Photobotanic

Western Hills Garden is celebrating its 60th anniversary and having party May 25 and 26. Begun as a homestead in 1959 by legendary plantsmen, Marshall Olbrich and Lester Hawkins, it became one of the most influential gardens on the West Coast,...

The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers always has something in bloom.  There is one entire exhibit room full of delights, the Potted Plants Gallery, that always requires a careful look. In the Gallery at the moment are dozens of orchids...

There is much positive news these days about regenerative agriculture.  Ranchers and farmers are finding new ways to restore carbon to the earth and work with ecosystems rather than plow and destroy them. Learn how holistic rangeland management creates healthier...

It's a great year for California wildflowers and I finally was able to photograph Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. It was my fourth try in 16 years. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a State Natural Reserve in Lancaster and part of...

The Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment (SHRE) gives sizable grants that foster the introduction of new and improved plant materials for California gardens and landscapes. The current funding cycle and request for proposals is open until April 16.  Spread the word. Every...

Matthew Stephens arrived in San Francisco from New York.  With a masters degree in Public Horticulture and years of planting literally a million trees in New York City, you would think he knows a lot about gardening. Now, as the...

Finally.  An actual plan to do something about climate change.  No, not the frightening, just released National Climate Assessment report. A Green New Deal is not just a phrase, it is a way forward. (See below). Support it. When young activists...

No garden has ever thrilled me more than the O'Byrne garden. The careful plant selection of textures and foliage combinations become tapestries, at first glance haphazard but intricately composed.  It is a joyful place full of whimsy and surprise, yet...

This is magical: A log to sit on and contemplate the changing season, a place to breathe deep and exhale exultant. The clean air and sweet light of autumn is a tonic for the noise that surrounds too much of life...

Do we really want drought tolerant plants for our gardens ?  Let's look for climate tolerant plants. All plants are drought tolerant in their native habitat and no plant can live without water. No matter where a garden is located, anywhere...