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August 2026
Monthly Meeting
NEXT GENERAL MEETING: Growing Plant People - Horticulture Programs and Facilities at Southwestern College, With Holly McMullen, August 15, In-Person, Oasis, Rancho Bernardo, 1:30p -3:30p
Holly McMullen Holly McMullen is a tenured professor of plant science at Southwestern College and a field biologist with nearly a decade of experience working at the intersection of ecological research, habitat restoration, and higher education. Her expertise centers on the interactions between plants and animals, particularly within Southern California's diverse ecosystems, and she has conducted botanical and wildlife field surveys, managed large-scale restoration projects,
Jul 23
Articles
SHARING SECRETS: What is growing in your garden, or what do you plant in your garden, to attract natural bees?
Edited by Cathy Tylka, for Let's Talk Plants! July 2026. Sharing Secrets graphic made by Karen England using Canva. Question of the month – What is growing in your garden, or what do you plant in your garden, to attract natural bees? We learned much from the May Speaker, Dr. Molly Rightmeyer, about the need for natural habitat. Let’s see if we can use this important information. Honeybee on California Buckwheat. Photo provided by Cathy Tylka. Insects foraging nectar fro
Jul 1
SHARING SECRETS: So, What Vegetables And Herbs Are You Going To Plant?
Edited by Cathy Tylka, for Let's Talk Plants! June 2026. Sharing Secrets graphic made by Karen England using Canva. Question of the month – Do you have a plant or tree or other growing item, which you are babying and nurturing to get it to come to full life? If so, what is it you are doing? Kathy Ascher responded… I have a rare Wollemi Pine that was gifted to me. I planted it in a specific spot where it will not be blasted with heat, planted it in a raised box for drainage, a
Jun 1
SHARING SECRETS: So, What Vegetables And Herbs Are You Going To Plant?
Edited by Cathy Tylka, for Let's Talk Plants! May 2026. Sharing Secrets graphic made by Karen England using Canva. Question of the month – So, what vegetables and herbs are you going to plant or have you already for harvesting in your garden? Or do you also desire fruit from trees or both? What is your favorite? Answer one or all questions or make up your own! Gerald D. Stewart of 92084, responds… …I still need to plant the five tomato starts, which is all I am going to plant
May 1
SHARING SECRETS: What’s New That Helps You?
Edited by Cathy Tylka, for Let’s Talk Plants! April 2026. Current question: Are you using a new tool, implement, piece of hardware or structure to assist you to accommodate your garden? What is it and what does it do to assist you? Susi Torre-Bueno of 92084 created something… …It's not a new device, but I have used those cone-shaped wire tomato cages in a new way. I was gifted some large heavy bromeliad plants and put a tomato cage around each one to help it stay upright unti
Apr 1
SHARING SECRETS: Early Bloomers
Edited by Cathy Tylka, for Let’s Talk Plants! March 2026. This month’s question: With all the rain and sunshine that we’ve had, blooms are out early. Do you have anything blooming that has not done so in the past? This includes all, as in bulbs, trees, shrubs, flowers or anything else, in your garden or somewhere else. Vincent McGrath of 91941, shares… … My yard is like a nursery with different plants blooming 365 days a year!!! Grevillia Ned Kelly B
Mar 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
SHARING SECRETS: Making Things Easier As We Age
Edited by Cathy Tylka, for Let’s Talk Plants! November 2025. This month’s question: What are you doing in your garden to make things easier to maintain as you grow older and your knees/back/muscles don't cooperate as they used to? This question is thanks to Susi Torre-Bueno! Linda Chisari reports… ... In 1976, when we moved into our current house in Del Mar, we were very excited to find a huge, south-facing backyard, perfect for a veg
Nov 1, 2025
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