Ironwood 37 is Here

The latest issue of Ironwood, the Garden’s biannual magazine, has arrived — and it’s rooted in hope. Issue 37 invites you to dig deeper into what it means to care for our planet, starting in your backyard. Whether you’re a longtime native plant enthusiast or just starting to explore their value, this issue offers stories that will inform, inspire, and connect you to a growing movement.

From the living soil beneath our feet to the role fire plays in shaping our landscapes, the pages are filled with voices who believe that small actions have a big impact. Through science, storytelling, humor, and heart, we’re reminded the choices we make today help shape our future well-being.

Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

• An Ode to Soil: Grounds Manager Stephanie Ranes unearths the extraordinary life hiding right under our feet — in the dirt. Her article explores the role healthy soil plays in sustaining California’s native ecosystems.

• The Truth About Growing Native Plants: Living Collections Curator Christina Varnava challenges the common misconception that native plants are hard to grow. Her insights will change the way you think about gardening and success in the region’s unique climate.

• Rooted in Beauty: Take a peek inside a Garden member’s whimsical, English-inspired native garden in this story by Senior Donor Relations Manager Jenny McClure. It’s a joyful look at how thoughtful design can blend beauty with ecological responsibility.

• Small Farms, Big Impact: Director of Conservation and Research Denise Knapp, Ph.D., shares how small farms in Cuyama Valley are partnering with the Garden to restore native plants, conserve water, and build resilience.

• California’s Ever-Present Relationship with Fire: Director of Education and Engagement Scot Pipkin offers a deeply personal look at how fire has shaped our state — and how we can better prepare to live with it. (Side note, tune in on July 22 as we explore fire resilience further during this virtual discussion. Learn more here.)

• From the Archives & Clifton Smith Herbarium: Go behind the scenes with Archivist Hannah Barton and learn how the Garden’s archival and herbarium teams are preserving and sharing the knowledge that fuels future conservation.

• A Little Joy: In a refreshing and funny read, Terrestrial Invertebrate Conservation Ecologist Zachary Phillips, Ph.D., gives us Five Ways of Strengthening Your Core While Looking at Birds. Because yes — caring for nature should bring us joy, too.

Join Us in Celebrating Native Plants

As I wrote in my into letter, “Audrey Hepburn once shared that ‘to garden is to believe in tomorrow,’ and I think that’s such a resonate idea.” This issue of Ironwood celebrates this belief, rooted in community, science, and the quiet courage to care.

Get Your Copy

You can always enjoy Ironwood online or in print! As a special benefit, Garden members receive the magazine by mail. Not a member yet? Join us and help support native plant conservation across California — plus enjoy perks like this publication, free admission, and more.

Stay Connected

Our work continues long after you’ve closed the cover. Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media, and joining us at events throughout the year. You’ll find a full calendar on our website.

Together, we are planting seeds of hope. Thank you for being a part of it. Happy reading!