Eleanor Wells

A transplant from Jackson, Mississippi, Eleanor Wells is currently rooted in Los Angeles, California. On most days you can find Eleanor basking in the sun, dirt streaked across her face, like the true sunflower she is. She loves spending time in the garden, backpacking, and surfing with friends. Eleanor moved west to attend Occidental College where she studied urban and environmental policy, and Spanish literature. Since finishing school and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, she has dedicated her attention towards hands-on work with the earth. She focuses on native plant communities, soil health, herbal medicine, and resourceful farming practices.

How to Grow Toyon (California Holly)

A close up horizontal image of a cluster of bright red berries of California holly (Heteromeles arbutifolia) pictured on a soft focus background.

Intrinsic cultural and habitat value shape the history of the California toyon plant. Small, white, rose-like flowers in summer lead to vibrant red berries in winter, providing abundant nectar and forage for pollinators and birds. Fire resistant and drought tolerant, this plant is a chaparral and oak woodland staple.

How to Plant and Grow Lemon Thyme

A close up horizontal image of lemon thyme (Thymus Citriodorus) growing in a herb garden.

Lemon thyme is a compact, aromatic herb that’s easy to grow and even easier to love. It attracts pollinators, repels pests, and is a delicious culinary herb. Drought tolerant and low maintenance, it’s ideal for growing in beds, borders, rock walls, or as edging for walkways. Learn how to plant and grow lemon thyme now.

How to Grow Creeping Thyme as an Aromatic Ground Cover

A close up horizontal image of purple flowering Thymus praecox growing over a rockery.

With its dense, mat-like form, creeping thyme makes for a beautiful and aromatic living mulch between stepping stones. Come summertime, lilac flower clusters attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Drought tolerant, low maintenance, and edible, this plant is sure to put a smile on your face in any season.

How to Grow Smooth Hydrangea

A close up horizontal image of the white flowers of Hydrangea arborescens growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

With snow-white pom-pom inflorescence and exfoliating, textured bark, wild hydrangeas are sure to wow any garden aficionado. Hydrangea arborescens attracts pollinators, stabilizes slopes, and is a natural border plant with showy blooms that make for an elegant cut flower. Learn how to grow wild hydrangeas now.