Throughout Los Angeles, many of the trees that shade our streets and absorb carbon are nearing the end of their lifespans. Urban trees can often have shorter than usual lifespans, and in Southern California, many are succumbing to disease after years of drought. As an example, all of the beautiful mature camphor trees on the...Read More

In light of the recent droughts and wildfires in California, it’s clear that our current use of water is neither environmentally sustainable nor time- and cost-effective.  Fortunately, there are many ways to lessen our individual footprints; replacing traditional lawns is one way to reduce impact in drier climates. Grass lawns are water-intensive, making them unsuitable...Read More

Thinking about integrating natives in to your garden? Go for it! Some of the benefits include: saving water, lowering maintenance, reducing pesticides and creating a wildlife-friendly garden. Native bees and other California pollinators can improve fruit set, and native birds and insects help keep your garden free of mosquitoes and plant-munching bugs. Gardening with natives also...Read More

Since early February, I’ve been stopping in my tracks to admire the soft pinks and whites of the region’s flowering trees.  When in bloom, they are unbeatable for impact in the garden.  Here are a few options that will have you swooning for many Valentine’s Days to come. (In the coming weeks, keep your eyes...Read More

California natives sometimes get a bad rap for looking “weedy,” but Manzanitas (the common name for the genus Arctostaphylos) are some of the tidiest plants around. With evergreen leaves, gorgeous red bark and tiny bell-shaped flowers, they belong in every garden.  The images below hint at the variety of forms manzanitas can take — small...Read More