Kumquats, Limes, & Pomegranates
I bought two 5-gallon kumquat trees last year and re-potted them into half-barrels. They had fruit on when I bought them and they fruited nicely through last summer. This year I had some flowers, but...
Grub Control in Lawns, California Natives, Sugarcane
In response to a recent column on keeping raccoons out of your garden, I received an email from Carolyn Arthur, a customer service specialist at Sperling Nursery in Calabasas. “What about grubs?,” s...
Drought Tolerant Garden in Tarzana
Carolyn and Mike Rothberg created a drought tolerant garden in Tarzana that not only saves water but serves as a comforting and tranquil respite from the storm of city life. No matter how sprawling ...
The Most Poisonous Plant, Trees for Small Spaces
The most poisonous plant on earth, commonly known as castor bean, is growing along Roscoe Boulevard, between White Oak and Encino Avenues, in Northridge. Did I say growing? In fact, several robust ...
Persimmons and Parthenocarpy
I have a persimmon tree purchased 9 years ago. In the past 3 years, the fruit hasn’t grown larger than a grape, changing color but not expanding in size. The tree receives sun all day long. W...
Milkweeds, Dragon Trees, Star Clusters
I never stop visiting the Sepulveda Garden Center since each time I visit I learn something new. The Center is located on both sides of Magnolia Boulevard, just east of Hayvenhurst Avenue, in Encin...
Southern Live Oak, Tumbleweed, Feather Grass
A gleaming oak tree from the Southeast and an iconic weed from Russia are thriving in Balboa Park. The park entrance is located on the east side of Balboa Boulevard, between Burbank and Victory Boul...
Ambrosia Beetles Attack Avocado Trees
My huge avocado tree has been attacked by ambrosia beetles. My tree trimmer says there is nothing to be done to save it. I’ve lived with this tree for 30 years and don’t want to lose it. ...
How to Grow Pumpkins
I’m hoping you can help me with my pumpkin problem. For the past few years, I have planted pumpkin seeds, mainly for my granddaughters to watch the growing process. I always get beautiful flo...
Orange Tree and Avocado Tree Problems
Orange and avocado are the most sensible fruit trees to grow in a sub-tropical urban environment such as Los Angeles. Given plenty of sun, both are relatively pest-free trees and produce dependably ...
