The next Permaculture meeting (a subgroup of Idyllwild Conversations) will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Idyllwild Library. The topic is “Harvesting and Preserving Food in Idyllwild.” The meeting is free, and all are invited.

Pipestem Clematis or Chaparral Clematis,(Clematis lasiantha), is one of the two native clematis in California (the other being C. ligusticifolia or Western Virgin’s Bower). Pipestem clematis is a beautiful deciduous vine that can be as long as 20 feet. This native vine can be found growing on hillsides, chaparral, and open woodlands in southern and central California. It blooms April to May, displaying many small, creamy white and fragrant flowers. This vine prefers shade for its roots, and sun for its top, and is completely drought-tolerant when established.