Calendula is more than a pretty face — it’s a common ingredient in herbal teas, home remedies, and skincare products. The sun-loving “pot marigold” is beautiful and edible, and its ability to attract pollinators makes it a beneficial garden plant,...
Move over Canada; there’s a new maple tree in town! Only this tree is far from new in any sense. The graceful Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), native to Japan, Korea, and China, has been cultivated for centuries in Asia. It was introduced to the USA following the...
The gardenia comes from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The plant adapts well to Southern California’s benign climate and rewards the attentive gardener with fragrant, creamy white blossoms from late spring through...
The Ginkgo biloba tree is a marvel. This living fossil has existed for over 200 million years, surviving many extinction events and earning its place as one of the hardiest plant species. The dinosaur vanished 66 million years ago, but the mighty Ginkgo soldiers on —...
Is it a bush or a tree? Trick question! Mulberry plants grow naturally as trees but are often pruned into bushes. Mulberry trees can reach up to 30–50 feet tall, while pruned bushes are usually a discreet 6–12 feet. The plants are native to temperate and subtropical...
