A Garden of Small Miracles
Our Oakland garden has become both rich in species and diverse in structure, with many nooks, crannies, thickets, leaf-drifts, perches, and pathways t…
Regions: Northern California
Nor. Cal
California Native Plants for the Garden: Dudleyas
One of the common names for Dudleya is “liveforever,” which speaks volumes about this western North American genus that thrives on neglect. This g…
The Gardens of Lake Park
After years of gardening on a modest suburban lot, Mary Lynn Cox, moved to a retirement community. She was surprised to learn that she need not have l…
An Unknown Tree Research Site in Santa Clara Valley
As commuters speed along one of Silicon Valley’s major arterials, most would probably be surprised to know they were passing one of the West’s hid…
New Entrance Garden at UC Botanical Garden: An Explosion of Arid Exotica
The new entry plantings at the UC Botanical Garden reflect the diversity of the garden while maintaining a cultural and aesthetic continuity with the …
The Alchemy of Watershed Restoration
"Turning stormwater challenges into benefits” is the heart of Brock Dolman’s message, his gospel for a Gaian future and an ecoliterate culture for…
The Northwest Garden in Winter
Here in the Pacific Northwest, garden chores continue through the winter— sitting in front of the fire poring over garden catalogs and planning for …
Native Plant Care
The optimal time for planting most California natives is autumn, except in the mountains, high deserts, and other cold-winter areas of the state. Plan…
Olive JR Waters, 1919-2005
Olive Johnson was born on the family farm at Smiley’s Mill, near Franklin, Indiana. As a child, she particularly enjoyed helping her father; she lov…