Category Archives: Newsletter Articles

Written by David S. In hardiness zones 9-11, it’s nice to have a little shade in the summer. Inside we go over five vining plants that help to create shade. Maybe that means creating dappled shade in first-floor rooms. Perhaps that means creating a space where you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort. When you […]

Written by David S. Microgreens are all the rage, and for a good reason; they are full of enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and health. Anyone who is looking to improve health and vitality has probably looked into the health benefits of microgreens. Most are loaded with minerals such as potassium, zinc, and iron. Another plus is […]

Written by David S. Lepidoptera n is the scientific name given to the order for butterflies and moths, and we have some fantastic moths. We mention moths because most fly only at night so, we miss them. Many moths are somewhat plain because they need to hide and blend in well, but they too will […]

Written by David S. Planters are one of the best ways to showcase flowers. Whether you have a single flower in a container or a mixture, how you place the plants is essential. Raised beds and in-ground gardens are also a place where plant size and placement are essential. Inside, we point out several plants […]

Written by David S. Birds of Paradise — Strelitzia — are unique and beautiful tropical flowers that thrive in US Hardiness Zones 10-11 and may sometimes thrive in zone 9 if protected in the winter. These lovely additions to your yard come in a few varieties, including Strelitzia nicolai — a white bird of paradise plant.  Size of Bird […]

Written by David S. Echinacea purpurea — the purple coneflower is beautiful, medicinal, and a member of the sunflower family. It is just one option when it comes to growing Echinacea. There are a few options for plant choice, and as you continue to read, we will go through a few of those, their growing requirements, […]

Written by David S. Mint is a fantastic herb. It offers culinary delights, has medicinal properties, is an aromatic, and bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies love it too. Inside, we discuss how to grow mint, the care and soil requirements of growing mint, some of its many uses, and the different varieties to consider. Let’s get […]

By Richard Flowers, ACCNP-Green Thumb Nursery-Ventura Do you have a difficult area in your landscape where it is between two buildings with a narrow strip of soil for planting and you want to block the view of your neighbors or something unsightly? Your choices of plant material are limited for this type of application unless […]

Written by David S. Artichokes are an excellent addition to any garden. The large buds offer a unique flavor and many options for creating meals. Gently steamed and consumed petal by petal or stripped down to the heart with a bit of vinaigrette, artichokes are a summer and fall favorite. Here’s how to grow them.  […]