Garden Stories

The Garden blog with stories and information about our vast plant collections

Student Spotlight: Arman Omidvar’s Digital Archaeology

The 'Dead Card Project"— Bridging a 40-Year Data Gap using cutting edge digital tools.

Juveniles and Adults in the Plant World

The genetic "molecular switch" controlling the lifecycle of plants
A group of green-grey plants in a mound on rocks with blue sky

Virtual Tour through Namaqualand

Take a virtual plant expedition to South Africa with Horticulturist Ethan Fenner and Director of Collections Andrew Doran

Sunflecks

How do plants thrive in the forest understory?

Nature’s Savings and Loan: How Epiphytes Survive Without Soil

Have you ever wondered how orchids and other epiphytes survive without a speck of soil?

The Season of the Newt

Learn more about the cute denizens of the Garden!

The Swiss Cheese Plant

How do the holes form in the leaves of plants?

Does Chocolate Grow On Trees?

Chocolate starts its life not as a delicious truffle or warm drink, but as the seed of a tropical fruit

Rare and Unusual Plants in Namaqualand

Namaqualand journey days 7, 8 and 9

Namaqualand Continued

Our botanical journey continues through Namaqualand

Sharing the Planet

Dawn redwood–a fascinating history and connection with UC Berkeley

Travelogue to Namaqualand

Join the UCBG Team on their fantastic botanical journey to Namaqualand