As UC Marin Master Gardeners, we have an obligation to provide science-based information. Sometimes, though, the science we need is elusive. Take the strawberry tree, the Arbutus ‘Marina’ or unedo.

A member of the heath family, it belongs to the genus Arbutus, of which there are at least fourteen species of flowering shrubs and trees. Arbutus unedo is indigenous to southern Europe and Ireland.

Q: My front garden is south facing, which is great, as there are plenty of drought tolerant plants to brighten up my garden in summer. The site is very exposed with low surrounding walls. My problem ...