Crassula tetragona are drought tolerant succulent plants that look like pine branches with fat needles sticking out the sides, or perhaps a green bottle brush flower. These unique crassula are often used in bonsai containers to look like pine trees. In the ground, they grow up to 4 feet tall. The plants will branch at Read More…
Author: Laura Z
Gardener in sunny SoCal
Hot Pink Bromeliad Flowers of Aechmea or Urn Plant
I’m late for my Friday Floral, so I’m making this weeks floral photo a doozy. This is an Aechmea, or Urn Plant or Pitcher Plant. It is happily growing at my mother’s house and she reports that these flowers have been blooming since the summer! Unique Aechmea Urn Plant pink bromeliad flower These are native Read More…
A Thanksgiving Song, a Gardener’s Harvest Poem
Summer is gone, Autumn is here; This is the harvest For all the year. Corn in the crib, Oats in the bin, Wheat is all threshed, Barley drawn in. Apples are barreled, Nuts laid to dry; Frost in the garden Winter is nigh. Father in heaven, Thank thee for all, Winter and Read More…
FloralFriday Hot Pink Silk Floss Trees Bring More Fall Color to LA
The silk floss trees are blooming in Los Angeles right now. I’ve seen them blooming along the 101 Freeway, in front of office buildings and this one, which is blooming in front of a DWP station with a drought tolerant theme. Chorisia speciosa trees are native to south America. They grow up to 60 feet tall Read More…
Plant Profile: Bay Laurel Herb Of The Gods
Bay laurel, or laurus nobilis is a drought tolerant perennial tree native to the Mediterranean region. The fragrant, leathery leaves are dried for use as a cooking herb and in the pantry. Other names for this aromatic plant with deep green leaves are Sweet Bay, Grecian Laurel or Roman Laurel. Mature Grecian Laurel trees flower Read More…
FloralFriday Rosary Plant Flowers Open in So Cal
The flowers have finally opened on my Rosary Plant (crassula rupestris). Woo hooo! I’m excited because not all of my plants bloom every year. This little guy is in a 3 inch pot and it is his second year. I am completely enchanted by these cute little succulent plants. I’ve got them filling in pots Read More…
Plant Profile: Italian Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens) For Tall Screens In Dry Gardens
Italian cypress is a familiar dry garden staple, the deep, bluish green trees growing along border lines as tall screens. They grow up to 60 feet high on single trunks with a thin, round shape. Plants are generally 1-2 feet wide but mature plants can be much wider. All cypresses prefer full sun, but will Read More…
Wednesday Plant Profile: Optuna Cactus and How to Eat Prickly Pears
It’s almost time for prickly pears! I grow a prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) in my back yard and it has great pears. Opuntia cactus also have edible pads, the younger ones are more tender. This cactus variety grows wild in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Prickly pear cactus have deep green branching pads, Read More…
Rain, rain – yippeeeeeee!!! So Cal needs a few sprinkles
The other night, late at night, when I was reading a creepy book in bed I kept hearing this strange tapping noise. What the heck? It seemed to be coming from outside… all over outside. It took me a while to realize it was rain. Oh yeah, I remember that sound. That’s when we got Read More…
Plant Profile: Desert Willows, Chilopsis Make Good Choices for Fall Planting in Dry Southern California Gardens
Yes, it’s going to be 90 today, but my Favorite Time of the Year is just around the corner! It’s almost time for Fall Planting Season. This is your chance to decide what your personal landscape will look like next year – and how much money you are willing to give to the DWP each Read More…