Christmas cactus (Schlumbergerera x buckleyi) originated in the jungles of Brazil, where it grows on tree branches. Although happy on trees, it’s equally content in pots. It looks glorious in hanging baskets or footed pots, where its graceful branching habit is...
There are many good fall choices for gardeners in Southern California, although the temperature, moisture or the lack thereof, wind, and soil may be challenging. Flower colors and vegetable flavor are better for fall crops because of cooler temperatures during...
One of the hardest gardening jobs is planning. How will I get the best look for my money and effort? Anwalt Garden Center offers one hint for a beautiful garden every time: Mass Planting. Have you ever seen an old-fashioned garden with “one of everything?”...
Poinsettias, whose bright petal-like bracts appear in late fall, have long been the most popular Christmas plant. Hybridization has improved the fragile poinsettia. Plants are now more colorful, and they last longer. The red bracts that distinguish the plant are...
Containers let you control a plant’s environment, that is, the “soil” (potting mix), moisture, location (relative to sunlight and wind), temperature, and weed prevention. That’s the advantage over conventional gardening, which leaves you at the...
Also called variegated laurel, crotons come from the South Pacific Islands. Their growth habit varies — dwarf crotons are bushy and compact, while tree-like varieties are tall and have a good spread. The plants are usually maintained at two to three feet, but given...