If you are ready to venture into the world of exotic tropical fruit, consider planting a tree from the annonaceae or custard-apple family. Several tasty species are available and grow well here in ...

It will come as no surprise to Randy Strauss that bromeliads can be used as part of a lush tropical-style garden in the Bay Area. He planned it that way when he hired landscape designer David Feix to ...

When it comes to selecting a thriller plant for your mixed container, I think it is hard to beat a banana. They have the ability to instantly capture the imagination of all who gaze upon them and ...

The tropics is home to a great many plant species with flamboyantly colorful flowers and foliage. This may raise an eyebrow or two, but perhaps it’s time we temperate climate gardeners toss our ...

In the botanical world, flowers come in a dazzling array of pink color variations, from pastel and coral shades to deep berry and fuschia. Nowhere are such diverse pink petals more prevalent than ...

The Red Abyssinian banana started showing up in garden centers just over a decade ago and now is considered to be the most beautiful banana for the landscape. It is perfect for Lowcountry gardeners ...

Matt Spinetta’s artistic eye and love of tropical, exotic and rare or endangered plants has boldly influenced his Novato garden. A San Rafael native and veteran ...

The first time you see a Japanese emperor oak (Quercus dentata ‘Pinnatifida’) you’ll be convinced it’s a tropical houseplant. That’s because the leaves on this amazing little tree are so heavily ...

Have you ever returned from a tropical destination wishing you could hang onto that beachy vibe when your vacation is but a distant memory? Do magazines and television shows in sultry settings ...

"Where you find the darkest avenue/ There you'll find the brightest jewel," sings Richard Thompson. That would describe the improbable garden Richard Gervais and designer Chris Jacobson have conjured ...