A Calendar and Timetable of California’s Wildflowers

Just where does one go to see the wildflowers and when? The answer is not all that easy to explain, because different flowers bloom at different times in different places, but all this is neatly sorted out in a new wall calendar that, among other things, may be the perfect gift for gardeners and others who love the outdoors.

The flowering of California’s famous wildflowers is a progression that begins in the low desert and finishes some nine months later on the mountaintops, so a calendar is the perfect place to put this information. Each month, you are reminded of what is flowering and where, and there are maps that show you how to get there.

Called “A 1988 Southern California Nature Calendar,” it is written with lively wit by Elna Bakker (author of “An Island Called California”) and is chock-full of information. Because it was published by the Theodore Payne Foundation, which exists to promote the growing of California native plants in gardens, it also offers advice on growing wildflowers and other natives.

Time for Toyon

For December, one of the few months when wildflowers aren’t in bloom, the calendar singles out a most appropriate shrub, our native California “holly,” the toyon and, in this case, you don’t have far to drive.

“The red glow of ripened toyon berries can be seen from the Golden State Freeway. Any road or trail in the largest municipal park in the United States (Griffith Park) should give you close-ups of our famous Christmas berry,” the calender reads.

Or Mt. Washington: “This little collection of hills just west of the Pasadena Freeway has some extensive brush slopes along Mt. Washington Drive. Take this road, which winds first through a residential area and then enters a thicket of native trees and shrubs. Continue to the top of the hill. Bright red clusters of toyon berries, the golden black walnut leaves, and patches of crimson poison oak (look, but don’t touch!) enliven the still undeveloped hillsides. They are close by, but worth a visit as they have some of the best seasonal color in the Los Angeles Basin.”

Here Come the Birds

“After the toyon, pyracantha, and cotoneaster berries have ripened, expect visits from cedar waxwings. You might first notice them because of their noise, a chorus of soft cheeps and a mildly thunderous whoosh as hundreds of birds swoop off to raid another backyard harvest. They are easy to identify--a grayish-yellow in color, a perky topknot and a black streak across the eye.”

Birds and whales are mentioned in their appropriate months. January is the best time to watch the whales, and maps show good vantage points from the bluffs of Torrey Pines State Reserve and Cabrillo National Monument.

John Muir’s, John Audubon’s and George Washington’s birthdays are mentioned along with a useful list of nature-oriented organizations in Southern California.

The calendar may be found at bookstores or ordered by mail or phone from the foundation, 10459 Tuxford St., Sun Valley 91352; (818) 768-1802. It costs $6.95 plus 40 cents tax and $1 postage and handling per calendar.