The wild ancestor of the cherry tomato originated in the coastal regions of Peru and Ecuador. These tiny, berry-sized fruits were tough and adaptable. Over centuries, wild tomatoes were domesticated and cultivated across Central and South America. Spanish explorers...
What does a dentist use to pull a tooth? Not a hacksaw, and not a hammer, but a pair of piers. Pliers are among humanity’s oldest hand tools. Historians trace their development to around 3.000 BCE in the Near East. The earliest pliers were made to handle hot...
The ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for over 3,000 years. It was one of the first spices exported to Europe through trade, prized for its flavor and medicinal uses. Candied ginger was a popular sweet in Europe from the 13th to...
In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell deeply in love with his reflection. Consumed by longing, he wasted away and died by the water’s edge. Such a sad story. Everyone knows a Narcissus or two. You’ll be glad to know that the Narcissus in your SoCal garden...
Your driveway takes a beating. Sun, rain, oil spills, and vehicle traffic wear down the asphalt surface, leading to cracks, fading, and deterioration. In Southern California, an asphalt driveway with basic installation and minimal upkeep lasts about 15 years. A...
