Rivenrock Gardens Cactus Blog... go to www.rivenrock.com for edible cactus » Food

wild mushroom presentation in San Luis Obispo

John Dicus — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:49:56 +0000

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden presents a wild mushroom presentation by Dennis Sheridan on Saturday, February 11 from 1pm to 2pm. Join local photographer and mycologist Dennis Sheridan for a discussion on commonly seen mushrooms in our area, the role of mushrooms as decomposers, and the beneficial mycorrhizal fungi relationships mushrooms have with plants. [...]

You are probably not condemned to diabetes if you don’t have it yet

John Dicus — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:42:19 +0000

This study says "direct medical costs average about $6,649 a year for people with diabetes." and that 25 million people in the US have diabetes. Diabetics may make $160,000 less in their lifetime due to work and opportunities missed. But some say "You get the sugar because it's in your family, my granny,... aunt and sister all got it, and I suspect I will also." But NO.... you are NOT condemned to diabetes if you do not have it yet. [...]

Food-First Mention

John Dicus — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:45:53 +0000

Food-First is a web page on food safety issues (They are officially the Institute for Food and Development Policy), here they discuss the marketing group we are a member of... and way cool is the fact that they used our label to show the scan codes the group is using! [...]

Weekend Escape to the Central Coast

John Dicus — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:22:41 +0000

We live in a really special place here on the Central Coast of California. We’re close to the big metropolitan cultural centers of Los Angeles and San Francisco… but we’re also a place of isolated beaches, high windswept interior plains, and coastal hills running down into the sea. Do come and visit this area anytime you are in California…. it is superb.

Here’s part of an article written by someone who spent some time here for some of our local food and wine festivals….

“Desperate for a place to get out of town and leave behind the stresses of Los Angeles, I blessedly found California’s [...]

summertime is….

John Dicus — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:26:58 +0000

summertime is the fun time.... but it's not as good at bringing harvest to you as fall is.... and I think life is the same... your summertime is the fun time, fall brings the harvest... but your wintertime will ask you if you planted well, and harvested fully enough to last through winter. [...]

Savor the Central Coast 2011

John Dicus — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:40:26 +0000

The California Central Coast is a unique place. We have many varied micro-climates and have a wide variety of locally-grown foods and wines that are seen as among the best in the world. We also have a yearly Food Expo put on by Sunset and some of the local foodies. [...]

How to grow organic lettuce

John Dicus — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:20:38 +0000

I like to start with a single small pot. This allows me to use the least amount of space under the lights... for the first week or so, they will take hardly any space.. . fill the pot to near the rim and press it down, add water, letting the entire soil-mix get a good amount of water. When it is fairly well saturated, let it drain for a time, then press the mix down with your fingers.. firming it to remove all air pockets. [...]

compost/mulch newsletter

John Dicus — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:48:15 +0000

Geri Miller is a Master Gardener in the Los Angeles area. She installs and helps people with their home gardens, and visits schools and restaurants to install gardens. She started a group called HomeGrown Edible Landscapes. She also has a monthly online newsletter with great links to various gardening information. This is her monthly message for march 2011... it deals with maintaining and increasing soil health through composting and mulching. [...]

Ben Franklin’s Sandwich Shop

John Dicus — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:47:28 +0000

The tables are individually hand painted with Tolkien-like scenes of Alpine meadows and deep forests that appear as though fairies will be peeking around the trees. The walls are decorated with full-size murals of forest scenes... all very nice, very enchanting, and a great compliment to a fine sandwich. [...]

Thomas Hill Organics

John Dicus — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:34:42 +0000

I want my food to be fresh, not processed.. organic and local is a nice touch also... such usually seem to taste better. Thomas Hill Organics covered the bases on all counts. They grow most of their own foods on their organic farm just outside of town, and they pick and deliver their produce daily. They also have a CSA that gives you a 'basket' of produce that changes according to the season. [...]