Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) were first cultivated in Sicily for their sweet fragrance and butterfly-like flowers in hues of white, pink, red, violet, and purple (among others). Introduced to England in the late 17th century, these climbing annuals later became a...
Bok choy, or Chinese cabbage, has been cultivated in China for over 1,500 years. In Cantonese, the name “bok choy” means “white vegetable,” referring to its pale, crunchy stems. Over time, this nutritious vegetable spread globally and became an...
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,...
Are you the neighborhood brown thumb? The wannabee master gardener who has mastered only plant destruction? There may be a problem with your gardening technique (duh!) that undermines the health of your plants. In this blog, we list the most common gardening mistakes...
The gardenia comes from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The plant adapts well to Southern California’s Mediterranean climate and rewards the attentive gardener with fragrant, creamy white blossoms from late spring...
