In the bleak days of winter

I began my Master Gardener's course last week through MSU Extension.  It was a tough evening since I had arrived late the night before from drought ridden but sunny San Francisco, and immediately caught a cold which turned into bronchitis.  However, after being told that we could only miss one class, I was determined to go.  The class covered one of my favorite subjects, water quality... eg. runoff, watersheds, rain gardens etc/   I know a bit more now, and where to go for more information.  I didn't get to ask questions because it was packed and I could barely speak, but I will.

Here are some pictures of California, a real contrast to Michigan in January.

Risa at the Berkeley, Ca farmers market on 1/18/2014

Risa cooking veggies from Berkeley at
Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA

With the donkeys at Morningsun Herb Farm, Vacaville, CA

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Morningsun Herb Farm in Vacaville, Ca.  California master gardeners go there for their graduation.  
They had a plant that I have, and have only seen in one other garden in Michigan.  The owner identified it for me as Jupiter's Beard or Centranthus ruber.  I was so glad to find this out.  On my last post I labeled it as unknown.