Juan D. Rivera started learning everything he could about plants, farming, livestock, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, he’s earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation farming and renewable technology. He has worked in planning crops for companies and workshops, as an educational consultant and writer.
The Calathea Orbifolia or Goeppertia has outstanding striped leaves with amazing curves that can give your indoor space some pretty nice grooves. So much so, they got me inspired to do that rhyme just now…
When I first dipped my toes into the world of citrus gardening, my Meyer lemon tree was my pride and joy. It was supposed to be a hassle-free plant, providing me with a steady supply…
The Osakazuki Japanese Maple, otherwise known as the Acer Palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ or Japanese Maple ‘Osakazuki’, Acer palmatum (Elegans Group) ‘Osakazuki’, Acer palmatum (Heptalobum Group) ‘Osakazuki’, Acer palmatum ‘Taihai’, is a rather well known shrub plant…
The first time I laid eyes on a blooming lilac, I was hooked. It wasn’t just the scent—though that cloud of sweet, soft perfume practically danced through the air. It was the way the blossoms…
I’ll admit it—I’m not a perfect gardener. Sometimes, despite my best efforts, my plants decide to go rogue, turning brown and droopy instead of flourishing into the lush green beauties I imagined. But nothing has…
The Bottlebrush Buckeye, otherwise known as the Aesculus Parviflora or Dwarf Buckeye, Dwarf Horse Chestnut, is a well-known shrub plant native to the Northeast and the Southeast of the United States. Best known for its…
Elm trees, with their graceful arching branches and lush green canopies, have a way of making any landscape feel like a scene from a classic novel. But when your beloved elm starts looking more like…
Pine trees are the stalwart sentinels of the garden, standing tall and proud through the seasons. They bring a touch of evergreen majesty to any landscape, whispering tales of forests and fresh mountain air. But…
The Fernleaf Full-Moon Maple, otherwise known as the Acer Japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ or Full Moon Maple ‘Aconitifolium’, Fern-Leaf Maple ‘Aconitifolium’, Downy Japanese Maple ‘Aconitifolium’, Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium Maiku Jaku’, Acer japonicum ‘Filicifolium’, Acer japonicum ‘Laciniatum’, Acer…