“Pansy” comes from the French pensée, meaning “thought.” In Victorian floriography, pansies symbolized loving remembrance. Their distinctive “faces” are guides for pollinators like bees, directing insects to the center of the flower...
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...
