Why not to Plant Magnolias and Jacarandas

If you are considering planting a tree, you might want to eliminate southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and jacaranda from your list of choices.  There is a bacterial disease that is infecting t...

California’s Worst Weeds

If there is one daily activity that unites the human race above all others, it’s weeding. Most people on Earth still grow at least some of the food they eat and, in order for their seeds to grow into...

Biological Pest Control Made Simple

Biological control of undesirable garden pests is the desirable way to go  Biological control is a garden management tool that encourages natural processes by bringing one living organism into the ga...

Oomycetes and Powdery Mildew Fungus

Oomycete.  No,‭ ‬it’s not a typo.‭  ‬Oomycete really does start with two o’s. It’s pronounced oh-oh-MY-seat,‭ emphasis on “my” ‬although the presence of oomycetes in the garden is m...

Gopher Control Options

I hope you can give us some suggestions as to what is best to plant on a hillside in poor soil and is not liked by gophers.  Red apple iceplant (Aptenia hybrid) seems to do well but is eventually eat...

Oomycetes: Strange Word, Familiar Problem

Oomycete. No,‭ ‬it’s not a typo.‭  ‬Oomycete really does start with two o’s. It’s pronounced oh-oh-MY-seat,‭ emphasis on “my” ‬although the presence of oomycetes in the garden is mo...

History of Snail Problem in California

 History of Snail Problem in California If you happen to be a local oenologist — a winemaker, that is — the name of Antoine Delmas could well be near and dear to your heart.  If you happe...