December 10, 2025
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you step-by-step through building a festive, living centerpiece using fresh succulent cuttings. You’ll learn how to: • Prepare your moss cone by fully submerging it in water so it becomes soft and easy to work with. • Create planting holes using a chopstick for your succulent cuttings. • Trim your cuttings at a slight angle—this helps them stay secure and encourages rooting. • Insert each succulent into the cone and anchor it with plant tacks for stability. • Mix colors, shapes, and textures to design a beautifully layered tree. • Choose the perfect succulent “tree topper” for that wow factor! • Fill in gaps and finish the look with more cuttings for a full, lush appearance. Click here for the entire YouTube video! Simple care tips: Give your tree a quick 5-minute “bath” when the moss feels dry, avoid overwatering, and place it in a bright, sunny window to keep it thriving. If you’d like to participate in our Succulent Christmas Tree Workshop on December 16th from 10am–12pm , tickets are still available! Create your very own living holiday centerpiece and enjoy a fun, festive experience in the gardens. Click here to purchase your tickets! Merry Christmas from Waterwise Botanicals!
December 10, 2025
Enjoy these traditional German Christmas cookies on December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st from 10am–2pm. Come visit Sunshine Santa and sit with him in his charming vintage sleigh. All guests will receive a free keepsake photo to remember the moment. Don’t forget to grab your Spekulatius on the way out — they make a wonderfully delicious holiday gift! 🎁 Click HERE to watch this video for a brief history lesson on their famous family secret, treasured by many. Happy Holidays from Waterwise Botanicals!
December 5, 2025
🔥 HOT SHOTS PART DEUX! 🔥 This video is Part 2 of our original HOT SHOTS series: Hot Shots – Fireproof Landscape Plants Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/U605XAVULFk California is currently experiencing heightened fire danger, and selecting the right plants can make a significant difference. In this follow-up video, you’ll learn more of the fire-resistant plants featured in our HOT SHOTS collection and how they can help protect your home and property. 🌿 Explore beautiful FIRE PROOF plant options 🔥 Learn how to create safer, more resilient landscapes 🏡 Discover practical ways to protect your home while keeping your garden stunning. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Waterwise tips and inspiration! Click the image above or click here to watch Part Deux! (Two)
Show More

Tips & Tricks

A mini green succulent with pink flowers, planted in a white coffee/tea cup/mug.
By Jackie Jesch June 12, 2020
A fun list of 12 compiled truths observed by Jackie Jesch of Waterwise Botanicals located in Bonsall, CA. We can all be a little more like succulents.
Honey Bee on Pink Flower
By Jackie Jesch May 26, 2020
Gardening tips for attracting Honey Bees to your garden.
Hummingbird getting nectar from a flower
By Jackie Jesch May 26, 2020
23 Plants to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden. #WaterWiseBotanicals
Monarch Butterfly on Pink Flowers
By Jackie Jesch May 22, 2020
Waterewise Botanicals shares their downloadable list of 37 plants to include in your garden if you want to attract butterflies.
Letter from the Author
From the time I was a little girl, helping my mom plant sweet peas, to being in the nursery business for almost twenty years…I’ve loved gardening. Some of my best days were spent whiling away my time in the garden, visiting nurseries, browsing through endless garden books and magazines, and garden design ideas at Waterwise Botanicals plant nursery.

Working in this industry has taught me well, but what I love most is the creativity that goes along with it. Designing a beautiful landscape, or meeting such wonderful people who share their enthusiasm & ideas for gardening. I never tire of discovering new plants, or changing up the mood of my garden.

​I have a passion for photography and writing, so you will usually find me with my camera trying to capture a shot of a beautiful plant or design. My articles are written to inspire, encourage, and share some pearls of wisdom I’ve gathered through the years, as well as highlight other authors, plants and concepts that are trending in design. So, let’s take a journey together “IN THE GARDEN”.

- Jackie Jesch
Waterwise Botanicals
December 10, 2025
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you step-by-step through building a festive, living centerpiece using fresh succulent cuttings. You’ll learn how to: • Prepare your moss cone by fully submerging it in water so it becomes soft and easy to work with. • Create planting holes using a chopstick for your succulent cuttings. • Trim your cuttings at a slight angle—this helps them stay secure and encourages rooting. • Insert each succulent into the cone and anchor it with plant tacks for stability. • Mix colors, shapes, and textures to design a beautifully layered tree. • Choose the perfect succulent “tree topper” for that wow factor! • Fill in gaps and finish the look with more cuttings for a full, lush appearance. Click here for the entire YouTube video! Simple care tips: Give your tree a quick 5-minute “bath” when the moss feels dry, avoid overwatering, and place it in a bright, sunny window to keep it thriving. If you’d like to participate in our Succulent Christmas Tree Workshop on December 16th from 10am–12pm , tickets are still available! Create your very own living holiday centerpiece and enjoy a fun, festive experience in the gardens. Click here to purchase your tickets! Merry Christmas from Waterwise Botanicals!
December 10, 2025
Enjoy these traditional German Christmas cookies on December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st from 10am–2pm. Come visit Sunshine Santa and sit with him in his charming vintage sleigh. All guests will receive a free keepsake photo to remember the moment. Don’t forget to grab your Spekulatius on the way out — they make a wonderfully delicious holiday gift! 🎁 Click HERE to watch this video for a brief history lesson on their famous family secret, treasured by many. Happy Holidays from Waterwise Botanicals!
December 5, 2025
🔥 HOT SHOTS PART DEUX! 🔥 This video is Part 2 of our original HOT SHOTS series: Hot Shots – Fireproof Landscape Plants Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/U605XAVULFk California is currently experiencing heightened fire danger, and selecting the right plants can make a significant difference. In this follow-up video, you’ll learn more of the fire-resistant plants featured in our HOT SHOTS collection and how they can help protect your home and property. 🌿 Explore beautiful FIRE PROOF plant options 🔥 Learn how to create safer, more resilient landscapes 🏡 Discover practical ways to protect your home while keeping your garden stunning. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Waterwise tips and inspiration! Click the image above or click here to watch Part Deux! (Two)
December 5, 2025
We went 6 weeks without watering, even through several days of high 90-degree temperatures! 🌞💦 Curious how to keep your plants thriving while saving money on your water bill? Come visit Waterwise Botanicals and discover smart, water-efficient solutions for your landscape. From drought-tolerant plants to landscaping tips, we’ll help you create a beautiful yard that’s low-maintenance and sustainable. Click here to watch our video on YouTube!
November 12, 2025
Discover the stunning Agave guiengola — also known as the Triangle Agave! This rare and beautiful species is a showstopper in any landscape. The variegated form features soft blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow tones that absolutely glow in the sun. Agave guiengola can grow to impressive sizes, forming bold architectural shapes that make it a perfect focal point for waterwise gardens and desert landscapes. It does not do well in frost, however. ✨ Fun fact: The agave snout weevil doesn’t prefer this species — meaning you can plant it with confidence and enjoy its beauty without the usual worry! Whether you’re a collector, a succulent enthusiast, or just love unique statement plants, this agave is a must-see. 🌵 Learn more and explore our full selection of agaves here! To watch our full YouTube video, click here! 
October 30, 2025
Did you know compost can reach temperatures up to 160 degrees?  That’s right! In this video, Tom Jesch from Waterwise Botanicals shares some fascinating science behind why compost gets so hot. It’s all thanks to the millions of micro-organisms hard at work! These living organisms feed on nutrients—like nitrogen—and act like tiny engines, generating heat as they break everything down. It’s very similar to how our own bodies work: we eat nutritious food that feeds our billions of cells, which then produce body heat around 98.6 degrees. We love sharing these fun, science-based insights and our passion for the natural world with you. Watch the full YouTube video here! To learn more and experience the magic of nature firsthand, come visit us at: Waterwise Botanicals 32151 Old Hwy395 Bonsall, CA 92003 Open to the public 7 days a week! Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm and Sundays 9am-2pm Free admission and free parking!
October 30, 2025
The three main ingredients in fertilizer are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—often referred to as NPK. These essential macronutrients each play a key role in plant growth: nitrogen promotes lush leaf growth, phosphorus supports strong root development, and potassium enhances overall plant health and resilience. Join Tom Jesch as he dives deep into the world of fertilizer! Learn the difference between organic and non-organic options and discover which type is best suited for your garden and your plants’ unique needs. Watch the full YouTube video here! To learn more, come and visit us here at Waterwise Botanicals! 32151 Old Hwy395 Bonsall, CA 92003 We are open to the public Monday- Saturday 8am-5pm and Sundays 9am-2pm. Always free admission and free parking!
October 2, 2025
Add some whitish-grey drama to your garden with Snowflake Dusty Miller (Centaurea ragusina)! This stunning plant looks like it sprinkled a little snow right into your landscape—without the cold weather. With its soft, velvety white leaves forming broad rosettes that resemble a snowflake, this beauty stays compact—under 1 foot tall and about 2 feet wide. No leggy growth here! 🌿 🌼 Bonus: In the summertime, it surprises you with cheerful yellow flowers. Tough as they come, it thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and handles temperatures from -10° to 120°. From deserts to mountains, this plant brings the chill factor in the hottest way! Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or just adding a pop of icy contrast to your landscape design. Click here to watch our YouTube video! 👉 Give your garden a frosty glow with Snowflake Dusty Miller—your plants may just get jealous!
September 30, 2025
Meet Aloe tongaensis ‘Neanderthaloe’ —or as Tom calls it, “The poor man’s Joshua Tree!” This striking aloe gives you the same bold, desert-inspired look as the Joshua Tree but grows much faster and is far more cost-efficient. In this video, we’ll show you why Neanderthaloe is such a standout in any landscape: ✅ Unique tree-like form ✅ Fast-growing compared to Joshua Trees ✅ More cost-efficient than Joshua Trees ✅ Perfect for adding dramatic, architectural interest ✅ Easy to care for and waterwise! ✨ Come see Aloe tongaensis ‘Neanderthaloe’ in person at Waterwise Botanicals and bring home a piece of desert beauty without the wait! Open to the public- 7 days a week! Always free admission and free parking! Click the image above or click here to watch our full YouTube video! 📍 Visit us: 32151 Old Hwy395 Bonsall, CA 92003 Open to the public, 7 days a week! Always Free admission and free parking!
September 3, 2025
Learn how to prune Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage). Tips on cutting back, fertilizing & care. Explore Waterwise Botanicals gardens—open daily & free!
Show More
Letter from the Author
From the time I was a little girl, helping my mom plant sweet peas, to being in the nursery business for almost twenty years…I’ve loved gardening. Some of my best days were spent whiling away my time in the garden, visiting nurseries, browsing through endless garden books and magazines, and garden design ideas at Waterwise Botanicals plant nursery.

Working in this industry has taught me well, but what I love most is the creativity that goes along with it. Designing a beautiful landscape, or meeting such wonderful people who share their enthusiasm & ideas for gardening. I never tire of discovering new plants, or changing up the mood of my garden.

​I have a passion for photography and writing, so you will usually find me with my camera trying to capture a shot of a beautiful plant or design. My articles are written to inspire, encourage, and share some pearls of wisdom I’ve gathered through the years, as well as highlight other authors, plants and concepts that are trending in design. So, let’s take a journey together “IN THE GARDEN”.

- Jackie Jesch
Waterwise Botanicals

Tips & Tricks

A mini green succulent with pink flowers, planted in a white coffee/tea cup/mug.
By Jackie Jesch June 12, 2020
A fun list of 12 compiled truths observed by Jackie Jesch of Waterwise Botanicals located in Bonsall, CA. We can all be a little more like succulents.
Honey Bee on Pink Flower
By Jackie Jesch May 26, 2020
Gardening tips for attracting Honey Bees to your garden.
Hummingbird getting nectar from a flower
By Jackie Jesch May 26, 2020
23 Plants to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden. #WaterWiseBotanicals
Monarch Butterfly on Pink Flowers
By Jackie Jesch May 22, 2020
Waterewise Botanicals shares their downloadable list of 37 plants to include in your garden if you want to attract butterflies.
December 10, 2025
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you step-by-step through building a festive, living centerpiece using fresh succulent cuttings. You’ll learn how to: • Prepare your moss cone by fully submerging it in water so it becomes soft and easy to work with. • Create planting holes using a chopstick for your succulent cuttings. • Trim your cuttings at a slight angle—this helps them stay secure and encourages rooting. • Insert each succulent into the cone and anchor it with plant tacks for stability. • Mix colors, shapes, and textures to design a beautifully layered tree. • Choose the perfect succulent “tree topper” for that wow factor! • Fill in gaps and finish the look with more cuttings for a full, lush appearance. Click here for the entire YouTube video! Simple care tips: Give your tree a quick 5-minute “bath” when the moss feels dry, avoid overwatering, and place it in a bright, sunny window to keep it thriving. If you’d like to participate in our Succulent Christmas Tree Workshop on December 16th from 10am–12pm , tickets are still available! Create your very own living holiday centerpiece and enjoy a fun, festive experience in the gardens. Click here to purchase your tickets! Merry Christmas from Waterwise Botanicals!
December 10, 2025
Enjoy these traditional German Christmas cookies on December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st from 10am–2pm. Come visit Sunshine Santa and sit with him in his charming vintage sleigh. All guests will receive a free keepsake photo to remember the moment. Don’t forget to grab your Spekulatius on the way out — they make a wonderfully delicious holiday gift! 🎁 Click HERE to watch this video for a brief history lesson on their famous family secret, treasured by many. Happy Holidays from Waterwise Botanicals!
December 5, 2025
🔥 HOT SHOTS PART DEUX! 🔥 This video is Part 2 of our original HOT SHOTS series: Hot Shots – Fireproof Landscape Plants Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/U605XAVULFk California is currently experiencing heightened fire danger, and selecting the right plants can make a significant difference. In this follow-up video, you’ll learn more of the fire-resistant plants featured in our HOT SHOTS collection and how they can help protect your home and property. 🌿 Explore beautiful FIRE PROOF plant options 🔥 Learn how to create safer, more resilient landscapes 🏡 Discover practical ways to protect your home while keeping your garden stunning. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Waterwise tips and inspiration! Click the image above or click here to watch Part Deux! (Two)
December 5, 2025
We went 6 weeks without watering, even through several days of high 90-degree temperatures! 🌞💦 Curious how to keep your plants thriving while saving money on your water bill? Come visit Waterwise Botanicals and discover smart, water-efficient solutions for your landscape. From drought-tolerant plants to landscaping tips, we’ll help you create a beautiful yard that’s low-maintenance and sustainable. Click here to watch our video on YouTube!
November 12, 2025
Discover the stunning Agave guiengola — also known as the Triangle Agave! This rare and beautiful species is a showstopper in any landscape. The variegated form features soft blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow tones that absolutely glow in the sun. Agave guiengola can grow to impressive sizes, forming bold architectural shapes that make it a perfect focal point for waterwise gardens and desert landscapes. It does not do well in frost, however. ✨ Fun fact: The agave snout weevil doesn’t prefer this species — meaning you can plant it with confidence and enjoy its beauty without the usual worry! Whether you’re a collector, a succulent enthusiast, or just love unique statement plants, this agave is a must-see. 🌵 Learn more and explore our full selection of agaves here! To watch our full YouTube video, click here! 
October 30, 2025
Did you know compost can reach temperatures up to 160 degrees?  That’s right! In this video, Tom Jesch from Waterwise Botanicals shares some fascinating science behind why compost gets so hot. It’s all thanks to the millions of micro-organisms hard at work! These living organisms feed on nutrients—like nitrogen—and act like tiny engines, generating heat as they break everything down. It’s very similar to how our own bodies work: we eat nutritious food that feeds our billions of cells, which then produce body heat around 98.6 degrees. We love sharing these fun, science-based insights and our passion for the natural world with you. Watch the full YouTube video here! To learn more and experience the magic of nature firsthand, come visit us at: Waterwise Botanicals 32151 Old Hwy395 Bonsall, CA 92003 Open to the public 7 days a week! Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm and Sundays 9am-2pm Free admission and free parking!
October 30, 2025
The three main ingredients in fertilizer are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—often referred to as NPK. These essential macronutrients each play a key role in plant growth: nitrogen promotes lush leaf growth, phosphorus supports strong root development, and potassium enhances overall plant health and resilience. Join Tom Jesch as he dives deep into the world of fertilizer! Learn the difference between organic and non-organic options and discover which type is best suited for your garden and your plants’ unique needs. Watch the full YouTube video here! To learn more, come and visit us here at Waterwise Botanicals! 32151 Old Hwy395 Bonsall, CA 92003 We are open to the public Monday- Saturday 8am-5pm and Sundays 9am-2pm. Always free admission and free parking!
October 2, 2025
Add some whitish-grey drama to your garden with Snowflake Dusty Miller (Centaurea ragusina)! This stunning plant looks like it sprinkled a little snow right into your landscape—without the cold weather. With its soft, velvety white leaves forming broad rosettes that resemble a snowflake, this beauty stays compact—under 1 foot tall and about 2 feet wide. No leggy growth here! 🌿 🌼 Bonus: In the summertime, it surprises you with cheerful yellow flowers. Tough as they come, it thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and handles temperatures from -10° to 120°. From deserts to mountains, this plant brings the chill factor in the hottest way! Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or just adding a pop of icy contrast to your landscape design. Click here to watch our YouTube video! 👉 Give your garden a frosty glow with Snowflake Dusty Miller—your plants may just get jealous!
September 30, 2025
Meet Aloe tongaensis ‘Neanderthaloe’ —or as Tom calls it, “The poor man’s Joshua Tree!” This striking aloe gives you the same bold, desert-inspired look as the Joshua Tree but grows much faster and is far more cost-efficient. In this video, we’ll show you why Neanderthaloe is such a standout in any landscape: ✅ Unique tree-like form ✅ Fast-growing compared to Joshua Trees ✅ More cost-efficient than Joshua Trees ✅ Perfect for adding dramatic, architectural interest ✅ Easy to care for and waterwise! ✨ Come see Aloe tongaensis ‘Neanderthaloe’ in person at Waterwise Botanicals and bring home a piece of desert beauty without the wait! Open to the public- 7 days a week! Always free admission and free parking! Click the image above or click here to watch our full YouTube video! 📍 Visit us: 32151 Old Hwy395 Bonsall, CA 92003 Open to the public, 7 days a week! Always Free admission and free parking!
September 3, 2025
Learn how to prune Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage). Tips on cutting back, fertilizing & care. Explore Waterwise Botanicals gardens—open daily & free!
Show More
A mini green succulent with pink flowers, planted in a white coffee/tea cup/mug.
By Jackie Jesch June 12, 2020
A fun list of 12 compiled truths observed by Jackie Jesch of Waterwise Botanicals located in Bonsall, CA. We can all be a little more like succulents.
Honey Bee on Pink Flower
By Jackie Jesch May 26, 2020
Gardening tips for attracting Honey Bees to your garden.
Hummingbird getting nectar from a flower
By Jackie Jesch May 26, 2020
23 Plants to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden. #WaterWiseBotanicals
Monarch Butterfly on Pink Flowers
By Jackie Jesch May 22, 2020
Waterewise Botanicals shares their downloadable list of 37 plants to include in your garden if you want to attract butterflies.
Letter from the Author
From the time I was a little girl, helping my mom plant sweet peas, to being in the nursery business for almost twenty years…I’ve loved gardening. Some of my best days were spent whiling away my time in the garden, visiting nurseries, browsing through endless garden books and magazines, and garden design ideas at Waterwise Botanicals plant nursery.

Working in this industry has taught me well, but what I love most is the creativity that goes along with it. Designing a beautiful landscape, or meeting such wonderful people who share their enthusiasm & ideas for gardening. I never tire of discovering new plants, or changing up the mood of my garden.

​I have a passion for photography and writing, so you will usually find me with my camera trying to capture a shot of a beautiful plant or design. My articles are written to inspire, encourage, and share some pearls of wisdom I’ve gathered through the years, as well as highlight other authors, plants and concepts that are trending in design. So, let’s take a journey together “IN THE GARDEN”.

- Jackie Jesch
Waterwise Botanicals