From the Editor – Harbingers of Spring

Harbingers of Spring

As I write this in early February, there are already harbingers of Spring. It appears that the groundhog did not see his shadow and spring will arrive early. In Benicia, March is our greenest month, the hills are covered with a bright, almost Ireland green and the trees begin to show tiny buds that turn into vivid leaves.

In this issue we take a look at planning and planting our gardens. With guidelines on preparing your garden for the planting and blooming season, you’re sure to have a successful yield.. In addition, Sustainable Solano gives extensive information on how to create a food forest garden – vibrant, edible and waterwise. Sustainable Solano provides classes and workshops to people of all ages who show interest in garden planning in 2020.

Speaking of green things, here comes St. Patrick’s Day! Having a family tree full of Irishmen makes me very susceptible to the celebration. I enjoy relating the many comments from my long gone Irish family. “Those are "lace curtain Irish," said my great aunt Bergetta of the wealthy Irish neighbors. Or, as my grandmother would say, “bless your little pea pickin’ heart,” and, “oh my stars and garters!” Let’s face it, you just don’t hear comments like that anymore! My grandparents never revisited their homeland, but they did instill a love of the old country in my sister and me, and we in turn made sure our children were taught to appreciate all things Irish and Scottish. We celebrate accordingly. There are many Benicia establishments in which to imbibe traditional Irish drinks, from whiskey to beer (but please not green beer). Our resident expert on all things Irish, Maura Sullivan, guides us on what to eat and drink, and instructs us on how to make the best possible Irish Coffee.

This St. Patrick’s Day will be extra special for the Benicia High School Marching Band as they take off to New York City to participate in the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. We are proud of the accomplishments of Benicia High School’s marching band as they have won many awards and have performed in numerous other prestigious parades. We will watch their St. Patrick’s Day performance from our own emerald city.

Enjoy the green!

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