What Is Permaculture Gardening & Why Is It a “Growing” Trend?

Nothing lasts forever. Civilizations rise and fall — none have endured more than a few thousand years. The sun will run out of usable hydrogen in roughly 5 billion years. The Milky Way will collide with the Andromeda Galaxy in ~4 billion years, forming a new galaxy....

No-Till Gardening Methods for Southern California Planters

Everything has its fads — even gardening. Pizza gardens with each “slice” growing a different pizza ingredient. Plant parenting, or treating garden plants like pets or children, complete with names, personalities, and even Instagram accounts. Moon...

14 Low-Maintenance Houseplants That Thrive on Neglect

We tolerate some high-maintenance things without much complaint: The classic English sports car with finicky mechanics Saltwater aquariums with precise water chemistry and temperature demands High-end fabrics like silk, cashmere, and leather with special cleaning and...

Know What’s in It: How to Test Your Home’s Water Quality

Southern California’s water quality is constantly under threat from urban runoff and the downstream effects of climate change. Contaminants flow into water systems after heavy rains, sometimes making beaches unsafe and potentially affecting your home’s...

Do Trees Talk to Each Other? The Secret Life of Woody Plants

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? What about when a tree “talks” to another tree? Have you ever heard whisperings in the forest? Trees are abuzz with conversation beneath the soil. They share life-sustaining...