Walnut Creek’s Ruth Bancroft is a national authority on drought-resistant gardening. Twice a month she and her staff share their knowledge with readers. South Africa is home to many kinds of aloes, ...

For any of us who burn in the sun, Aloe vera gel is just about the only practical relief we can get. It works well for plain old itchy skin, too. It has a clean, crisp fragrance that never over powers ...

After five or so months on the inside, my houseplants are noticeably homesick for natural sunlight and the wind on their leaves. My winter plant houseguest roster is largely composed of sun- ...