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Post by davidjp on Mar 30, 2015 16:36:51 GMT -5
I think you might be thinking of the durian, thats really tropical i think. The Cherimoya or "custard apple" is much smaller. Its got some seeds but they are quite large and fairly easy to extricate. I believe its from somewhere on the slopes of the Andes and apparently needs a particular wasp thats only present there to pollinate so in theory here you have to get a paintbrush and do it yourself. Its also more complicated than that in I think theres timing issues when the male and female flowers open or are receptive, not really sure. But when I was talking with the curator of the place standing in front of about 10 acres of pretty large trees he said they never bothered and got a crop. Then again he's not selling them for a living. I quite liked them and will probably put one in when i get round to it. Theres one i see locally for sale called "El Bumpo" that I sort of like the name of as well as apparently it being one of the better tasting. The taste is quite like the name, custard apple, definitely custardy/ creamy elements to it and I thought they were excellent. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherimoya
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Post by OregonRed on Mar 30, 2015 21:46:46 GMT -5
yes, that's it durian!
cherimoya, MMmmmm
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Post by brownrexx on Mar 31, 2015 8:03:02 GMT -5
We tried Cherimoya when we were in Puerto Rico last May and although the taste was delicious I had a hard time getting past the texture. It reminded me of a cross between slime and yogurt. Yuk.
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Post by Latitude33 on Mar 31, 2015 23:40:04 GMT -5
So had a discussion with one of my neighbors. Nice guy, USMC retired, watches everything that happens on the block and watches out for everyone. I always take extra veggies to him and his wife. He commented on the current condition of my lawn, specifically some damaged areas due to the recent solar panel installation. Asked if I was going to let it go all brown this year because of the water situation. Explained to him about my plans for replacing with a drought tolerant landscape and how it works in theory. Looked me square in the eye and said "Organic gardening, solar panels and now replacing your lawn with a drought proof landscape for free. No too bad...for a treehugger. I'll keep an eye on the crew when they start work." Like I said, nice guy ;)
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Post by brownrexx on Apr 1, 2015 7:58:08 GMT -5
"Organic gardening, solar panels and now replacing your lawn with a drought proof landscape for free. No too bad...for a treehugger. All good things.
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Post by OregonRed on Apr 2, 2015 9:57:17 GMT -5
way cool Lat!
(shoot, that is supposed to animate - tips the glassed down and winks) i'll have to try re downloading
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Post by Latitude33 on Apr 8, 2015 0:19:07 GMT -5
UPDATE: Called to follow up on my online application for consultation and was on hold for 5-10 minutes. Left a message to contact me.
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Post by Latitude33 on Apr 18, 2015 1:34:10 GMT -5
Update #2, called again today and was placed on hold for another ten minutes. Hope it is because they are too busy installing drought tolerant landscapes... ??? Hope is fading.
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Post by desertwoman on Apr 18, 2015 8:22:43 GMT -5
I think it's because there is a huge demand and they are swamped with calls. When I have to be on hold for long, I put the phone on *Speaker Phone* and go about other business at my desk until someone answers, (computer, paperwork, research, etc)
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Post by brownrexx on Apr 18, 2015 9:15:54 GMT -5
I do the same. Speakerphone is a great thing.
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Post by OregonRed on Apr 18, 2015 9:43:22 GMT -5
me too
how is your faith in this company to follow thru if you do indeed hire them??
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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Apr 18, 2015 12:08:48 GMT -5
Lat, I'm really interested in your project and hope it works out well for you....soon. I would think that this company could also expand into other aspects of yard care if it has the resources, so this could be a good opportunity for it as well as others like you who want to change from lawn to something more environmentally friendly.
But I was having apparently the same question as Red. What track record does the company have? Did you check it out with CA corporations division to get some idea of who's behind it? The phone call delays might be legitimate and hopefully they are, but who knows? You want to make sure you're going to get the replacement you expect for your yard. Sadly, the politicians here don't seem to have any comprehension of healthy earth management. When I drove over to deposit my absentee ballot for a May special election, I saw a flyer on the bulletin board inviting citizens to attend a "lawn care management" presentation. I could hope but I doubt that it will include anything positive - more likely it'll focus on which chemicals to use to ensure that the lawn is nice and green and grows fast so it can be mowed more often. Maybe they'll even start a competition for neighbors to compete to see who can mow their lawns more than the other neighbors!
I was thinking of attending and trying to convince people of the harmfulness of using lawn chemicals but I might be attacked by an angry lawn-loving mob that would hurl weeds at me.
As to your Marine neighbor, I think you're educating him and he's gradually coming around! I recall reading sometime ago about a Marine family which didn't support the "all lawns must be fertilized and green" attitude and refused to do so. The lawn gradually segued into a condition which the Marine Corps local officers didn't appreciate, and the family was hassled. I don't recall what the result was, but it was just so offensive to think of resources being used to hassle a Marine family about the condition of their lawn.
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Post by brownrexx on Apr 18, 2015 19:31:10 GMT -5
My next door neighbor is a real nutcase about his lawn and he mows about twice a week. Sometimes I will be outside working in my garden and hear him mowing.
I know that having a perfect lawn must bring him pleasure but I sometimes think that the time I am spending outside working is so much more useful. I get lots of food for us to eat and enjoy and be healthy and he gets a perfect lawn which is useless in my opinion.
All 4 members of his family are seriously overweight too.
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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Apr 19, 2015 9:36:03 GMT -5
Rexx, your neighbor is worse than mine! Mine only mows once a week, even if the grass doesn't grow.
For years I've wondered what the attraction of a perfect lawn is and I still have no clues. To me it doesn't reflect good stewardship of the land, nor is it anything intellectually or physically challenging, such as a garden can be.
And I'll bet your neighbor even plops down in a chair on the porch and enjoys a beer after his twice weekly activity!
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Post by Latitude33 on Apr 19, 2015 12:34:37 GMT -5
Thanks all. Let's call this Lat's update #3. Did a little due diligence on these folks in the form of checking the CA contractor's licensing board for license status,complaints, etc. Nothing unusual or out of the ordinary. Checked Yelp ratings and found some issues raised, mostly folks not happy with the design. One poster advised not signing over the water district rebates until the work is completed (sound advice). One individual commented they had applied, heard that they would be contacted and was surprised when a consultant showed up without an appointment. Basically, sounds to me like they are disorganized as a business. Their crews are likely temps/day labor types rather than employees with any horticulture background. Knowing this is why I want a hand in the design. Just sayin...
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