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March 2026
Monthly Meeting
NEXT GENERAL MEETING: April 18, 2026 - Walker Wilson - Conservation Through Cultivation - Growing A Local Ecotype Nursery. In-Person, Oasis, Rancho Bernardo, 1:30p -3:30p
Viguiera laciniata - San Diego Bush Sunflower. Photo Credit: Walkers Wildlands – California Native Plant Nursery Viguiera laciniata - San Diego Bush Sunflower, a San Diego endemic species that happens to be excellent for garden conditions. Evergreen, tough and made for full sun conditions, it will still stay green with
3 days ago
Articles
BOTANICAL ENCOUNTERS: The Atacama Superbloom, Chile 2011
Words and pictures by Ida K. Rigby, for Let’s Talk Plants! February 2026. The Atacama Superbloom, Chile 2011 Let’s return to the fog shrouded Atacama Desert coast in Chile… …and immerse ourselves in the abundance of tough desert flora that were exuberantly flowering in the aftermath of a rare phenomenon in the Atacama, rain. As we know, the plants survive on whatever moisture the perpetual fog offers. Each plant has strategies for waiting until the next time there is rain whe
Feb 1
FROM THE MASTER GARDENERS: Staghorn Ferns
By Mike Harrelson, UCCE Master Gardener of San Diego County. First published in the San Diego Union Tribune March 2023. Republished with permission in Let’s Talk Plants! February 2026. Photo source: Staghorn Fern Background Images, HD Pictures and Wallpaper For Free Download | Pngtree . Staghorn Ferns For sheer pop, indoors or out, staghorn ferns ( Platycerium spp.) can’t be beat. Once considered difficult to grow in San Diego County, staghorn ferns are now commonly found in
Feb 1
GOING WILD WITH NATIVES: Pollinator Food And Host Plants For Butterflies And More!
By Susan Lewitt, for Let’s Talk Plants! February 2026. What a great color coordination! "Desert Marigold Moth (in a Desert Marigold flower)" by Lon&Queta, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Pollinator Food and Host Plants for Butterflies and More! Native plants in our gardens create a sanctuary for nature that supports the local biodiversity by supporting native pollinators. Some pollinators are generalists and go to many different species of flowers, while others, known as spec
Feb 1
MEETING REPORT: Horticulturist Of The Year 2026, Nancy Carol Carter, Celebration
SD Hort president Karen England presented Nancy with her award basket that included a framed certificate, a lifetime membership to the San Diego Horticultural Society, Felco pruners and a carrying sheath, a 2026 journal and a maple wood-turned bowl by Ray Brooks. Photo credit: Rachel Cobb. Horticulturist of the Year for 2026 Nancy Carol Carter. There was carrot cake from VG's Bakery in Cardiff. Photo credit: Rachel Cobb. About Nancy - After a long and rewardi
Feb 1
SHARING GARDENS REPORT: January 2026 Vista Open Garden Of Julian And Leslie Duval
By Susi Torre-Bueno, for Let's Talk Plants! February 2026. Photo credit: Member Sherry Simmons, used with permission. Julian Duval (the SDHS Horticulturist of the Year in 2014) was the first President/CEO of Quail Botanical Gardens (now San Diego Botanic Garden) from 1995 until 2018, during which he grew this outstanding botanical treasure from an all-volunteer hidden gem to the bustling modern venue it is today. During his tenure at SDBG he and his wife Leslie purchased a 2/
Feb 1
SHARING SECRETS: What’s In Bloom?
Edited by Cathy Tylka, for Let’s Talk Plants! February 2026. What’s In Bloom? This month’s question… What is blooming in your garden or in the gardens of those around you that make you happy it’s in season? And take and send a photo, if you can too! Kay McGrath tells us … ... It is the season for aloes to bloom! This year they are fantastic. Christel Chase of 92103 relates… ... So great that you propelled me outside, AWAY from my computer! I found
Feb 1
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Birds Of A Feather
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! February 2026. Encouraging and Enjoying Songbirds in the Garden Movie still from Field of Dreams, dvdbeaver.com “If you build it, they will come.” Do you remember the movie Field of Dreams? The lead actor Kevin Costner built a baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield, and if I remember the film correctly, it was to encourage baseball players to play baseball and then people came to watch. When I moved to this property 10 ½ yea
Feb 1
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