Did you know that shade can extend the life of your driveway? It’s true — shade can lower surface temperatures by 20°F to 45°F compared to areas exposed to direct sunlight. Air temperatures can drop by 5°F to 15°F under the canopy of a mature tree. Shade shields...
Balcony gardening dates back to Ancient Rome, where affluent citizens adorned their villas with hanging and potted plants on upper floors. The trend re-emerged during the Industrial Revolution as cities grew more congested, prompting residents to reclaim small outdoor...
Today’s weather report? Another heat wave lasting a week. Welcome to the dog days of summer in SoCal. Extreme heat is hard on your plants, too. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 95°F can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and sunburn in sensitive plants like...
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...
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...
