Botany

This week our SoCal Garden Clinic turns to problematic avocado trees: Question from reader Steven Klein of Malibu: In November 2011, I planted a 3-gallon Lamb Hass avocado tree on a slope with full sun about 90% of the day. Despite my ineptitude,...

What he does: Tyler Diehl oversees the design, planting and maintenance of 22 acres of lush gardens in Monkton. The Ladew property, which is 250 acres in total, includes a nature walk and 15 “garden rooms,” each with its own theme. While...

4-H Annual Calf Sale — The 38th annual Franklin County (Pa.) 4-H Calf Sale will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland Valley Antique Engine Show Grounds in Chambersburg, Pa., at 7 p.m. Twenty-five lots of calves and embryo packages will be...

When it comes to a choice between forestry industry profits and bats, it makes sense to go with the bats. That was my position just 11 days ago, while discussing the "white-nose syndrome" that has wiped out millions of hibernating bats in the eastern...

Amy Stewart's recipe for a classic margarita includes three parts agave tequilana, one part citrus aurantifolia and one part beta vulgaris mixed with citrus aurantium. That's how the author labels tequila, lime juice and the flavors in orange liqueurs...

Native Plants Program On Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m, the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is sponsoring a “Native Plants” program at Spring Haven Nurseries in Newburg, Pa.  Spring Haven Nurseries specializes in native woodland plants...

The books in this week's roundup are united less by theme than by the fact that they're all new and noteworthy. But before we get to that, since Monday is Holocaust Remembrance Day, I'm going to throw in a sixth book — “Vera Gran: The Accused&...

Amy Stewart's new book, "The Drunken Botanist," explores the plant ingredients in our favorite cocktails (and the lesser known ones too). "Every great drink starts with a plant," Stewart writes in her introduction, a section aptly titled "Aperitif." "If...

American Chestnut Grower School — The workshop will be Friday, April 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Penn State Extension office in Franklin County, 181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, Pa. There is a registration fee of $25.  Native Plants Program...

Amy Stewart is no stranger to horticulture. In fact, some might consider her among the queens of it: The Northern California-based author has written six books on topics ranging from plants to bugs (the best-selling “Wicked Plants” and “...

BROOKINGS - Our local weather forecaster says that we are now in meteorological spring, says David Graper, Extension Horticulture Specialist and Director of McCrory Gardens. He is quick to point out that this is slightly different than regular spring in...

 • Recruiting for Food and Wellness Volunteer Program — Based on the successful Master Gardener program, Penn State Extension is seeking volunteers who are willing to be trained to become certified in food and wellness programs. They are...