Perennial Pea: Roadside Beauty, By Tony Tomeo

Randy the Bunny

Hiya, I’m Randy (A279912), a male tricolor shorthaired rabbit! I have been at the shelter since March and am ready to find my furever home!

The shelter says I’m one smart boy! I like to keep my space nice and clean, and I meticulously use the litter box! Because of course, a cleaner home means more room for food! Whether it’s timothy hay and bananas, or carrots and kale, munching and crunching is my favorite hobby!

But I have to admit, I’m also pretty spunky! Once I get comfortable, I’ll play all day long and hop around with excited binkies! But with that said, like many of my fellow buns, I also prefer a safe and secure spot to rest. Give me that and I’ll be one happy flopper!

So what do you say? Want to come witness this cuteness?

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter:

Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

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The 4th of July

© Statepoint Media

FEATURED COLUMNIST Perennial Pea: Roadside Beauty

By Tony Tomeo

Although rarely planted intentionally in home gardens, perennial pea, Lathyrus latifolius, is somewhat common near rural roadside ditches and in riparian situations.

It naturalizes to a minor degree, generally where the soil retains a bit of moisture after the rain finishes. It can eventually become somewhat overwhelming in unrefined but irrigated landscapes.

Bloom is typically rich purplish pink during late spring or early summer. A few specimens might bloom white or pale pink. Seed for varieties that bloom in any of these three colors, as well as red, is available online. Flowers resemble those of annual sweet pea, but are more abundant, and lack fragrance. Their delicate foliage might be slightly bluish green.

Vines might be lean through their first season from seed, but can get six feet long. By the middle of summer, they begin to die back to their plump perennial roots. They last longer with watering. Without watering, they may finish before July. Perennial pea has potential Vines that grow to naturalize. from mature roots as winter ends after the first season should be bigger, fuller and perhaps voracious. n •••

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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