The living legacy at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park in Carlsbad

The living legacy at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park in Carlsbad Former working ranch and personal retreat of late actor reflects lasting vision that merges landscape, native plants and history California’s parks tell many different stories about our state. Some protect natural landscapes and provide places for outdoor recreation. Others conserve the buildings and landscapes […]

Read More

Create a modern-day garden with a hallowed past

Scores of plants mentioned in ancient religious texts also thrive in San Diego’s climate, with its Mediterranean-like weather By Bob Frey and Francie Murphy (This article originally appeared in the April 12, 2025 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) The Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and wet winters, is a distinctive climate zone found […]

Read More

Kate O. Sessions, shaper of San Diego’s green legacy

As advocate for climate-appropriate plants, she helped establish botanical treasures across the city, including Balboa Park By Helen Purcell Montag (This article originally appeared in the Nov 9, 2024 issue of the San Diego Union Tribune) A bronze statue at Balboa Park’s west entrance honors Kate O. Sessions (1857-1940), a pioneering figure in San Diego’s […]

Read More

DIY Tree Advice: Bookshelf Treasures

by Robin Y Rivet Question: I’d really like to plant a red maple, but I couldn’t find any locally. I’d also like to plant a unique fruit tree. What species would grow best in this region? Answer: Unfortunately, red maples need more cold weather (often called chill hours) than typical San Diego winters provide, but […]

Read More