— Nan Sterman How often a gardener sends me a photo, asking me if the bug in the picture is a “good bug” or a “bad bug.” Most people assume  every bug is bad but the truth is, most of the insects in our gardens are “good,” or at least, they aren’t “bad.” In my garden, this is an

— Nan Sterman Take a deep breath in the garden. What do you smell? If you grow citrus, chances are you’re smelling one of the headiest, most intoxicating fragrances imaginable. This is the time of year when backyard citrus erupt in small, fragrant white flowers that will become

— By Nan Sterman Fried egg plant and matilija poppy are two names for Romneya coulteri, a giant of the poppy family.  This big, beautiful perennial forms crepe papery flowers as large as salad plates.  The combination of white petals and bright yellow center earn this plant the

— By Nan Sterman Poinsettia season is upon us!  Growers ship out the bright red and soft yellow colored plants every day, sending them to nurseries and garden centers across the country. Thanks to late Encinitan Paul Ecke Jr., poinsettias are the plants we mostly closely associa

Gardens introduce kids to the magic of planting, growing, and interacting with elders at Sunshine Care Assisted Living Facility in Poway, CA.  At this memory-care facility, children and seniors garden together in innovative ways that gives all ages and abilities a sense of purpose.  C

We get to visit so many wonderful places while we are shooting A Growing Passion.  People welcome us into their gardens and businesses with open arms.  One of the really interesting stories we’ve explored is that of Bonsai Sensei, Phil Tacktill. Phil grew up in New York, in the city w

Three days ago it was winter.  Today its spring.  Funny how the seasons change, seemingly overnight.  Its not just the temperature that tells me its spring, the colorful flowers announce it as well. Here’s what’s blooming today: Purple Babiana (baboon flowers), Bright chartreuse Eupho