Book Review: Complete Starter Guide to Bonsai
Karen Meyers David Squire’s book, Complete Starter Guide to Bonsai, provides an introduction to the art of bonsai. Written with the novice in mind, the author covers all the information needed to…
Genus Winter Hazels (Corylopsis sp)
Karen The genus Corylopsis consists of about 30 species in the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, that also includes loropetalum and fothergill. They are native to eastern Asia, mainly China, but with…
Plant Profile: California Juniper (Juniperus californica)
Also known as California white cedar, sweetberry cedar, desert white cedar, and Cedros Island juniper this evergreen small tree is native to dry soils at moderate elevations in Arizona, California,…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Shrubs and Trees Grown for Foliage
Shrubs and trees are versatile and can be an important part of the garden. They can provide structure, define beds, serve as a backdrop or focal point, add color, create…
Plant Profile: Stone Pine (Pinus pinea aka Apinus pinea)
Also known as umbrella pine and parasol pine, this coniferous evergreen tree is native to the Mediterranean region including southern Europe, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. It is a member of…
Plant Profile: Sandarac Gum Tree (Tetraclinis articulata aka Callistris quadrivalis aka Thuja articulata)
Also called citrus wood by the ancient Romans, this evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa and is a member of the cypress…
Plant Profile: Ebony (Diospyros ebenum)
Native to the hot, humid coastal lowland forests of India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, this evergreen tree is a member of the family Ebenaceae that also includes persimmon. The tree…
Plant Profile: Scrub Oak (Quercus gambelii)
Also known as gambe oak, oak brush, and Rocky Mountain white oak, this deciduous small tree or large shrub is native to the foothills and lower mountains elevations of western…
Plant Profile: Thorny Eleagnus (Eleagnus pungens)’Variegata’
This vine-like sprawling evergreen shrub, also known as thorny olive, spiny oleaster, and silverthorn is native to China and Japan. It is a member of the oleaster family, Eleagnaceae, that…
How to Care for Bonsai: Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
Chinese juniper is an evergreen coniferous tree or shrub native to Asia but is widely grown as an ornamental. It is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae, that also…