theGardenPages Gardening Blog

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…

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…

Color Changing Succulent Plant Aeonium

I love my succulent plants. They change color with the seasons too! Here’s my aeonium.  Normally it’s green with a little bit of red on the tips. In winter the centers get creamy white. I have cuttings of this plant sprinkled around the garden – but I can’t remember which ones they are until they 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…

Brush Cherry; Drought Tolerant Screen Plant Profile

Brush Cherry, or Carolina Laurel is a pretty, dependable garden shrub that grows quickly into screens or hedges.  These shrubs can grow up to 30 feet tall and 10 – 12 feet wide.  I have seen mature stands of Carolina Laurel grow even taller. Carolina Laurel is versatile too, growing in full sun to part Read More…

A Green Bean Garden Bonanza? Garden Fresh Recipes, Lore and Labels

When my son was about 6 years old he used to pick green beans right off the vine and eat them in the garden.  As a mom I was thrilled he was getting his organic vegetables fresh as a gardener I was happy to overlook the occasional damage caused by his harvesting technique. If you Read More…