Peruvian Lily

              Imagine a plant that blooms most of the year in red, pink, rose, orchid, purple, maroon, burgundy, orange and yellow, yet needs little attention. Imag...

Rhizomes

At first glance, it would appear that we humans have it much easier than plants. If we find ourselves in a place we don’t like, all we have to do is pick ourselves up and move to another spot. ...

Going to War Against Spiderwort

For years, I have been at war with the common spiderwort (Commelina communis). Although it is, at times, a bitter battle, I must confess to stopping and stepping back, every now and then, simply to a...

After the Rain . . . Peruvian Lilies

The reason Valley gardeners appreciate rain is not only because it relieves our constant concern about getting sufficient water to our plants. Rain makes plants more attractive and healthy, giving th...

Birds of Paradise: Loved and Loathed

It is horticulturally significant that both the official flower and the official tree of Los Angeles are native to South Africa. The Los Angeles city flower is the bird of paradise and the Los Angele...

Horseradish and Slavery

If you’re Jewish, you really should plant horseradish – in the ground or in a pot – near your front door. Jews are obligated to continually remember the bitterness of their bondage ...