Geyserville Grapevine by deTraci Regula - August 2019

The sea squill, is sometimes cultivated as a bulbous or succulent plant. Photo: Javier martin - public domain.

Come See the Sea Squill

I'm admittedly anxious — two years ago I planted one of my favorite flowers, the giant Sea Squill. These striking tall flower spikes grow to four or five feet and are common on sea cliffs throughout the Mediterranean. However, they also can thrive away from the water. The giant bulbs are depicted in ancient art and can weigh up to 14 pounds, reaching the size of a small watermelon easily. While I know they may be tricky to grow for our area, I'm eager to see if these fall-blooming wonders will make it here in Geyserville. The bulbs I ordered arrived had already sprouted and promptly died back the first year, but this spring they emerged and sent up long, strappy green leaves. Those have died back, as they should, and now I'm waiting to see if the flower spikes will take their place. You can watch along with me — they are expected to emerge in the next few weeks right by the driveway at our northern entrance, at the eastern end of our row of purple and lavender Lilies of the Nile (which, unfortunately for us, have nothing to do with the Nile - they hail from South Africa). Folklore says that the Sea Squill flowers are a sign of eternal life, since they continue to grow even after they have been cut to use in arrangements, and the bulbs themselves can endure for decades, growing bigger and bigger. If these are happy enough to bloom this year, I'll be putting in more and may have some to share — email me at the address above.

And Come See the Sheriff

Sheriff Mark Essick and colleagues come to the Geyserville area on July 25th for one of the Sheriff's Department "Town Hall" meetings. There will be six of these throughout the county, and this one on Thursday, July 25th will be the one for our Geyserville, Alexander Valley, Cloverdale and environs. These are casual, upbeat affairs that help share knowledge and understanding. It will be held at the Alexander Valley Town Hall at 5512 Highway 128 between 5:30 and 7:00pm.

Dance and Drink Under the Stars

Coppola's Winery is continuing its "Bottles and Beats" series, with Kingsborough providing the "beats" part of the evening. This event is held by the lovely outdoor swimming pool and the poolside cafe will operate extended hours, serving food until 830 and drinks until 930 Wednesday, July 31st. Enjoy a cool evening under the stars from 6:30 to 9:30pm. We do go to bed early midweek in western Sonoma County, even in summer! No cover charge and no reservations are necessary. For more information, see their website at https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/en/visit/winery-events/.

While on that very well-stocked event page, scroll down to check out the "Splish-Splash Coppola's Bash" pool party scheduled for August 10th. Tickets are $75 and all guests must be 21. Later in August, the "Bottles and Beats" evening returns on Wednesday, August 29th with the Rockabilly group Roem Baur.

More Music

There's no shortage of music in Geyserville this summer. A new entry to the summer concerts is at The Ranch at Lake Sonoma, which is offering a free Summer Sunset concert series every *other* Sunday from 4:00pm until sunset at their beautiful property by Lake Sonoma. On August 11th, the band will be Spike's Awesome Hotcakes, which is almost becoming Geyserville's official band - they've performed at Diavola's and at the Redwood Theater at Isis Oasis Sanctuary. Their energizing New Orleans-style music will get things hopping. On August 25th, the Thugz, a Jam Band, will provide the entertainment. At both events, beer, wine and food will be available for purchase. The Ranch is at 100 Marina Road Lot A at Lake Sonoma, with a turn-off on the way to the Marina. I recommend you read their detailed directions at https://www.theranchatlakesonoma.com/directions.html as this is one of those places where your GPS may lead you a little astray. More information is available at their website at https://www.theranchatlakesonoma.com/events-and-meetings.html.