olive tree - Nature and garden

Winterizing your olive trees and protecting them from the cold

It might come as a surprise, but what is most fatal to olive trees in winter isn’t the cold – it’s moisture. If the cold sets in gradually and the air is dry, olive trees are hardy down to 10 to 17°F (-8 to -12°C) and have been known to survive temperatures as low as […]

‘Picholine’ olives, a taste of Provence

Picholine olive is a special olive variety native to southern France. Consumers are often unaware of the fact: olive oil from Nîmes was awarded in 2004 the title of “controlled designation of origin“: Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in French.

Why olive trees need cold weather to bear olives

You’re the proud owner of a brand-new olive tree, but recent cold weather got you worrying?

Olive tree and fence covered with frost at sunset.

How olive trees react to cold and freezing weather

Oh, the joy of growing an olive tree! Even though olive is associated to warm Mediterranean weather, freezing cold also plays a crucial part in olive bearing.

An olive tree freezing with three inches of snow.

Russian Olive, a nice shrub

Russian olive is a beautiful shrub. Its name comes from its native region – Southern Russia – and the resemblance to the olive tree around the Mediterranean.

Leaves and flower of the Russian olive tree

Olive tree, the Mediterranean comes to the garden

Olive tree, both potted and planted in the ground, certainly is a kind of tree that garners much attention these days.

Close-up of an olive tree with two ripe, black fruits on a branch.

Potted olive trees, ideal for terraces

Potted olive trees are a great idea to decorate a terrace or balcony.

Potted olive tree, still young at this stage.

Olive trees, even in the North!

Olive trees in the North? Yes, you can do it! A single thing matters: take great care of the special needs of this exceptional tree.

Close-up of an olive tree branch covered in heavy snow.

Olive health benefits and therapeutic value

Olives are the fruits of olive trees (Olea europea), which are short twisted trees that are part of the Oleaceae family.

Olive soap, oil and fruits on a white towel in front of a beautiful stone wall.

Mediterranean garden planting ideas

Here is a typical Mediterranean garden for show, presented at the 2010 Chelsea Flower Show. English natives adore French Provence and this garden drew quite a crowd.