Local Columns

Joshua Tree National Park a haven of oases

Joshua Tree National Park, just outside of Twentynine Palms, Calif., is a great springtime destination to visit for a day or two or even an extended trip to hike, go birding or just drive around looking at wildflowers. The park was established as a national monument in 1936 and gained national park status in 1994, and this year, it is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Some palms slow to mold into mulch

April 5, 2011 - 1:40 pm

Question: I was told by a landscaping company that the fronds from Mexican fan palms cannot be chipped and recycled into mulch because they are too alkaline. This was news to me! Your opinion regarding that palms-too-alkaline-for-mulch theory would be appreciated.

Sojourner Truth’s tale told in new audiobook

April 5, 2011 - 1:38 pm

Fruit thinning classes set at orchard

By BOB MORRISGARDENING

March 31, 2011 - 1:06 am

Gnats no big nuisance to outdoor plants

March 29, 2011 - 8:21 pm

Question: Can you help me identify some insects on my grapes? They are quite small and devour the leaves of my grape vines, leaving them like skeletons. There are literally thousands of them in the summer. They stay until late fall and are very annoying. What can I do to get rid of them?

Teenie’s experiences may be a big deal to readers

March 29, 2011 - 8:17 pm

Coarse mulch not suitable for vegetables

By BOB MORRISGARDENING

March 24, 2011 - 1:04 am

Cool temperatures will damage oleanders

BOB MORRISGARDENING

March 17, 2011 - 1:05 am

Roots keep trees anchored as well as take up water

BOB MORRISGARDENING

March 10, 2011 - 2:03 am

Radishes, especially red ones, grow well in the valley