January 2010. From all accounts we are in an El Nino pattern – one we have not seen for the past 3 years or so here in California. It is a welcoming sight complete with window rattl’n thunder and lightning.

Along with the New Year and a new decade we have THE NEW LANDSCAPE. A landscape that will unify the essential elements of health and wellness: that is the complete relaxation of the mind, body and soul. There will be places for meditation and reflection, as well as areas for sources of pleasure. We will create outdoor areas for lively discussions, and we will gather more to galvanize family values. As we do so we will regain our confidence, allowing for us to reconnect with our spirit and the sense of being.

I have listed here the benefits of fruits and vegetables that will grow in the bay area. Nutrition professionals long have recommended choosing fruits and vegetables with deep rich colors for their abundance of vitamins and other beneficial substances many or all that can be grown right here in your backyard here is a list that will grow in the Bay Area.

Apricots – are loaded with beta – carotene that is changed in the body to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for healthy eyes and skin, it is also an antioxidant helping to eliminate free radicals that may promote tumor growth. Apricot ‘Harglow’ is self-fruiting, disease resistant hardy performer for us in Northern California.

Avocados – are a fruit not a vegetable. They contain beta-sitoseterol and Oleic Acid that help lower overall cholesterol, and lutein which helps maintain healthy eyes. Avocados are not easily grown in Northern California but with some perseverance you can have one. Select a nice sunny spot with good drainage.

Raspberries - contain Ellagic acid (a plant chemical also found in strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans and pomegranates plus many others) Ellagic acid helps stall cancer-cell growth. Additionally these berries are chocked full with Vitamin C and fiber helping to curb high cholesterol and heart disease. There are several black and red raspberries that are thorn less and provide great habitat for birds.

Cantaloupe - in the U.S. it is a muskmelon. It is rich in vitamin c (117mg in a half a melon) and beta-carotene. Another benefit of the muskmelon is potassium (853mg in a half a melon), which helps to lower blood pressure. Muskmelons depend on bees to pollinate the plant, thus conditions such as rain, wind, cold and cloudiness present unfavorable conditions and will likely decrease crop yields. One way to get around that is to start plants from seed – in a windowsill that is south facing or even better a custom built grow house.

Tomatoes – are full of Lycopene one of the strongest carotenoids and one of nature’s most powerful antioxidant. Carotenoids are a group of naturally occurring pigments such as red, orange or yellow and are known to be essential for plant growth and photosynthesis. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of bladder, stomach and colon cancers in half if eaten daily. Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables with thousands of varieties to choose from. One that I am certain will grow in your climate.

Figs – a good source of potassium and fiber, they contain vitamin b6 that plays an important role in regulating mental processes and mood. Vitamin b6 is effective in relieving some of the symptoms of PMS. Fig trees are large; grow fast – up to 30’ tall. Strong trunk and branch pattern make this tree a top – notch ornamental tree in the landscape.

Lemon and Limes – both pack a punch of Vitamin C. But it is the lemon that wins out delivering nearly twice the amount to the lime. Both deliver potassium and antioxidants. The lemon is the citrus most use to flavor salads and garnish sweet tea. Ahh but it was the lime that saved the British sailors during the 18th century. Both attract pollinators to the garden.

Onions - dates back to 3500 BC. It contains Quercetin one of the most powerful flavonoids that helps improve memory and concentration and studies show it helps protect against cancer. Onions are easy to grow and not only provide flavor; they also provide health-promoting phytochemicals as well as nutrients.

Artichokes - contain silymarin and cynarin, powerful antioxidants that help prevent skin cancer and may be beneficial in helping the liver to regenerate tissue growth. Fiber is also present in this vegetable with one medium artichoke supplying 6 hearty grams. With its spectacular purple thistle like bloom this fine ornamental fits into any landscape.

Broccoli - has been around for than 2000 years and is packed with Indole-3-carbinol and suflorphane, which help to protect against breast cancer. Broccoli is also loaded with beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Look for florets that are dark green, purplish or bluish green these will contain more beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Broccoli is one of the best all around choice for gardeners; it is easy to grow and bears over a long season.

Spinach - Lutein and zeaxanthin are the carotenoids in spinach that help fend off macular degeneration. Carotenoids and the antioxidant Vitamins C and E are also believed to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and cataracts. Studies also show this green fountain of youth to reverse some signs of aging. Plant or sow seeds every 2-3 weeks in the fall or early spring for extended harvests.

Bok Choy - if you could only grow one vegetable this may be the one. They grow fast and are loaded with Brassinin which some research suggest may help to prevent breast tumors. Add in indoles and isothiocyanates, which lower levels of estrogen and BAM, you have a cache of weapons that help against breast cancer. Plant in late winter or early spring for a summer harvest.

Squash - Butternut, Pumpkin and Acorn. Winter squash grown for harvest in late summer and fall has large amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene. It is called winter squash because it stores well and is used during the winter months for baking and pies.

Garlic - the onions cousin. Sulfur compounds that give garlic its pungent flavor can also lower LDL – the BAD cholesterol, it may help to lower blood pressure and even reduce risk of stomach or colon cancer. There are some side effects that include bad breath and body odor. Reduce your use of garlic if you are planning surgery or dental work. It is known to thin the blood and reduce the ability of the blood to clot in a manner similar to aspirin. Easy to grow set bulbs in fall or early winter for summer harvest. Lifting out with a garden fork will keep the bulbs intact.

The late winter months are a good time to start planning your New Landscape. A properly designed sustainable landscape will last a lifetime, create habitat and attract beneficial insects to your garden. It will also use less energy, less water and reduce the amount of vegetation to the landfill.

Call us for a consultation and we will show you how easy it is.