Aromatic, colorful bushes grow easily in San Diego County region; here’s what to know about the 4 most common varieties By Lee Somerville (This article first appeared in the May 11, 2024 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) “Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, lavender’s green, When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen.” […]
By Leah Taylor (All photos by Leah Taylor) (This article originally appeared in the January/February 2024 edition of California Garden) Planting a tree from the diverse genus Caesalpinia can can be a rewarding and environmentally friendly choice in any garden. This California native plant goes by many names depending on the species and geographic area […]
Sprawling oaks and sycamores aren’t suited for small urban lots, but several other native trees are good candidates. Some to consider for patio and street trees are the heat-loving desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) with its rosy-pink blooms; shiny-leaved Catalina cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp lyonii) with white flowers followed by red berries; western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) with deep […]
California native plants a waterwise option right under our noses BY LUCY WARREN (This article originally appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune September 9, 2023) As gardeners, we are drawn to the latest, brightest varieties of thirsty, exotic species for our gardens, always chasing the new and unusual. As our world heats up with climate change, […]
Paradise Hills group converts land loop into native-plant showcase BY WES JANSSEN (This article originally appeared in the June 10, 2023 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) Loss of wild habitat drives climate change and degrades biodiversity. Gardeners, landowners and informed volunteers have important opportunities to be an antidote. This is the story of one […]
