Anawalt Gardening & Tool Tips
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.
Mark Twain called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.”
He was referring to the cherimoya, a living fossil from the highland valleys of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Ripe cherimoya spoils quickly and is hard to ship, so it’s considered a luxury fruit outside its growing regions.
Many plants produce natural defenses to deter pests and herbivores. Cacti and roses bear thorns, while other plants rely on toxic compounds.
This can be a problem for kids and pets if they explore the world through their mouths.
Unlike traditional gardening, which relies on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, permaculture mimics natural ecosystems, where plants, animals, and the environment work together in a self-sustaining system.
For Southern California gardeners facing drought conditions and rising environmental concerns, permaculture can be a practical method of conserving water, building healthy soil, and producing abundant harvests.
No-till gardening avoids tilling or plowing, leaving the soil intact and allowing beneficial organisms to flourish.
It focuses on layering organic material on top of the soil, mimicking natural processes in forests and grasslands.
Your high-maintenance cockatoo may be worth the trouble, but not your houseplants.
And what if you’re gone at length on a business trip? Will all the houseplants die?
If you love greenery but not extra work, you may be a candidate for low-maintenance houseplants.
Water damage can compromise your home’s structural integrity, promote mold growth, and lead to expensive repairs.
Small leaks in your roof may manifest as dark spots on your ceiling, bulging paint or drywall, or water stains. You’ll have to act fast to prevent further damage.