Our spring tour, the first in a seasonal series of four, will explore the following questions, among others:

• How have the native species born the brunt of the weather?
• Have our efforts to encourage natural soil development been successful?
• How have our erosion control and rainwater harvesting systems worked?
• Are we ready to move into the next phase, including the Seton Castle gardens?
• And, of course, what can be done with the gophers?

Well into the growing season, this summer tour celebrates the “fruits” of our plantings from our first growing season. Guided by Christie, we’ll examine the benefits of new shade from fully-leaved sycamore, ash, oak and crabapple trees, and note the growth of coniferous pines and juniper. Special attention will be focused on the following:

• How have the native and adapted plants helped the soil, damaged by years of human-caused erosion, rebuild?
• What natural dams and swales are in place for the coming monsoons?
• What species of wildflowers and grasses have flourished—and which have struggled?
• What evidence do we have, if any, of the success of our efforts to rebuild native habitat and repopulate the area with birds, mammals, amphibians and the all important bees?

Autumn: time to harvest the season’s bounty, reflect on growth and prepare for dormancy of winter. Our Autumn tour offers an opportunity to reflect on what has thrived or struggled during the spring and summer, and consider what we ought to do next year, to help the land best take care of itself. As we tour the land with Christie, we’ll look closely at the following topics:

• What have we learned about the life cycles of annuals and perennials?
• Where do plants, trees and animals invest energy during the summer, and how will they store it in the winter?
• What seeds, fruits and plants can be harvested to be enjoyed now, or planted in the spring?

The short, cold days of winter lend themselves to reflecting on the year’s growth, and looking ahead to the coming year’s landscape implementation. In this tour. Christie will take us on a brisk walk through the area as we explore what’s happening beneath the surface:

• How are plant roots nourished, irrigated and pruned—by human or by natural forces—during the winter?
• How can dormant plants help form “microclimates” that create the conditions for extended growing seasons?
• What is the long-term vision for the Learning Landscape, including “hardscaping,” the Center Courtyard, and steps toward a Heirloom Orchard?
• How does “process-planning” design differ from traditional, results-oriented landscaping?