Plants that make their own fertilizer
As if their fragrant blue flowers were not enough of an attraction, California lilacs (Ceanothus) have another attribute that makes them a sure choice for Valley slopes and gardens: the ability to ma...
Category Archives: California Native Garden
Firescaping
If you live in the hills or canyons around Los Angeles, expect a fire every 20 to 30 years. Fires are not only inevitable, they are essential to the existence of our chaparral ecosystem. Many chaparr...
California Natives: Their Time Has Come
NOTE: the following was written in 1993, but has lost none of its relevance in the 20 years that have transpired since then. . Sooner or later, Los Angeles gardens and landscapes will be composed pr...
Paradigm for 21st Century Gardens
When you replace a lawn with water-thrifty plants, you save money by significantly reducing water use by eliminating application of lawn fertilizer and weed control products, the need for a weekly ga...
What to Grow Under Redwood Trees
Q. I have 11 coast redwoods in my yard. They are beautiful, BUT it is very difficult to find anything to grow under them. Between the root system, soil acidity and the shade, my options are limited. ...
Firescaping
‘Firescaping” is a word invented for those who are prepared to live near the wilderness without illusions. If you make your home in close proximity to chaparral – the dominant ecosy...
Theodore Payne’s Wildflower Hill
In the waning years of the 20th century, people seem to have two contradictory desires. On the one hand, they crave extraordinary excitement and thrills – from heart-stopping action movies to n...
Certain California natives make worthy winter garden choices
Although most California natives do not start blooming for another month or so, there are some species whose foliage alone makes them worthy garden choices, especially during fall and winter when lea...