By Susan Pransky, UC Master Gardener of San Diego County The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a new invasive pest that is currently found in 20 states. It is native to China and was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Currently it is as far west as Illinois. Establishment of SLF in California could cause […]
By Mo Price Have you ever seen a plant so unique and beautiful that it had an impact on your life? It happened to me 22 years ago, shortly after becoming a volunteer at San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. The plant was a Hairpin Banksia (Banksia spinulosa); it had a bright yellow-orange 7” x […]
By Sharon Reeves (This article was originally in the June 14, 2025 issue of the San Diego Union/Tribune) Plants are anchored in one spot, but they are cunning. They have mastered the art of enticing more mobile organisms to do their bidding. It is the goal of every living thing to procreate and to […]
By Susan Pransky (This article was originally in the May 10, 2025 issue of the San Diego Union/Tribune) Does it ever seem that you look at one of the plants in your garden and it’s totally fine, and then the next time you look at it, it’s covered with aphids? That could be because […]
By Namir Damluji (This article was originally in the. May / June 2025 issue of California Gardens) In the world of exotic fruits, the loquat often flies under the radar, overshadowed by more popular tropical favorites like mangoes and pineapples. Yet this small, golden fruit packs a delightful combination of sweetness and tanginess, making […]
