Anawalt Gardening, DIY & Tool Tips
One tool specializes in brute-force persuasion — like the bouncer who never asks politely — while the other is more of a finesse player.
Confusing them is more than a rookie mistake; it’s a fast track to stripped screws, cracked masonry, and a blue streak of four-letter words.
Both tools pack serious power, but they’re designed for different jobs.
The modern wrench emerged in the 1800s, alongside the rise of machine manufacturing and standardized hardware.
Before that, blacksmiths and craftsmen often made custom spanners or keys for specific machinery.
The wild ancestor of the cherry tomato originated in the coastal regions of Peru and Ecuador.
Plant breeders in the 1970s developed modern cherry tomato varieties by crossbreeding wild tomatoes with domesticated ones, creating the sweet, resilient fruit we enjoy today.
The earliest pliers were made to handle hot metal. Metalworkers needed a way to hold red-hot iron, copper, and bronze while hammering, shaping, or forging them.
Over time, pliers diversified into many forms — needle-nose, locking, lineman’s, and so on — each adapted to specialized trades ranging from dental to electrical work.
Candied ginger was a popular sweet in Europe from the 13th to the 15th centuries, before chocolate and sugar-based candies became widespread. The first ginger ales were marketed as tonics to soothe stomach ailments.
Today, ginger grows commercially in countries like India, China, and Jamaica, but home gardeners can successfully cultivate it in warm climates like Southern California.
Daffodils, known botanically as Narcissus, are native to the meadows and woods of Southern Europe and North Africa. They belong to the amaryllis family and have been cultivated for centuries.
These hardy bulbs symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. While they’re famously associated with the rolling hills of England, many varieties can adapt to warmer climates with a bit of help.
In Southern California, an asphalt driveway with basic installation and minimal upkeep lasts about 15 years. A driveway with excellent installation and care will hold up for 20 to 25 years.
The good news is that you can restore your driveway’s appearance and extend its lifespan with a weekend DIY sealing project.
Will the showy ranunculus flower grow in Southern California’s warm, arid environments?
Yes, but with a caveat. Ranunculus prefer cool to mild temperatures. The California summer is a bridge too far, but the winter and early spring climates are almost perfect.
If you drill, saw, or glue, chances are you’ll need a clamp to do the job right.
The simple iron clamping devices of medieval forges have morphed into more than 50 specialized types, each engineered for different purposes.
Cooler temperatures in LA mean less water stress on plants, fewer pests, and longer-lasting flowers.
They’re perfect for winter flowers, so start digging and planting!
Garlic was first cultivated over 5,000 years ago in regions of modern-day Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Ancient trade routes introduced it to the Mediterranean, Africa, and eventually the Americas.
It’s now a foundational flavor in many cuisines, valued for its pungency, versatility, and ability to enhance other ingredients.
Many flowering vines are low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and capable of adapting to the diverse microclimates across the state.
By focusing on adaptability and sustainability, gardeners can enjoy vibrant, long-lasting blooms that complement the area’s natural beauty.
Junipers are native to North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They thrive in various climates, from deserts to mountain slopes.
Many junipers can live 50–150 years in the right conditions. Some wild species, like the Western Juniper, have been documented at over 1,000 years old.
Plants are far more sensitive than we ever imagined.
They don’t have brains, neurons, or nervous systems, but they respond to stimuli (light, touch, gravity, chemicals, sound), and communicate via chemicals, root networks, and electrical signals.
“Passion” refers to the Passion of Christ. 17th-century Spanish missionaries in South America saw the flowers as symbols of the crucifixion.
Passion fruit is classified as a berry because it develops from a single ovary and contains many seeds. The vines can grow up to 20 feet in a single season and quickly cover large trellises, fences, or pergolas.
Soil microbes have a massive impact on the health of your soil and plants.
Think of them as the “engine” of your garden soil — breaking down organic matter, converting nutrients into plant-usable forms, and protecting plants from diseases.
Bold paint can expand a room visually and boost its personality.
Whether updating a small bedroom, transforming a cozy living area, or refreshing a compact kitchen, inspired color choices will make a huge difference.