Letter to the Editor: Protecting Diversity Is the Opposite of Xenophobia
Some non-native species are okay. But not all of them.
Category: Gardening
What Honeybees Have Taught Me About Xenophobia
Opinion: The American democratic experiment and the survival of the planet may depend on overcoming our fear of foreigners
Saying “Yes” to Habitat Gardens
Award-winning master gardener Kate Frey believes gardens should be for more than just show.
Creating a Drought-Resilient Garden with California Natives
Over five years ago, Nalani and Anna Heath-Delaney, ditched their water guzzling lawn and planted a colorful and diverse native plant garden. They have since saved water, provided habitat for local species and created a native plant sanctuary. With the current drought, now is the perfect time to consider transitioning your garden and "going native."
Madeline’s Garden
A resident of Saratoga, Madeline Morrow sits on the Steering Committee of the 2013 “Going Native” tour, a two-day extravaganza of 60 open gardens around Santa Clara, including hers. Â The event, hosted by the Santa Clara chapter of the California … Read more
Alcatraz Island is a renowned prison — but a horticultural gem?
From afar, this windswept island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay appears so rugged that you'd expect to find only century plans and eucalyptus. But Alcatraz is alive with color.
Mulch Madness
Google "mulch" and you'll find university websites from Alaska to Florida touting mulch as one of the most environmentally friendly and effective tools for improving a backyard garden. But that mulch keeps native bees from digging their nests...
Backyard Boarding House
Leafcutters, diggers, carpenters, and masons… At first glance that may look like a directory for building contractors. Add the miners, cuckoos, and sweats and what you have isn't a list of tool-bag clad builders, but some of the 1,600 known species of native bees in California. Here's how you can make them at home in your garden.
Bees, Butterflies, and Other Insect Pollinators
Insects have fascinating lives and behaviors most of us never notice. But if you spend even 15 minutes watching bees or butterflies, you’re sure to be drawn into their worlds and want to know more about them. Here are some … Read more
Native Plant Sales
April and May are great months for getting to know native plants through native plant sales and garden tours held around the Bay Area. And not only gardeners benefit: The proceeds from these sales fund valuable conservation work all over the region.
