Country Grass, Gritty City Grass

Blue-eyed grass
Coastal Trail, Mt. Tamalpais

Yeah, I know what you're thinking.   You're thinking that this is going to be some silly comparison between the unofficial Official Flower of Humboldt County and the wares of Oaksterdam.  But you are quite mistaken.

(A while ago at work, a customer thought I was suggesting a menage a trois - I mean, really.  Here? While shopping? On a weekday afternoon? She went bright pink, I almost tried not to laugh, and then we got it straightened out.  Later I thought, "So who's got the dirty mind here?")

Now, now.  What I'm talking about is Blue-eyed grass (sisyrinchium bellum), the California native plant which can be found in bloom just about everywhere right now, if you happen to look down.   So take a hike or just wander 'round the 'hood.

Blue-eyed grass
Oakland front garden

Very easy to grow, and re-seeds easily. And if you don't want them, just pull them. The original plants were purchased at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden sale. That was over twenty years ago. 

Pacific Coast Iris
El Cerrito Garden  

Many people use native plants in their gardening schemes because they're good for this and that and blah, blah, blah - you know the sermon.

In fact, a local group, Bringing Back the Natives, each spring sponsors a free tour of native plant gardens throughout the East Bay (sorry, it took place on May 5th-6th, so sign up for their mailing list for next year).  I visited a few gardens that Sunday - all were wonderful, but some, well, looked more like the natives had come back and were now running the place. Still, I'll take pretty flowers wherever I can find them, so mind where you put your feet.

Pacific Coast Iris
Mt. Tamalpais