About Jillian Balli

Jillian Balli

Arborist

Hello! I’m Jillian. I’ve always had a tremendous fascination with plants and nature. My obsession with plants started in college after taking Botany 101. After that quarter, I switched my major from general agriculture to plant sciences. While in college, I got an internship working for a commercial greenhouse. After that summer, I knew this is exactly what I was meant to do! Now, I manage a citrus nursery and help produce over 800,000 trees every year for growers in California.

After purchasing my first home, I started a garden in my backyard. I’ve had some pretty major failures and some really awesome successes. Plus, there’s something therapeutic and satisfying about growing your own food. I’m excited to share all of my experiences and knowledge and hopefully inspire some new gardeners!

Q: What’s your favorite plant?

A: My answer to this question changes all the time. Right now, my favorite is passion fruit. The vine grows like crazy, has beautiful flowers, and really tasty fruit!

Q: What is your “spirit vegetable”?

A: My spirit vegetable is an artichoke because I have a big heart. You might have to peel back a ton of layers, but it’s definitely in there.

Q: What’s the most unusual plant you’ve grown?

A: The most unusual plant that I currently have is a saguaro cactus. I purchased a tiny one earlier this year. Saguaros are incredibly slow-growing, so I have no idea if it’s happy or if it hates me. All my other cacti are happy and growing well, so I can only hope my saguaro is happy too.

Articles from Jillian Balli

Finger Lime Tree: The Caviar Of Citrus

Finger lime tree

Finger limes are slowly being introduced into the culinary world, but quickly becoming chefs’ favorites. Finger limes are described as citrus caviar because the texture of the pulp resembles caviar. The pulp contains small round vesicles filled with juice that provide a burst of refreshing acidity and flavor with every bite. Growing a finger lime … Read more

Pink Lemonade Tree: Unusual Lemons You’ll Love

Pink lemonade tree

A pink lemonade tree is a perfect addition to the edible landscape. The variegated foliage makes them a beautiful ornamental plant with the bonus of a unique pink flesh lemon with a striped peel. The peel is striped green and yellow and changes to pink and yellow as it fully ripens. The pink lemonade tree … Read more