The 12 Days of Christmas features 12 repeats of “partridge in a pear tree.” Partridges and pear trees were popular in 18th-century England. But did you know that in California, we have both? Pear trees (Pyrus communis) are native to Europe and parts of...
Few flowers “talk” to gardeners. A snapdragon will. The name “snapdragon” derives from the flower’s resemblance to a dragon’s mouth, which opens and closes when you gently squeeze the sides. Scientifically known as Antirrhinum...
According to superstition, apricots are bad luck in the Marines. According to fact, they’re good luck in your Southern California garden. Marines may shun the apricot tree, but gardeners should welcome it. Some magnificent specimens grow to 30 feet and bear up...
Got fruit? You should, if you live in LA. California accounts for 75% of the nation’s total fruit output. Most of that fruit grows in the Central Valley, but your SoCal yard has a similar favorable climate, fertile soil, and a long growing season. What’s...
This ancient fruit has so many uses! You can pickle it, dry it, dice it into salads, eat it fresh off the tree, or bake it in a Christmas pie for Little Jack Horner. The plum dates back thousands of years. European plums (Prunus domestica) trace to Western Asia and...
Do you love flowers but hate weeding, watering, and replanting every spring? Native California flowers may be the answer. These drought-tolerant, resilient blooms are perfectly adapted to Southern California’s climate, meaning less water, less effort, and a big...
