Introducing Ironwood 36 | An Ode to Seeds

The digital edition of Ironwood 36, the Garden’s bi-annual magazine, is here — and it’s brimming with stories that will inspire, inform, and ignite your passion for native plants. This issue celebrates the incredible potential packed into something as small as a seed. With every article, we invite you to join us in our mission to nurture vibrant landscapes and ensure biodiversity thrives for generations to come. Are you ready to explore the beauty, science, and wonder of seeds?

Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

• The Search for Seed: Meet Heather Schneider, Ph.D., and her team as they journey across deserts and mountains to protect California’s rarest plants. Their dedication to conservation guarantees to inspire.
• The Seed Supply Chain: Keith Nevison takes us behind the scenes of the California Native Seed Strategy, a game-changing effort to meet the growing demand for native plants in the face of climate change.
• Ants at Work: Join Zach Phillips, Ph.D., in a super fun and fascinating look at how tiny harvester ants play a big role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health.
• Practical Advice: Sharing tips and tricks of the trade, Holly Huff shares her expert tips for your home garden, Manuel Hernandez teaches us about propagation, and Christina Varnava takes us on a walnut seed collection adventure.
• A Sense of Wonder: Kevin Spracher’s “Seeds of Wonder” reminds us that conservation isn’t just about science — it’s about connection. Discover how exhibitions and storytelling can inspire awe and a deeper appreciation for native plants.
• Poetry and Art: Ironwood wouldn’t be complete without its creative touch. This issue features breathtaking photography and poetry that bring the magic of native plants to life in unexpected ways.

Join Us in Celebrating Native Plants

Ready to dive into Ironwood 36 and experience the creativity and passion that define this publication? We’re so proud to share these stories and extend our heartfelt thanks to our contributors, editorial staff, generous donors, and readers. Your support fuels our mission and makes this work possible.

Get Your Copy

Enjoy Ironwood online or in print! Current Garden members receive a mailed copy as a special benefit. If you’re not yet a member, consider joining us to support native plant conservation and enjoy perks like this one.

Stay Connected

Our work doesn’t stop with Ironwood. Stay updated year-round by subscribing to our newsletter via the form on our home page, following us on social media, or attending one of our events (There is always something going on, you can check out our calendar here).

Together, we’re planting seeds of hope and ensuring that native plants and the ecosystems they support continue to thrive.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Happy reading!