Hardy Fragrant Jasmine
Poet's Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a surprisingly hardy vine that thrives in gardens west of the Cascades offering intoxicating fragrance and a …
Regions: Northern California
Nor. Cal
Primula: the Joys of Spring and Beyond
The genus Primula includes more than 400 species distributed mostly around the Northern Hemisphere. The vast majority can be found in the high, damp m…
Garden Allies: Honey Bees
An Insect Synonymous with Civilization In the late 1600’s, Johannes Swammerdam meticulously dissected a honey bee with home made tools and a primitive microscope. In…
Central Coast Rose Manual: Creating a Personal Rose Garden
Joseph Truskot is a highly skilled rose grower: the American Rose Society has awarded him the title of Master Consulting Rosarian. For the past thirteen…
Crevice Plantings: Gardens in Miniature
Gary Ratway, landscape designer and master plantsman, elevates otherwise ignored and humble crevices to scenes of delicate and surprising beauty. In h…
California Native Gardening: A Month-by-Month Guide
In recent years, California gardeners have been presented with a number of excellent books on the state’s native flora and its value for gardeners and…
A Gooseberry Affair
If the wild currants (Ribes species) of the West, are uncommon in gardens, the species of Ribes known as gooseberries are virtually unknown. Only one …
Thoughts from a Gardener of a Certain Age
Although I don’t think of myself as old, I have already gardened for over thirty-five years, including almost twenty-five years in Northern Californ…
Insect Hotels
Insect hotels add a charming focal (and conversation) point to gardens. Part of the appeal in creating a hotel is in the artistic expression possible …