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November 2026
Monthly Meeting
NEXT GENERAL MEETING: Tales From a Plant Explorer and Breeder, With Jeremy Spath, November 21, In-Person, Oasis, Rancho Bernardo, 1:30p -3:30p
Jeremy Spath with a tormented Agave shawii in Baja California Driven by a passion for discovering exceptional, rare, and new agave species, Jeremy Spath has spent the past 20 years exploring the natural habitats of agaves across the Americas. His journey began with a deep fascination for seeing these remarkable plants in their native environments, inspiring countless expeditions to uncover the beauty of agave habitats. His expertise extends to cultivating these plants, with a
Nov 1
Articles
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Making Changes in the Garden
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! November 2026. Photo by Francesa Filanc. Zinnia flowers. Photo by Francesa Filanc. Here we are in November 2026. This month marks my six-year anniversary writing for SDHS. I’m forever grateful to Karen England for asking me to write an article for the magazine every month. Writing about gardens and gardening gives me such joy. November is a perfect month to write about changes in the garden as we come deep into Autumn. Seasons of th
Nov 1
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Phenomenal Experiences in Nature
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! October 2026. Sunflowers and zinnias in bloom. Photo Credit: Francesca Filanc. Phenomenal Experiences in Nature Years ago, a close girlfriend told me of two phenomenal experiences she had had in nature. When we are watching and listening for it, we probably all get at least one of these experiences in our lifetime. Years ago, a close friend of mine told me of two such experiences that she had. One time she was above Vail, Colorado.
Oct 1
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Gardens and Nature Through our Lives
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! September 2026. 'Sentimental' floribunda rose in the author's garden. Photo credit: Francesca Filanc. Gardens and Nature Through our Lives Petrea volubilis grows repeatedly in this garden. I moved to this property in 2015 and started preparing right away to make changes and to put my own mark on the Garden. (https://francescafilanc.com/garden-surroundings-in-the-garden/) Petrea in the author's garden. Photo credit: Francesca Filanc.
Sep 1
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Gardens and Nature Through our Lives
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! August 2026. 'Beverly Hills' apples in Francesca's beautiful home garden. Photo credit: Francesca Filanc. Gardens and Nature Through our Lives Gardens and nature are woven through the fabric of our lives and experiences. Being exposed to gardens and nature from the time a baby is born gives the human being a lifelong love of the outdoors and peace and tranquility in difficult and sad times as well as happy ones. Garden designed by F
Aug 1
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Enchanting Beach Access Brimming with Color!
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! July 2026. Enchanting Beach Access Brimming with Color! Photo credit: Francesca Filanc. Enchanting Beach Access Brimming with Color! Recently, I had the pleasure to take a trip up to the Bay Area to be with my daughter, Erica and her kids for a long weekend. We rented an Airbnb. We have rented this beautiful home before. The home is just a stone’s throw from having your feet in the sand. Photo credit: Francesca Filanc. As one approa
Jul 1
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: June Is Busting Out All Over!
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! June 2026. June is busting out all over! Photo credit: Francesca Filanc. June Is Busting Out All Over! With the advent of climate change, we need to “roll with the punches” so to speak. This year the ‘First Love’ Gardenia had its first blossom of the season on May 1, and the magnolia tree, which used to bloom at the end of June and all through July, was also blooming on the first of May. We had an extremely hot March. The hottest Ma
May 31
GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Dear Mama…
By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! May 2026. Francesca Filanc and her mother Pat Welsh. Photo credit: Francesca Filanc. My garden is on a Mother's Day tour this month and I was asked to write about my mother, Pat Welsh, for the tour pamphlet. Unfortunately, this was too long for the pamphlet, so this is my article this month, a tribute to my mother, a love letter to her for being such a wonderful mother, and I feel I owe my talents and my passions to my wonderful mot
Apr 30
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