Gardening in Southern California is a year-round activity, thanks to mild winters, hot summers, and varied microclimates. However, in some areas, the soil may work against you. The Los Angeles Basin features soils like the Chino Association, a gray, calcareous silt...
First, a point of clarification: peonies are NOT cute hooved animals that little girls love. They’re showy, cool-weather flowering plants that often struggle in Southern California gardens. Peonies are native to the chillier climes of Europe, America, and Asia....
Tulips need a chilling period to bloom. Crocus and hyacinth likewise need cold stratification to flower. Some ornamental lilies may struggle in Southern California’s hot, dry summers. What’s an aspiring bulb flower gardener to do? You’ll be happy to...
Imagine a canopy of lush foliage and cascading purple blooms that shelter you from the summer sun and envelop you with their soft perfume. Those fragrant flowers hang from a fast-growing wisteria vine, a hardy plant that can live for over 50 years with proper care. It...
Clematis, the “queen of climbers,” is a favorite among gardeners for its stunning blooms and versatile growing habits. Understanding clematis care can transform your garden into a spectacular floral display. Clematis plants originated in China, Japan, and...
Composting is one of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to nourish your garden. It reduces the waste you send to landfills and creates a nutrient-rich plant material. In this guide, we’ve laid out a simple, step-by-step process for making compost...
