tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32895347302776497342012-02-12T14:16:57.488-08:00News and comments for the Golden Gate Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers.fleabanenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-30409709274031536092012-02-12T14:16:00.000-08:002012-02-12T14:16:57.520-08:00

This Wall Street Journal article sounds like a consulting opportunity for some enterprising CRFG member(s):  Gardens of Eden Sprout in Synagogue and Church Yards, but They Aren't Very Fruitful http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203646004577213033000884426.html?mod=WSJ_hp_editorsPicks_4

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-24370962087611203592011-12-29T16:09:00.000-08:002011-12-29T16:09:26.961-08:00

Perhaps this explains the very large quantity of scions I saw a few young folks taking from the exchange last year. How do we ensure that CRFG does not become in some way liable if these fruit anarchists use our resources to graft edible "nuisance" varieties onto ornamental street trees??? How do we harness their youthful enthusiasm to do good fruit grafting works within the law? http://

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-65464526426357405372011-12-21T00:34:00.000-08:002011-12-21T00:39:17.037-08:00

The world may still have gold and myrrh, but it's quite possible that frankincense could become a thing of the past, given ecological pressures on the arid lands where it grows in Ethiopia.http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/story/2011-12-20/frankincense-endangered-ethiopia/52130102/1

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-47981530597021888492011-12-03T19:12:00.000-08:002011-12-03T19:14:40.414-08:00

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_19458038

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-41860161752131602852011-11-22T08:46:00.001-08:002011-11-22T08:46:27.838-08:00

Interesting article in The Smithsonian about early and artistic attempts to protect fruit varieties. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/How-to-Trademark-a-fruit.html#

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-27332337760250074642011-10-10T10:20:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:26:45.028-07:00

Thanks to +Guy Kawasaki for sharing this with me.http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/10/10/141153396/in-peru-a-hunt-for-chocolate-like-youve-never-tasted-it

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-50543615533603770722011-08-23T19:04:00.000-07:002011-08-23T19:10:08.452-07:00

Thanks to my backyard neighbor, and his hard working yet docile honeybees, I never worry about fruit set. http://www.sfweekly.com/2011-08-17/dining/urban-beekeeping-san-francisco-caroline-chen/

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-63581703886435617092011-06-01T21:10:00.000-07:002011-06-01T21:18:44.439-07:00

Nice time lapse video of a flowering Dragon Fruit on YouTube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODzg2dBJSoAAnyone care to hazard a cultivar guess?Looks like Cebra to me.

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-63902496931090873722011-05-10T18:27:00.000-07:002011-05-10T18:34:16.639-07:00

Dragon Fruit now tickling the fancy of foodies . . .http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/dining/dragon-fruit-has-a-knack-for-getting-noticed.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&emc=eta1

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-1620124363742820972011-05-06T18:36:00.000-07:002011-05-06T18:36:23.500-07:00

Thanks to Idell for spotting this great article, Treasure of the Sierra Foothills: Heritage Fruit and Nut Trees Discovered and Preserved , which describes how "Organic farming pioneer, Amigo Cantisano, is carrying on the work of Felix Gillet, the father of perennial agriculture in the West. The discovery of 100-year-old orchards has saved a wealth of fruit and nut genetics." It wasn't that long

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-64331031146969100862011-02-17T19:12:00.000-08:002011-02-17T19:12:54.814-08:00

Saturday, March 5, 2011 Mira Costa College 1 Barnard Ave., Oceanside, CA Rooms 3449, 34450 (Aztlen) student center Bring cherimoya seed and budwood to share. 10:00 am. Registration 10:15 Introduction 10:30 Mira Costa Horticulture programs--Jason Kubrock 10:50 Status of Cherimoya collection in Irvine--Dr. Gary Bender 11:10 Break 11:20 Alta Vista Garden: Additional Cherimoya planting--Art and

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-43719028611263896692011-01-12T18:05:00.000-08:002011-01-12T18:11:16.285-08:00

http://www.jpost.com/VideoArticles/Article.aspx?id=203242

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-29936923114508155522011-01-07T16:00:00.001-08:002011-01-07T16:00:58.334-08:00

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-47010504537246079142011-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:002011-01-05T11:09:04.675-08:00

Here is a video from Richmond Grows on how to cut scions for the Scion Exchange. And click here for more information on what to bring, how to prepare, the labels mentioned in the video, directions, lists of plants that are patented (which means don't bring them) and now off-patent, and lots of other useful information.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-72934473790326080162010-12-03T13:30:00.000-08:002010-12-03T13:36:14.033-08:00

Article suggests that the only solution may be to develop genetically modified varieties that are resistant to the bacteria.http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B24ZE20101203?pageNumber=1

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-82239975898291882252010-09-21T20:23:00.000-07:002010-09-21T20:24:22.485-07:00

An incredible reservoir of genetic diversity - almost 1000 kinds of strawberries, for example - is threatened by real estate developers who need land for vacation homes. Read about it here.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-87312837500098857682010-09-05T08:49:00.000-07:002010-09-05T08:51:51.439-07:00

Click here for an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about this year's Festival of Fruit. Frida Kahlo

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-53953645468955099322010-04-02T18:06:00.000-07:002010-04-02T18:15:10.454-07:00

We are certainly living in the science fiction future of our teenage years. I can see the marketing campaign now in my minds eye, Gov. Arnold doing the voice-over pitching the Terminal Bud Terminator. Looks like this is only viable for spur pruning, the cane method still requires human judgment and touch . . .http://www.dailydemocrat.com/business/ci_14807175

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-72347247005408284212010-03-28T19:38:00.000-07:002010-03-28T19:40:32.962-07:00

Click here for speculation.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-40313422491500060332010-03-20T14:34:00.000-07:002010-03-20T14:35:03.185-07:00

There's an article in today's Chronicle about the appearance of the European grapevine moth in Napa County, including quarantine info and a surprising list of restricted plants.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-22137825265231772952010-02-14T21:14:00.000-08:002010-02-14T21:38:20.658-08:00

Joining a growing movement toward resuscitating Afghanistan from the ground up, the Italian Provincial Reconstruction donated 240,000 cherry, almond, apricot and pear trees to Herat Province's department of agriculture.Italy's gift echoes the sentiments of other groups who are pinning hopes for the Afghan economy's growth on fruit....Philanthropists such as Britain's James Brett...who launched

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-6497058548194743432010-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:002010-01-24T10:51:29.733-08:00

There's an article in today's Chronicle about Arboreum, the rare fruit nursery created by CRFG stars Patrick Schafer and C. Todd Kennedy. Lots of good information, including where to buy their trees.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-28129909151254749452009-12-13T10:31:00.000-08:002009-12-13T10:42:57.953-08:00

From Bill Grimes: We are not yet under quarantine but need to watch for this pest in our own trees. I'm not trying to be alarmist but would like to encourage vigilance.Click here for more information and photos.BillJames Bathgate, CRFG Board member from North San Diego County, asked that chapters put the following in their newsletters and on groups such as this:Citrus Industry Fights New PestThe

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-51803836044324831252009-12-11T15:01:00.000-08:002009-12-11T15:08:54.880-08:00

Here is an interesting article about John Wolfskill and the history of what is now the USDA Germplasm Repository in Winters. It was published in The Autumn 2009 Leaflet, the semiannual newsletter of the Plant Sciences Department at UC Davis.Click here to go to the Leaflet; the Wolfskill article is on page 16 of the pdf file.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-86072491891877349462009-11-06T21:09:00.000-08:002009-11-06T21:13:11.594-08:00

Bill Copenheaver, a San Francisco agriculture inspector, confirmed that the light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana, also known as LBAM), a pest accidentally imported from Australia, is now common in San Francisco as well as in all other coastal Bay Area counties and the bay sides of East Bay counties. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/06/HORN1A7O7N.DTL#

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-45293079234500587702009-11-02T20:45:00.000-08:002009-11-02T20:54:42.186-08:00

Ray Sheehy has passed along a request for help with the setup for the pomegranate tasting this weekend. If you can help Thursday, Friday or Saturday, please call Marsha at 916-316-4979 or Jeff at 530-752-2747.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-58413336288433284972009-09-26T19:09:00.000-07:002009-09-27T09:48:31.178-07:00

There will be a pomegranate tasting (mostly hard-seeded varieties) at Wolfskill on Saturday, November 7, at 10 a.m.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-30980665754305409832009-08-29T20:44:00.000-07:002009-08-29T20:59:23.749-07:00

Read between the lines of this Associated Press story I found on Salon.com about the package of Asian Citrus Psyllids intercepted in Sacramento. It certainly seems like an intentional act of environmental and economic bio-terrorism was targeted at California's fruit industry! This has all the earmarks of a deliberate act of "arms smuggling". What do you think?http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/us/2009

Bruce N. Gorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714165939033040059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-40652422037424955432009-08-18T20:39:00.000-07:002009-08-18T20:43:19.890-07:00

Here is a slide show of pictures I took during last week's tours. I wrote about the event on my blog at http://freefarmstand.org/.Tree

Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11089134732822156472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-69806402577150966812009-08-17T15:21:00.001-07:002009-08-17T15:28:04.285-07:00

As soon as the fruit-cutting volunteers started to work, people began lining up for the tasting, even though it wasn't scheduled to start for over an hour. Talk about working under pressure!Mushrooms in their thousands at the Gourmet Mushrooms tour.Phil Pieri's beautiful Shiro plums.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-26424240373799311552009-07-13T09:54:00.000-07:002009-07-13T12:24:49.632-07:00

Last Saturday, July 11, 2009, we had a potluck, fruit wine tasting, banana talk and garden tour, chez Joe Real in Davis. Although only about a dozen members were in attendance, the potluck lunch was up to our usual high standards, including many different kinds of fruit. We talked about some chapter business, but mostly enjoyed our lunch.Then, into the next room for the wine tasting. Joe had laid

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-88133251965143483942009-07-02T12:25:00.001-07:002009-07-02T12:28:16.796-07:00

There are still a few summer fruit tastings to go at Andy Mariani's. On July 5, the second apricot tasting, and August 1 and 9 for peaches, nectarines and plums.Click here for more info.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-16642101618517644442009-06-15T08:45:00.001-07:002009-06-15T08:53:07.908-07:00

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-23628961192281072782009-05-09T09:09:00.000-07:002009-08-17T09:49:43.565-07:00

The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park has just opened a new exhibition, Edible Expeditions, lush demonstration gardens showcasing over 50 species of edible plants from around the world. Photo: Nina SazevichThe exhibition will be on through November 7, 2009. Click here for more information.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-39023467002637926152009-05-03T21:58:00.000-07:002009-05-03T22:01:28.396-07:00

Dave Wilson Nursery, grower of many varieties of fruit trees, has started a new forum for discussing fruit growing. Click here to check it out.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-50548717663863695422009-04-28T22:34:00.000-07:002009-04-28T22:38:10.750-07:00

DVC Horticulture Department Plant SaleSaturday, May 16th, 9 AM - 1 PM(same day as our next chapter meeting)321 Golf Club RoadPleasant Hill, CACash or checks acceptedFor more information: 925-685-1230 ext 1985Plus ceramic sales, hosted by the DVC ceramics department

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-25676310386238954872009-04-24T10:03:00.000-07:002009-04-24T10:16:19.884-07:00

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are making progress in determining the genes that control pit formation in plums—the first step in a project to develop pitless varieties of this fruit. ARS molecular biologists Chris Dardick and Ann Callahan and Prunus breeder Ralph Scorza at the ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, W.Va., discovered that a set of genes necessary

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-86675366530103559372009-03-30T16:30:00.000-07:002009-03-30T16:48:28.632-07:00

No kidding! In April 2009, director Alex Harvey and composer John Gromada will be artists-in-residence at the Arts Research Center at UC Berkeley, developing a new theatrical adaptation of the book The Botany of Desire by Professor of Journalism Michael Pollan. During the residency they will lead a workshop with an ensemble of student actors and singers that will conclude with a public

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-67742294372610389012009-02-13T08:48:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:55:04.129-08:00

ARS scientists have sequenced the genome of the bacteria that causes citrus greening, a disease that threatens the nations's $2.2 billion citrus industry. Click here for the full story.Photo by Keith Weller

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-38667469168393295452009-02-02T09:28:00.001-08:002009-02-02T09:31:44.562-08:00

It's the last month of the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival - sounds interesting.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-4096216877063877282009-01-13T09:45:00.000-08:002009-01-13T09:50:39.596-08:00

Here is some music made from vegetables. There must be plenty of fruit that would work as well. I like this one even better.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-16699785174621110262008-11-22T09:11:00.000-08:002008-11-22T09:18:44.292-08:00

Would pumpkin pie be as plentiful without the diligent efforts of pumpkin-pollinating bees? Perhaps not.Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist James Cane and his colleagues are discovering more about America’s native bees that pollinate pumpkins, other squashes, and gourds. Most of these bees are members of the genus Peponapis or the genus Xenoglossa, according to Cane. He’s based at

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-39171396477475623042008-11-08T16:12:00.000-08:002008-11-09T15:31:20.110-08:00

The tasting took place in the little house you first encounter as you drive in, and it was packed! I counted at least 100 people at one point, most not from CRFG, and more kept coming. I asked Jeff Moersfelder if he knew why there were so many, and he said it was partly that more people were growing pomegranates these days (15,000 acres in the Central Valley, way up from just a few years ago) and

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-65108726264888191302008-10-24T07:57:00.000-07:002008-10-24T08:04:54.846-07:00

A cocktail of gaseous compounds emitted by a beneficial fungus may offer a way to biologically fumigate stored apples, ridding them of codling moth larvae.Click here to read more.Photo by Scott Bauer

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-25120716820504703222008-09-07T08:55:00.000-07:002008-09-09T07:46:51.544-07:00

We had a luxurious fig tasting at Wolfskill yesterday, under the 150 year-old olive trees which are, according to Ray Bruman, "like something out of Tolkein."The good folks there had already laid out both figs and grapes for tasting. Very attractive - people were buzzing around with their cameras. The staff spoke briefly about their programs, figs and grapes in particular, including the startling

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-73362524501707078832008-08-26T19:11:00.000-07:002008-08-26T19:27:52.852-07:00

I went to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art today, which has a big exhibit of the paintings of Frieda Kahlo. I discovered that if you wait until one-half hour before closing time, entry to the museum is free, including special exhibits if they have room--which they did.Almost the first painting I saw after getting off the elevator was a portrait of Luther Burbank, looking a little like Mr.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-16904801532992427202008-07-07T14:02:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:42.458-08:00

Click here.Agronomist Francisco Vázquez checks immature jackfruit from the exotic fruits collection. Photo by Scott Bauer

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-35953447443929305172008-06-27T09:11:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:42.598-08:00

Read all about it here. Maybe CRFG should send a representative on the next probe.Speaking of asparagus, on those hot days we had a couple of weeks ago my asparagus plants were mobbed by honeybees (well, as much as anything is mobbed by honeybees these days). They didn't seem well suited--they really had to jam their heads into the flowers. I had never seen that before.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-41178083129470700022008-06-22T11:02:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:42.705-08:00

" native Ohio tree, once farmed by American Indians on large plantations for its fruit and medicinal benefits, is being re-introduced to horticulture for preservation and as a potential niche market crop. ".... read all about it here....

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-20357230493813444902008-06-16T09:54:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:42.875-08:00

The SF Chronicle has reprinted this obituary from the LA Times: Click here

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-74526409835163927782008-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:42.966-08:00

"Charles Amirkhanian, the former music director at KPFA, will perform a text/sound piece titled "Quince Quinoa," comprised of the names of all the exotic foods he's eaten in his travels around the world."This is in a piece by Martin Snapp in the San Jose Mercury News about the upcoming Garden of Memory concert.This is a fabulous event in a fabulous building. Banana trees inside too!

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-10733943798654880542008-04-19T09:33:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:43.029-08:00

Several years ago, at a Festival of Fruit in southern California, Joseph D. Postman spoke of (among other things) the oldest cultivated fruit tree in the US. I found this info from him on the net: “During the Centennial Celebration in Danvers, Massachusetts in June 1852, the Endicott Pear Tree was heralded as "probably the oldest cultivated fruit bearing tree in New England." At that time the

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-35838260058990855572008-03-31T13:37:00.000-07:002008-03-31T13:45:42.138-07:00

The first CRFG Coffee Klatch was a success, judging by feedback from attendees. Attending and mingling were Keitha Mara and her son Ethan, new member Ellen Chang and her mother Sherry, Louise Ostrom and her friend Jim, Shonduel, Dave McIntyre, and yours truly. We had quite a feast - more than we could finish. Keitha and Ethan brought bananas they'd grown themselves and dried. They were quite

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-17084838371681536092008-03-31T10:03:00.001-07:002008-03-31T10:03:38.125-07:00

I've now held a couple CRFG events at my house and I have some thoughts about tour etiquette that I thought I should disseminate before the upcoming tours at Gene Lester's, Idell's and Shyaam Shabaka's.Remember that you are a guest at someone's home and/or garden. Please don't pick or harvest plants/seeds/fruit/budwood/scionwood without first receiving permission. Not everyone shares the same

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-35090186546668628392008-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:002008-03-25T12:13:04.638-07:00

If this chapter is to survive, we must fill these volunteer posts that are empty or soon to be empty:Newsletter Editor - creates a newsletter which is distributed via email to those who have email and by USPS to those who do not have computer Internet access. Also keeps track of the membership database although that could (and probably should) be spun out to a separate volunteer post.Treasurer -

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-1231132623314930122008-03-25T12:01:00.000-07:002008-03-25T12:03:40.349-07:00

Sunday, March 30, 2008 -1:00 PMOne of the most rewarding things about California Rare Fruit Growers is the people. But not everyone is gregarious or brave enough to be the one to break the ice. I know I don’t feel like I am. I’d like to start chapter coffee klatches for months in which we don’t have a meeting. We can get together for drinks, refreshments, even movies! I’ll kick it off with a

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-36260566221046655102008-03-13T21:47:00.000-07:002008-03-13T21:54:42.083-07:00

Haven't gotten a newsletter in a while?Either:- Your email address has changed and you haven't apprised us of that.- Your chapter membership has lapsed.Pop an email to the chapter either giving us your updated contact information or double-checking your membership status. Or if you know it's been a while since you paid your membership dues, Send 10 clams to the address listed on our local

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-85278566127102861892008-02-26T23:43:00.000-08:002008-02-26T23:46:14.601-08:00

Our chapter covers a broad area so sometimes the meetings are farther away than people feel like going. I'd like to see members using the Golden Gate CRFG Discussion List to offer and look for rides to meetings and other CRFG events. To that end, let me state that I'm happy to drive a couple people from near Ashby BART to the meeting at the El Sobrante Library on the 8th. The only caveat is

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-16038508239704470682008-02-21T03:44:00.000-08:002008-02-21T09:58:45.367-08:00

The Light Brown Apple Moth quarantine has been affecting our traditional plant raffle for a while. So I've cooked up something that should stock this meeting's raffle with stuff you'll really want to buy a raffle ticket for a chance at. Be there or be square.RSVP at: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/423359/If you're willing to bring some refreshments to the meeting, please let me know.The

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-51591221012733586042008-02-20T10:35:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:50:43.347-08:00

The loss of biological diversity is currently one of the greatest challenges facing the environment and sustainable development. The diversity of food crops is under constant pressure. The consequence could be an irreversible loss of the opportunity to grow crops adapted to climate change, new plant diseases and the needs of an expanding population.The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which is

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-9290427727277278262008-02-17T17:58:00.000-08:002008-02-17T18:23:42.937-08:00

I made an aborted attempt to graft my scions today (aborted because I found my mom had thrown out my Parafilm while helpfully cleaning during my recovery from surgery last year). Then I checked my RSS reader and found Novella Carpenter grafted her haul yesterday and blogged about it. Novella freelances for several publications, including the SF Chron and Salon. It was through reading one of

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-88117682071890411352008-02-17T13:13:00.001-08:002008-02-17T13:13:59.168-08:00

CRFG Patch Originally uploaded by Spidra Webster And this is what the CRFG patch looks like.

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-23176944260458176582008-02-17T13:12:00.001-08:002008-02-17T13:12:22.430-08:00

"Golden Gate Chapter of What??" Originally uploaded by Spidra Webster Well, you may not need them, but they sure help! Tired of filling out nametags at events? Get your CRFG member engraved badge and you can say goodbye to writer's cramp! Not only does it help folks at meetings know what to call you (besides "Hey, you!"), not only does it make our meetings seem friendlier and more

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-12815891199633514382008-02-08T16:23:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:50:43.464-08:00

A "Berry" Good Bee for Pollinating Blackberries and Raspberries By Marcia Wood Bringing grains of pollen to waiting blackberry and red raspberry blossoms may be the special talent of a small, emerald-green bee called Osmia aglaia. That's according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist James H. Cane, who...has studied the pollination prowess of this 3/8-inch-long bee perhaps more

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-30962271683061588502008-02-07T19:34:00.001-08:002008-02-07T19:34:01.531-08:00

My Scions Originally uploaded by joeysplanting I was able to snap off a few, but joeysplanting on Flickr got some great shots of the Exchange. They're on CRFG's Flickr Pool.

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-60629233852954117662008-01-22T16:51:00.000-08:002008-01-22T18:22:01.336-08:00

At first I didn't write an email because I was completely exhaustedfrom the Scion Exchange. Then, when I had a bit more energy, I feltas if I had to write professional writer level prose and put it off'til I could summon that. But hang it all, people need to becongratulated! We don't yet have tabulated figures for the number ofnew members nor the money raised for the chapter. I don't know

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-81562449931582391602008-01-15T08:11:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:50:43.649-08:00

I went to the screening of Eat at Bill's last night, and Bill Fujimoto was there to answer questions. Someone asked, "What's new?" and he said they expect to have fresh mangosteens at the Monterey Market by the end of the week! (They are irradiated; he said that's the only way to get at insects under the calyx.)

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-77804480683537438992008-01-11T09:26:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:50:43.807-08:00

New varieties of tropical fruit may soon make landfall on the U.S. mainland, thanks to work by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. They are using crop management practices to increase yield and obtain high-quality tropical fruit that can be imported safely into the continental United States.For instance, U.S. imports of mamey sapote--a

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-17225764255156100782008-01-05T10:33:00.000-08:002008-01-05T10:34:53.288-08:00

Kensington Library Monday, January 14th at 7 p.m. Join us for a screening of Eat at Bill's: Life in the Monterey Market, a film by Lisa Brenneis, a California citrus grower. This is a fascinating look behind the scenes at a very influential local grocery store, and the people who work and shop there. After the film Bill Fujimoto, owner of the Monterey Market, will be available to answer questions.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-16177154552924718542008-01-04T01:44:00.001-08:002008-01-04T01:49:25.331-08:00

For a while now, I have been posting chapter event notices at Upcoming.org I hope this will help us reach potential new members. However, YOU can help. By RSVPing at our event listings on Upcoming (even if it seems pointless because everyone knows you always attend meetings), you help our event sort higher on Upcoming's home page. Which means more people see it. Which means more people might

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-1026982963845917592008-01-03T12:23:00.000-08:002008-01-03T12:24:17.410-08:00

Grafting for the home fruit orchard: A one day class covering grafting, budding, planting, pruning and care of the home fruit orchard. This class is designed for the gardener with limited space who wants to maximize fruit production and variety. The class is 9-4pm Sat Feb 9th, Room H108 Merritt College, The course number is 848pb, the class code is M1433. The fee is $78, the materials fee is $5

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-67047755006964816832007-12-29T12:20:00.001-08:002008-12-08T17:50:44.012-08:00

Jack Tucker, husband of Gail Morrison, died on December 27th after a massive stroke. He was a writer, actor and theater critic who spent years encouraging local theater productions. He was also an artist who made beautiful Chinese brush paintings which sold as Christmas cards this holiday season.He retired from reviewing community theater productions two years ago at the age of 91. Jack is in

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-29811743804724527842007-11-29T11:28:00.000-08:002007-11-29T11:33:35.268-08:00

Hi, this is Alice Tang 2007 newsletter editor. I've been real busy with work, kids, etc and need to be replaced for 2008. I can help the new editor do the Jan 2008 edition. With netpost (hard copies mailed by the post office using a word document) it's a lot easier than when I was printing them on my own laser printer, duplexing by hand. Please step up! Members email me their articles and I

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-17803763973444087042007-11-29T11:10:00.000-08:002007-11-29T11:11:23.318-08:00

CRFG Monterey Bay Chapter AnnouncementsHOLIDAY POT LUCK AND ELECTION: Sunday, December 9 from 12:00 to 4:00 (buildingopens at 11:30 for set-up) at the Arboretum at UCSC off High St. just pastWestern Dr. Bring a dish to share and any fruits from your gardens to tasteor give away. The Chapter will provide drinks, paper plates, cups, andutensils. The election will be to vote on Chapter

Alicenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-23322474345354826342007-11-25T04:31:00.000-08:002007-11-25T04:37:47.544-08:00

While looking up information about yuzu, I came across this scientific paper from the Fourth Congress on Allelopathy. It's crammed full of scientific jargon, as you would expect, but the gist of it is that it's possible that essence of yuzu might be useful as a weed killer. The idea to investigate uses for yuzu waste came about because the large yuzu industry on Shikoku is starting to

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-44586653101583317292007-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:50:44.267-08:00

This is a picture of some figs found at an 11,400 year-old house near the ancient city of Jericho! Read more here.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-91767590191620318262007-11-05T08:07:00.001-08:002007-11-05T08:07:56.032-08:00

Special CCA Field TripTuesday, November 27, 200711:00 am to 2:00 pmSOUTH COAST RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER7601 Irvine Boulevard, IrvineJOSÉ M. FARRÉ, PH.D.Dr. Farré is a Director of La Mayora, a very important experimental research station in Malaga, Spain.He is an expert in Cherimoyas, Avocados, Lychees, Longans, Mangos and other subtropicals. La Mayorais home to an Annona collection of over 360

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-57251649726372837752007-10-28T17:41:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:44.362-08:00

Somehow I missed the flowers, but our white sapote (Suebelle seedling) **finally** has fruit on it, lots of them! Very tiny ones, but fruit just the same. I am going to be dancing with impatience to see if they ripen; we've only been waiting about 17 years.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-72199718493964569382007-10-26T19:24:00.000-07:002007-10-26T19:36:34.637-07:00

A UC Davis Extension course coming up January 25, 2008. From the brochure:"Learn how to prune all major types of fruit trees for aesthetic beauty, maximum fruit production, good fruit size and optimal annual production. Look at the bearing habit and proper pruning methods used to maintain productive fruit and nut trees. While the program is primarily designed for professional landscapers and

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-77238483150715545272007-10-25T13:48:00.000-07:002007-10-25T13:52:44.339-07:00

If you're going to our November 10 meeting and don't normally shop at Berkeley Bowl, you might want to consider a detour there on the way. The frozen food section in BB has Açaí mash for use in smoothies.

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-2972540289742932472007-10-25T10:38:00.000-07:002007-10-25T10:48:47.912-07:00

A third of state's avocado crop lost to fire, more threatenedCongratulations to you GG chapter members who have a tree in your yard. Mine hasn't borne a thing ever, sad to say.Let's all keep the San Diego chapter in our thoughts.

Megan Lynchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192382055197953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-43813523421152643442007-10-19T14:47:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:44.577-08:00

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has a new book about dates. "Based on the pioneering work of Roy W. Nixon, the leading American date scientist of the 20th century, and supplemented by the up-to-date research of UC and industry experts, this is the first comprehensive account of all of the varieties of dates and the date palm industry in the United States. While written

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-69618276713216270332007-10-11T13:31:00.001-07:002007-10-11T13:31:41.933-07:00

October 11, 2007CRFG Monterey Bay Chapter AnnouncementsAPPLE TASTING REMINDER: Please, we need volunteers for the tasting! Currentlywe don't have nearly enough people signed up in order to pull off this event. Again, if you come in western dress and volunteer for at least 3 hours, youget a free parking pass to the park and some type of free food offered byWilder. We need help setting up

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-29030776634935419122007-10-09T08:53:00.001-07:002007-10-09T08:53:26.278-07:00

http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/290423

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-12907631305018136572007-10-05T09:06:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:44.640-08:00

For years, there’s been a common notion that you get the best nutritional punch from a few well-publicized foods, such as blueberries, black beans, and broccoli. Well, they can move over now and make room for a surprising new addition: guava.Click here for more.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-81241979788998163052007-09-25T08:16:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:44.800-08:00

Ever wonder what they were? It was the Sakai Brothers Rose Company and Oishi Carnations nurseries.Here are some photos of them, so you don't have to try to take it all in while whizzing by at 65 mph. The site has lots of photos, and links to other sites with information about history - even an old harvest list!And here is an article about plans to replace them with housing.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-6448440707837414072007-09-06T11:47:00.001-07:002007-09-06T11:47:46.655-07:00

: http://www.crfg-central.org/Newsletters/CrfgLeaflett2007-09-10.pdf

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-67953644182650975532007-09-06T09:43:00.000-07:002007-09-06T09:44:51.606-07:00

LOS ANGELES CHAPTER September 2007 Volume X Issue 5September MeetingDate: Saturday, September 22, 2007Time: 10:00 A.M.Place: Sepulveda Garden Center16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino, CA 91316Program: Alfredo Chiri will speak to us about tropical and subtropical fruit. He will emphasize the importance of choosing the right one for YOUR area and tips on sustaining its growth. You

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-82195005063617846962007-08-31T14:48:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:46.043-08:00

Here are some photos incroyables from the Lemon Festival in Menton, on the French Riviera. These creations are all made out of lemons and oranges! Click here and scroll down a little to find links to more photos.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-77583145321182776362007-08-18T09:34:00.000-07:002008-12-08T17:50:46.888-08:00

Maddock Ranch NurseryThe first nursery we stopped at was Maddock Ranch Nursery in Fallbrook. They’ve been in operation for 40 years. The Founder’s picture is on display in the office, opposite the mural of the original home. His twin sons run the nursery now. The mural was painted by Ella, whom we met in the office. She likes the environment there; when she’s finished in the office, she can go

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-87901013217854056132007-08-16T12:06:00.000-07:002007-08-16T12:10:37.416-07:00

From Bruce Goren, here is a link to a story about the end of the ban on importing mangosteens (has a nice picture, too). Click here.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-66498218762214428692007-07-30T13:53:00.000-07:002007-07-30T13:54:11.451-07:00

Dear Foothill CRFG members and friends,Our next meeting (Saturday, August 4 at 9:30 am at the L.A. Arboretum) will feature special guest speakerYvonne Savio of the Common Ground Garden Program, University of California Cooperative Extension, Los Angeles County.

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-4227956095796820782007-07-24T08:11:00.000-07:002007-07-24T08:12:16.122-07:00

EMAIL DISCUSSION FORUM: We have created a Yahoo Groups discussion forum forMonterey Bay Chapter members of the CRFG. If you'd like to join the list, allyou have to do is send a blank e-mail to from the address you wantsubscribed to the list and follow the instructions you get back by returnmail. In the message you receive, you will be sent a link to a confirmationpage at groups.yahoo.com.

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-86354608590797786532007-07-19T11:55:00.000-07:002007-07-19T11:56:39.687-07:00

Howdy folks,I'm working hard not only to try to get as much garden club/plant society participation in "Cross-Pollination" as I possibly can, but tomake sure that CRFG's booth is a big hit and that we'll draw in somenew members. Part of what will make our booth stand out, I think, ishaving some rare fruit gelato. Gelateria Naia is willing to make gelato out of fruit we barter. They keep most

Alicenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-76218259401101755162007-07-15T09:22:00.001-07:002007-07-15T09:32:26.771-07:00

Next Sunday, July 22, is the Redwood Empire chapter's big annual plant sale. It's from 9 a.m. until 1 or 2 p.m. at the Midgley's Country Flea Market in Sebastopol, 2200 Gravenstein Hwy South (aka Hwy 116). Check it out, see what they've been grafting up there! Go early for best selection.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-81152463877004079682007-07-11T13:11:00.001-07:002007-07-11T13:13:29.677-07:00

Thinking of going to the big annual CRFG Festival of Fruit, to learn all about mangoes?Think fast--it's coming up in less than a month.Here's the Festival website, with all the info.

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-19233584343178284882007-06-18T22:25:00.001-07:002008-12-08T17:50:47.024-08:00

It was cool and very windy as a swarm of volunteers arrived in front of the library at Diablo Valley College to start preparations for Citrus Day: cutting fruit into big orange, yellow and green bowls for the tasting, arranging tables and making various signs, setting up the budwood distribution, handling registration and questions, taking signups for budwood—all sorts of jobs—and Idell whirling

fleabanenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-6853279816574872722007-06-18T09:18:00.000-07:002007-06-18T09:20:07.556-07:00

Andy is second generation fruit farmer in Morgan Hill and has one of the most if not the most extensive collection of stone fruits and persimmons in California. The quality of his fruit is as good as it gets. Come hear him talk about the farm - a little history and what it takes to produce his artisan fruit. He will speak - then we taste and then tours will be led around the farm where you will

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-21999404151479297592007-06-13T12:15:00.000-07:002007-06-13T12:23:55.710-07:00

What: Edible/Medicinal/Native Plant/Wildlife Garden Tour. One of the things that most amazes me about my yard which requires very little work and very little water is how beautiful, how productive, how much wildlife it attracts and how much it has taught me. I have 85 plant families represented in my average size yard. Every plant has a story and a purpose.When: Saturday June 16th from 3-4:30

Shonduelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289534730277649734.post-33482597519461172302007-06-04T09:20:00.000-07:002007-06-04T09:21:05.403-07:00

STONE FRUIT TALK, CHERRY TASTING, AND POT LUCK: On Friday, June 15th, we willbe holding a potluck dinner at 5:30 sharp, followed by a mouth watering cherrytasting from Andy's Orchard, and, at 7:00, a talk by Bill Coates on Growingstone fruits on the Central Coast. The event will take place at the SantaCruz Live Oak Grange, located at 1900 17th Ave (between Soquel Ave andCapitola Rd.) MB

Alicenoreply@blogger.com0