Plant Selection

Miscanthus sinensis, Wikimedia Commons Whether you want to create a naturalistic meadow, showcase a dramatic backlit border, or line a path, ornamental grasses are up for the job. Ornamental grasses and other grass-like plants like rushes and sedges are easily grown and work with many garden styles.

Information on Gardens and Landscaping, Plants and Seeds, Orchards and Trees and Research; plus planting guides for the north valley and foothills.

Gardening in Tahoe is not like gardening in the valley or many other places in California. The microclimates, elevation, and cold weather are just some of the things that make the area distinct, and a distinct challenge for those of us who love to dig in the dirt.

Wisteria sinensis, Wikimedia Commons Vines are usually grown for a purpose: to cast shade over an arbor, hide an unattractive chain link fence, or splay out over a hillside. If you're considering adding a vine to your garden, it is critical that you know its ultimate size.

We invite you to join our public tomato trial and be a citizen scientist! Help us gather information by growing trial tomatoes in your garden and reporting the results.

Lilies are amongst the most popular bulbs. Julia Kadel, Unsplash If you love showy flowers, bulbs are for you. Bulbs, corms, and tubers store the food that keeps the plant alive during dormant periods.

Spring Garden Fair native plants descriptions. California native plants have evolved to be well adapted to our dry summer/wet winter climate, and they support native birds and insects. They are generally water-wise choices for landscaping.

Chinese pistache, Wikimedia Commons Leaves are so ubiquitous that it's easy to overlook all the benefits they provide and the transition many experience. There's science behind a crimson burning bush (Euonymus), brilliant golden Ginkgo, or neon-orange Japanese maple (Acer palmatum).

Review Growing Great Tomatoes before planting your seedlings. Harden off your seedlings by gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions for 4 to 7 days before transplanting into the ground. Start by placing the plants in a sheltered location like a covered patio.

Meet the spectacular succulents and other low-water plants at the Falkirk Demonstration Garden in San Rafael. L Stiles Every summer is dry in Marin and drought is an undeniable reality. In response, many gardeners make it a goal to conserve water wherever possible.