Get to know 7 leggy stars of San Diego County spider season by Michael Harrelson (This article originally appeared in the October 10, 2026 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) When we were children, we learned that spiders were itsy-bitsy and could be found in water spouts. That is as good a way [Read More…]

The Pageantry of Pincushion Proteas by Nicolle Selby-Thomas Why not try growing a type of Protea? The rich diversity of the Proteaceae family has made these plants popular.  Over the years, they have become known simply as proteas.  This plant family has gifted gardeners with unique, exotic plants [Read More…]

Growing your own grapes for wine Here are recommendations for planting needs and a timeline to set up a home vineyard A VSP (vertical shoot positioning) trellis for 12 vines using a 10-foot by 5-foot footprint. (Susan Pacheco) By Susan Pacheco (This article originally appeared in the September 12, [Read More…]

Weird and Wonderful Carnivorous Plants by Kim Schultz (This article originally appeared in the September / October 2026 “California Garden” magazine) Carnivorous plants have captured the popular imagination since 1875 when Charles Darwin first published Insectivorous Plants. Killer [Read More…]

Question: I think my Aloes are infected. Are There Pests and Diseases that Affect Them? Answer: Yes, while succulents tend to be relatively pest and disease free, aloes and agaves can be affected. Here are three possibilities: By Richard Reid Succulents are a common and popular landscape addition [Read More…]

Learn the Secrets of Successful Cut Flower Gardening Cut garden at sunset (Wendy Hunter) by Wendy Hunter Do you dream of walking outside with a pair of clippers and coming back inside with an armful of flowers for your kitchen table? Southern California is one of the best places to start flower [Read More…]