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...
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...
Did you know that shade can extend the life of your driveway? It’s true — shade can lower surface temperatures by 20°F to 45°F compared to areas exposed to direct sunlight. Air temperatures can drop by 5°F to 15°F under the canopy of a mature tree. Shade shields...
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...
Today’s weather report? Another heat wave lasting a week. Welcome to the dog days of summer in SoCal. Extreme heat is hard on your plants, too. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 95°F can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and sunburn in sensitive plants like...
The 12 Days of Christmas features 12 repeats of “partridge in a pear tree.” Partridges and pear trees were popular in 18th-century England. But did you know that in California, we have both? Pear trees (Pyrus communis) are native to Europe and parts of...
