At any life stage, ladybugs are a garden’s friend BY SUSAN PRANSKY (This article originally appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune October 14, 2023) If you saw an insect that vaguely resembled a tiny alligator on one of your plants, would you think that perhaps you should remove it, squish it or run for the spray? […]
Nonnative plants rob native species of water, nutrients, space to grow BY LINDA JONES (This article originally appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune on August 13, 2022) Have you noticed dead Canary Island palms (Phoenix canariensis)? Hills covered with bright yellow flowers in spring or with dried nonnative grasses in summer? Maybe you’ve seen waterways […]
Mary James A landscape icon in San Diego and throughout Southern California, the ubiquitous oleander (Nerium oleander), is falling victim to an incurable disease. Native to the Mediterranean region, these versatile shrubs with slender leaves and azalea-like flowers are often planted a carefree screen, defining property lines, and providing privacy or, as one gardener admitted, “separating […]
BY JOE BOLDT (This article first appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune on February 12, 2022) Whisper the phrase “Integrated Pest Management,” or worse, “IPM” at your local garden club meeting and even the most erudite gardener might be seen fleeing to the nearest exit. Just what is Integrated Pest Management and why should you care? […]
