The first zucchini

I chose to plant zucchini because it was said to be the easiest vegetable grown in the backyard. It is absolutely true. The first zucchini came out a few days ago. I wasn't sure how it grows: Did I need a trellis? Otherwise would they lie on the ground? A colleague of mine told me unlike Japanese cucumbers, the zucchini doesn't need the support. So far the little zucchini grows upright. Let's see. 

The first zucchini

Close-up 

Now all 5 tomatoes have cages; I thinned out the cilantro and dills; The seeds of lettuce and basil haven't germinated, and I guess they probably won't. I planted lettuce seeds because I bought these seeds in the winter but didn't find time to plant them. I knew they are winter vegetables and it is getting warmer now, but at least they should germinate and give the show, right? It's strange that the basil seeds haven't germinated either. To me they are the easiest. I have a basil plant in a container from last year and it gave tons of seeds. I will try them again.    

Lake Arrowhead

In the past couple days I stayed at the north side of Lake Arrowhead. Every morning and at free time in the afternoon I took a walk along the lake. There are two ALA trails along the lake shore at opposite directions. ALA means Arrowhead Lake Association. ALA trails are open to the public. Both trails are under the shade of big cedar trees. One is longer, around 1.6 miles. The other is much shorter. They both end when you reach those private big houses. I walked more times on the longer one. I have seen more manzanitas here than anywhere else. They are even close to the water, in contrast to my impression about them being California native plants. They must be very adaptive. This has also lent me confidence to have them in my harsh backyard. I like their red peeled trunk. They are definitely my favorite small-sized tree (California native oak trees are my favorite big ones). So bad I forgot to take photos.


I saw a lot of animals along the trail, too. Blue jays, squirrels, and gophers.

Blue jay

Gray squirrel

Gopher

Interestingly, they are much quieter than their urban-dwelling cousins. Remember how loud the squirrels, parrots, and peacocks can be in the city? Even the sounds of blue jay are more tolerable here. I haven't seen gophers in my backyard. Hopefully I won't see them ever.