A revealing look at ants, tiny insects with a big impact The ant’s body is segmented into three parts: the head, thorax and abdomen. The head has the eyes, antennae and mandible. The thorax has the six legs and some species have wings. The abdomen contains the internal organs. (Photo credit: Leah [Read More…]

Passion in Your Garden: Growing Passion Fruit in California A close-up of a passion fruit blossom, known for its vivid symmetry. Photo credit – Stephane Juban via unsplash.com By Namir Damluji (this article first appeared in the July/August editiion of California Garden) If you have ever cut open a [Read More…]

Chiles’ spicy heritage is a lesson in how to flourish Although about 4,000 varieties of chiles exist worldwide, in the U.S. we mostly stick to the C. annuum family, which includes the shishito pepper. (Julio Estrada) By Julio Estrada (This article originally appeared in the June 13 edition of the [Read More…]

What is Hydrozoning and How Does it Work? Hydrozoning yard plan image credit: Guzmans Greenhouse Question: I’ve heard the word “hydrozoning” – what is it and how does it work? Answer: Hydrozoning is key for a healthy garden. Here’s why: Last month in “Dig It!” we provided a guide for assessing the [Read More…]

Working with California’s new ‘Zone Zero’ home fire safety perimeter Zone Zero regulations are intended to reduce the impact of wildfires on business and residential structures. (Dave Hoefler via Unsplash.com) By Susan Pransky (This article originally appeared in the May 9, 2026 edition of the [Read More…]

Matilija Poppy: California’s Spectacular Fire-Following Flower Matilija Poppies need space to grow. An annual trimming helps to manage their size. (Photo credit: Jodi Bay) By Kathy McKee, UC Master Gardener, San Diego (This article originally appeared in the May / June edition of California Gardens [Read More…]