So here's the truth about California native plant landscapes: Without careful planning, they can get a little drab, especially in the summer when many go dormant, brittle and brown. In climates where ...

As gardeners, we are drawn to the latest, brightest varieties of thirsty, exotic species for our gardens, always chasing the new and unusual. As our world heats up with climate change, water-thirsty ...

As you first begin considering your approach, Warren has some suggestions.

Welcome to the December issue of the L.A. Times Plants newsletter. Yes, I know it’s the holidays. However, we have plenty to keep plant people busy this month. First, let me share what I learned from ...

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... After a tall tree in my garden developed a split, I had it removed last May (with city approval), revealing a large overgrown shrub. This shrub, a western ...

We’ve all heard that native plants are the best for supporting local wildlife. But what about those non-native garden classics, like lilacs and irises? Well, you’re in luck: For every non-native plant ...

We used many drought-tolerant plants from that part of the world, such as bay laurel, lavender, and teucrium,' says Principal David Thorne. 'We often specify CA native plants tha ...

The summer of 2024 was California’s hottest on record. Did you struggle to keep your plants adequately watered? Did your water bills skyrocket? Did some plants die even with increased irrigation? Are ...

One of the easiest ways to learn about California native plants is volunteering to get your hands dirty. There are numerous nonprofit organizations devoted to protecting and/or restoring habitat in ...

Nancee Wells, a field guide in the Dana Point/Laguna Beach area, sent me an email asking about the fire resistance of California native plants. Although California natives will eventually go up in ...