Evergreen Pear Trees

The Pyrus Kawakamii(Evergreen Pear)is an evergreen tree that grows in an irregular weeping manner to form a canopy. The growth rate for this tree is moderate to fast.
The leaves are dark green and glossy.The new leaves are red and gold. Evergreen Pear Trees in Southern California bloom starting in January. The white flowers are one-inch across and grow in clusters. Large Evergreen Pear Trees can reach thirty feet high and make a thirty foot long canopy.

Drought Tolerant Eco Lawn

This January, we have had hardly any rain and the day time highs have been in the 70s and 80s. Our new eco lawn is still very green and tolerating the hot dry weather nicely.

We seeded the last section of our yard with eco lawn seed last week. The grass is growing well in both shade and sun. Eco lawn is tolerating our big dogs so well that we did not even fence off the last section after applying the eco lawn seeds.

Our new eco lawn will not need to be mowed, because eco lawn is a type of fescue that only grows nine inches long and then folds over, creating a nice surface for dogs and children to play on.

Habanero Peppers

Habanero peppers are delicious and nutritious. These extremely hot peppers contain Vitamin C and capsaicinoids. The capsaicinoid that makes peppers hot is capsaicin, an anticoagulant, which may help prevent blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies show that capsaicin may facilitate weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing the metabolic rate of the body. Capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins, so eating hot peppers can make you feel good. Some people claim that eating hot peppers is addictive.

Habaneros can be added to all kinds of recipes to make them spicier. We use habaneros in pasta dishes, spaghetti sauce, homemade barbeque sauce, soups, and omelets.

Habaneros are very hot peppers. You can reduce the heat of your peppers by removing the seeds and ribs. Wear gloves while handling habaneros to prevent the painful experience of getting the oil in your eyes. After chopping habaneros, remove your gloves and wash your hands before touching your eyes or face.

People who experience a burning sensation from eating hot peppers should drink milk rather than water. Milk contains a chemical called casein that attracts capsaicin. Drinking or rinsing with milk will relieve the burn, much better than water.

The habanero plants in our Southern California back yard grow year round. The plants are attractive and fairly easy to grow. If you want to grow habanero plants from seeds, they will require a well-drained soil, heat, and patience. Habanero seeds may take a very long time to germinate.

Fountain Created by Homeowner

This fountain was designed and hand made by the homeowner in Orange County.

Ibis & Crows

The crows in our neighborhood quarrel with hawks and mockingbirds. Crows stick together and defend each other. The ibis is a beautiful large bird with a long beak. The crows in our neighborhood are friendly towards the ibis. Every day we see more ibises grazing with the crows.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of paradise is native to South Africa. In California, we see lots of these beautiful plants growing in flower beds and in pots. Bird of paradise is easy to grow and the official flower of the City of Los Angeles.