Sign up for our eNewsletter10 Plants with beautiful fall color for San Diego By Gary Jones Can’t tell by the look of your garden when fall arrives? You must be missing those important trees and shrubs that provide gorgeous fall color in San Diego. As Southern Californians, we need to look beyond the classic maples and deciduous oaks that […]
By Gary Jones Due to a unique combination of climate and terrain, California will always suffer from wildfires. But with appropriate planning, planting and maintenance, these fires won’t be devastating to homeowners. A large portion of our state is a Mediterranean-type climate, situated in a region close to the sea with hot, dry summers, recurring […]
By Gary Jones Succulents are pretty darn smart. They store water in their leaves and are smart-looking. Who doesn’t love their dramatic architectural quality? Better yet, they are virtually carefree plants. It should come as no surprise that they are hugely popular.
Exciting new versions of old stalwarts By Gary Jones In just a few weeks, summer’s hot days will be upon us. But it is not too late to fill pots and borders with hot weather flowers that will pump out color all summer. The key to success will be to keep these plants well-watered while […]
By Gary Jones Bees, butterflies and other insects go about their quiet work with little appreciation. But without them, our gardens would be a lot less colorful and bear fewer fruits and vegetables.
By Gary Jones Spring is the best time of year for a garden party. Outdoors, there are layers of fresh, bright green foliage, vibrant colors and mild temperatures. The holidays encourage us — Purim, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day are all ideal outdoor spring celebrations.
By Gary Jones Are you stuck in the mindset that houseplants are only desk or table plants? That their job is just to add a bit of life to a room? Expand your houseplant horizons. They can be so much more than a sorry fern in a pot.
By Gary Jones
It seems all but certain that San Diego will have heavy El Niño rains this winter. Whether the extra precipitation is beneficial or harmful depends on actions you take in your garden, yard or outdoor space. Simple landscaping steps can be the difference between helpful rainfall and water damage.
By Gary Jones
Nothing says Christmas like the scent of a fresh-cut tree. But if you’ve ever had the experience of having a Christmas tree turn brown and brittle well before the holidays, you know that selecting the right tree is a bit of an art.
By Gary Jones
If you’re looking for a twist on tradition or a new take on holiday style, the new specialty poinsettias are for you. Long favorites of interior decorators, these will add sophisticated style to your festivities.
You’ll find new poinsettia colors (and color combinations) and new flower forms as well. Even the leaves on some varieties have a bright new appearance. And along with new looks, breeders have improved poinsettias so they last beautifully for weeks and weeks with little care. During a busy holiday season, little care can be a big benefit.