails.

Rumina decollate