Nonnative plants rob native species of water, nutrients, space to grow BY LINDA JONES (This article originally appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune on August 13, 2022) Have you noticed dead Canary Island palms (Phoenix canariensis)? Hills covered with bright yellow flowers in spring or with dried nonnative grasses in summer? Maybe you’ve seen waterways […]
Mary James A landscape icon in San Diego and throughout Southern California, the ubiquitous oleander (Nerium oleander), is falling victim to an incurable disease. Native to the Mediterranean region, these versatile shrubs with slender leaves and azalea-like flowers are often planted a carefree screen, defining property lines, and providing privacy or, as one gardener admitted, “separating […]
BY JOE BOLDT (This article first appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune on February 12, 2022) Whisper the phrase “Integrated Pest Management,” or worse, “IPM” at your local garden club meeting and even the most erudite gardener might be seen fleeing to the nearest exit. Just what is Integrated Pest Management and why should you care? […]
Question: I saw a large green caterpillar feeding on my green tomato leaves. Could it also be chewing on the fruit? Answer: Yes, the caterpillar on your plant is probably the tomato hornworm. It is a common pest in gardens. Tomato hornworms are well camouflaged among the leaves of their host plants. The body […]
Question: What is happening to my Canary Island Date Palm? Answer: The brown mushroom looking top on this Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) has sadly become a more common site in the San Diego County landscape due to an invasive pest. The South American Palm Weevil – SAPW (Rhynchophorus palmarum) has spread north […]
