Whenever drought reminds us that many Californians live in a Mediterranean climate, succulents rage in popularity with a wide array of...

An intriguing sage unlike any other I am used to growing, Salvia reptans offers a unique texture in the garden. Unfortunately, it is one...

For twenty plus years, my commute followed the Russian River from Healdsburg to Duncans Mills. Sometimes I would keep going all the way...

Frequently, I second guess myself on the scientific name of this deciduous tree. Pistache, pistachio...isn't there an "h" in the genus? ...

Where do you fall in the carob or chocolate debate? A general online search illustrates how people take sides for their health benefits,...

Valley Water, Santa Clara County's water authority, has been a leading influence in helping community members find practical and creative...

When thinking about street trees for California, there are few evergreen examples that check off all the boxes of requirements and still...

It was not until finding this photo that I realized the petals were in the shape of true love, reminding me to admire the details if not...

Recently, I posted about Verbena bonariensis, a rigid, upright perennial that's character is more aligned with our subject today, V....

Asters are a treat in autumn, mostly blooming just before chrysanthemums. Many are showy and exhibit a color range from white to shades...

Unlike most perennials, Verbena bonariensis provides a unique texture and height in a border garden. Rigidly upright and topped with...

H.A.R.D.Y! This is the best way to describe this South African bulb. As of this early September post, they have been in bloom in the...

What started as an innocent gift from a dear friend has turned out to be one of the hardiest potted plants in the garden. Oscularia...

Need a lawn alternative that is drought tolerant? Myoporum parvifolium might be the plant for your design, but it includes some caveats....

Not until I was in my thirties did I visit my first true oasis in the California desert. I knew desert oases were sanctuaries of water,...

Admittedly, I only discovered this tree when developing our plant list for student studies, so in this situation, I am the student as...

Who else was raised thinking geraniums were red, white, pink or orange, usually found in hanging pots or in window boxes? That was my...

There are a number of cultivars of A. millifolium, but 'Paprika' stands out for me thus prompting this separate post. The facts below...

In the past decade, Chilopsis linearis has started to pop up in Northern California as a viable, colorful option in the landscape ...

The plant world can often date or age me, and this species is no exception. I learned about Mexican feather grass as Stipa tenuissima, a...