Passion Fruit Plant Care in Southern California

Does the name evoke images of steamy tropical romance? It shouldn’t. “Passion” refers to the Passion of Christ. 17th-century Spanish missionaries in South America saw the flowers as symbols of the crucifixion and named the plant accordingly. Passion...

A Gardener’s Guide to Growing Cherimoya in SoCal

Mark Twain called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.” He was referring to the cherimoya, a living fossil from the highland valleys of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Ripe cherimoya spoils quickly and is hard to ship, so it’s considered a luxury...

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...

15 Sustainable Garden Design Ideas for Beginners

Remember Earth Day? Yes, it’s still a thing. Rising public concern over pollution, smog, and environmental degradation fueled the first Earth Day in 1970. Sustainable gardening may seem like an Earth Day sequel, but many traditional cultures have practiced it...

3 Easy Balcony Garden Ideas: A Guide for Apartment Dwellers

Balcony gardening dates back to Ancient Rome, where affluent citizens adorned their villas with hanging and potted plants on upper floors. The trend re-emerged during the Industrial Revolution as cities grew more congested, prompting residents to reclaim small outdoor...