As an ecologist, who studied California native plants before working in horticulture, Rachel approaches landscape design and maintenance from a holistic perspective, taking into account the overlapping needs of people, plants, and wildlife in urban ecosystems. She is the former director of horticulture and garden operations at Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada, California and is currently focused on teaching and researching in the fields of organic horticulture, rainwater and watershed conservation, and public parks and urban green space planning and management.
Decorate your garden with pumpkins and squash. This is a great way to brighten things up without using extra water. Got squirrels? A vinegar spritz or bath will keep your…
1. ‘Belgravia Rose’ Sun Rose Name: Helianthemum ‘Belgravia Rose’ Zones: 4–9 Size: 6 to 8 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide Conditions: Full sun; average soil Native range:…
Divide native Douglas irises (Iris douglasiana, Zones 5–9). Consider planting some container succulents to brighten up the brown, dry season. Succulents get more colorful when under water stress. Harvest the…
By midsummer you should be knee-deep in tomatoes, beans, zucchini, and peppers, so it can be hard to remind yourself to shop for seeds for your next season of vegetable…
As temperatures soar, all the grass in the neighborhood begins to brown, and you have to deadhead your flowers a day after they bloom, it feels like you’d do almost…
Bulbs and corms that originate in a Mediterranean climate are some of the best-performing but least-known plants for Southern California. There are hundreds of species of incredible bulbs from California,…
Give your gardens one or two deep waterings. Cut back cool-season ornamental grasses. Buy the bulbs you will plant in the fall. Start fall and winter vegetable seeds indoors in…
July weather is hot and dry, so why not stay inside with the air-conditioning or a fan and catch up on your indoor gardening? Indoor plants need love too, so…
Deadwood oaks and native shrubs. If your oak tree (Quercus spp. and cvs., Zones 4-10) needs pruning, hire an arborist to help you navigate the rules and regulations (as well…
As the rains end and June gloom rolls by, things start to dry up in the garden, and many of your favorite drought-deciduous native plants, such as ‘Bee’s Bliss’ salvia…
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