Here is one of my favorite plants; lavender. I have two French lavender plants growing in my garden. Both have been flowering for months now and both have proven to be extremely drought tolerant and beautiful. Even lavender leaves are sticky with essential oils and perfume the air. I use the flowers and leaves for Read More…
Category: gardening
Santolina Or Lavender Cotton Tough Drought Tolerant Shrubs With Yellow Flowers
Of all the flowering drought tolerant shrubs I have planted in my garden I count santolina, or Lavender cotton, as one of the best. This is a real tough customer when it comes to being completely drought tolerant in my hot, baking southern California garden. They tolerate full sun and summers that can reach over Read More…
Leyland Cypress Fast-Growing Drought Tolerant Landscape Screen Plants
Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a very fast growing tree that grows tall and thin, making them perfect for privacy screen plants in the landscape. These shrubs can grow four to five feet in one season! Their columnar shape helps them fit in along the back of the border or between houses. The top is a Read More…
Eureka! California Black Gold In My Back Yard, Compost That Is
Yes, it does exist! I have found it! Compost can be made in California and here’s a giant chunk of that wonderful black gold in my hot little hand. I just dug some of my delicious compost out of the pile. I am getting ready to fill my bin up with a bunch of new Read More…
Euryops: Drought Tolerant, Fast Growing Winter Flowering Shrubs For Southern California
If you are looking for a nice drought tolerant shrub that flowers almost year-round try Euryops. I planted these as a quick fix for a bare bed about four years ago. I knew they were fairly fast growing and flowered in winter. The plan was to get something started quick and fill in the blank Read More…
Daffodil Flowers in Sparkling Waterford Crystal: Friday Floral
Yes, it is January, but I already have daffodils flowering in my garden. I planted these bulbs years ago. We’ve had a little rain here in southern California so they’ve taken that as their big chance to flower. I know we’re still in the dead of winter, but they seem to have their own schedule. Read More…
Free Trees and Discount Garden or Landscape Equipment for Los Angeles Gardeners
There are a few great deals and information out there for southern California gardeners if you know where to look. I’ve dug up a few cool deals for your garden right now. L.A. city and county both have great information about planting native or other drought tolerant plants, composting, and other ways to save water 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…
Pretty, Perky Peppermint Plants, Planting Tips and Derby Day
One of the peppermint plants in my latest score from the 99 Cent Store is variegated. I took a close-up just for fun to share with my gardening pals. I admit to being fascinated with the many color variations that show up on plants like these. OK, here’s my hot mint tip: Never, ever plant Read More…
Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free
Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free