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.
There’s nothing more disheartening than seeing your once-vibrant hydrangea tree struggling to stay upright. I’ve been there, staring at my weak hydrangea, wondering where I went wrong and how I could bring it back to…
The Paperbark Maple, otherwise known as the Acer Griseum or Acer nikoense (Miq.) Maxim. var. griseum Franch, is a rather well known tree plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world. Best known for its low…
Are you looking for a plant that will invite the tropics to your home or office? The evergreen cast iron plant or Aspidistra Elatior, a native of Japan and Taiwan, will transform your indoors with…
Lilacs, with their fragrant blooms and vibrant green leaves, have a way of making any garden feel like a slice of paradise. But what happens when your lilac tree starts to look more drab than…
The Chamaedorea Elegans or parlor palms brings the tropical feel to your indoors. With its evergreen foliage that adapts to dim lighting and low temperature, it still produces the most magnificent palm-like shrub indoors. Made…
The Rattlesnake Plant or the Calathea Lancifolia is another gem from the prayer plant’s family. Its pointed leaves with dark spots give this variety of Calatheas a strong personality that is hard to find in…
There’s nothing quite like the joy of nurturing a Calamansi tree—its vibrant green leaves, fragrant blossoms, and those juicy little fruits that pack a citrusy punch. However, any gardener can attest that our green companions…
Reviving a cherry tree can feel like trying to breathe life into an old friend who’s lost its spark. I’ve been there—staring at wilted leaves, brittle branches, and fruit that never quite makes it to…
Imagine this: it’s a crisp winter morning, and you’re sipping a steaming cup of tea while gazing out at your garden. The lemon trees you lovingly tended through the warmer months stand proudly, their glossy…