And we could use more — planting one in the yard might help reverse state’s 30 percent drop in tree density BY KATHY MCKEE (This article originally appeared in the APRIL 8, 2023 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) In a corner of our backyard patio, we enjoy a strawberry arbutus tree (Arbutus unedo) with a canopy […]
By VALORIE SHATYNSKI Answer: Euphorbia tirucalli, (also called Firesticks, Sticks on Fire, or Pencil Bush), is a visually striking and hardy drought-tolerant landscaping plant that is readily available in nurseries and is easily propagated. Firesticks, and all Euphorbias, produce a toxic white sap (latex) if their leaves or stems are cut or broken. The […]
BY SHARON REEVE It is always a relief for me when the cooler temperatures of fall bring the promise of rain. Fall is also the season when some plants really shine with peak bloom. Fall bloomers, like most plants, should be planted now. The ground has some needed moisture and the temperatures are cooler, yet […]
By SHARON REEVE While everyone is aware of, and recognizes, a common European honeybee, most people wouldn’t be able to recognize a native bee. A good reason for this is because they come in a large variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from barely visible to large glossy black carpenter bees. It is very likely […]
Pay attention now to what works well with low water, low effort BY LYNLEE AUSTELL (This article originally appeared in the June 9, 2022 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) It is customary for us to think of drought and climate change as being the same. They are not. Climate change requires us to change our […]
