Club La Casa at La Casa Del Zorro

The best deal in Borrego Springs last season was a Club La Casa annual membership that offered access to La Casa Del Zorro's exercise facility,  two large, heated (86 degrees) swimming pools, a big bubbly hot tub that could easily accommodate a bakers dozen, and for a little more money, access to its tennis courts and discounted rooms/food/beverage.  The basic Club La Casa membership was $150/year for an individual or $225/year for a family (two adults plus two kids) for the 2013 through Summer 2014 term.  The woman at the front desk that helped my husband and I complete the application mentioned prices would probably be increased soon, so 2013 was a good time to join.  

Club La Casa is still available, but rates did go up significantly for the 2014-15 period (over $600 for an annual family membership).  The resort is offering a 20% discount for continuing members who re-up within the last 30 days of their current term. Renewals can be taken care of at the lobby front desk.

GORGEOUS LAP POOL 

Tennis anyone?

YOGA STUDIO

Goodbye Borrego Summer... Hello Cool Season Gardening!

Summer Zinnias planted in June are still going strong!

Summer, and the round-the-clock heat that accompanies it, is over!  We won't miss the 24/7 heat, but we will miss the Summer garden color.  

Red Mexican Bird of Paradise (caesalpinia pulcherrima) continues to be my Summer favorite.  It is a workhorse and a must have in the low desert garden! I've had good luck starting plants from seed (although germination rate is about 4 out of 10). 

Bees like Red Bird of Paradise too!

Collect seed pods now before they twist and pop open so you can start your own plants for next year.  These seeds have especially hard shells, so file part way through the shell with a nail file or cut into the shell a bit to allow water to penetrate and the seeds to germinate.