Why plant a rain garden? You might assume that something with the words rain and garden next to each other does not immediately sound feasible for drought-stricken Southern California.  But rain gardens are a form of water harvesting — a way to capture and filter water that would otherwise flow into storm drains and eventually,...Read More

Though historically foresaken, the strip of land between the street and the sidewalk is enjoying a moment in the sun (no pun intended).  Last month, Los Angeles residents won the right to plant vegetables in their parkways, as the city council temporarily waived an outdated ban on edibles in the public right of way. And...Read More

I am passionate about the ways that people are using their front gardens to engage with their neighbors and promote a sense of community.  So you can imagine my delight when I discovered two little free libraries in my hometown of South Pasadena. Little free libraries are small structures (think doll house size) where people...Read More