Why grow native plants
Our choices, about the plants we decide to put in our urban gardens, are important and here's why
Water for the birds
As we enter this dry, dry summer, humans aren't the only ones short of water. In my Backyard Wildlife Habitat, my bird, butterfly, lizard, and insect friends need water too.
What should I plant?
You stop by the garden center, the colorful display at the entrance is so enticing. You grab a spontaneous buy. ... but how does that plant fit into your overall garden ecosystem?
Organic pest control
Bugs in your garden are an indicator, not a “problem” to be fixed. They’re an indicator of an imbalance in your overall garden system. It’s kind of like the indicator light on the dashboard of your car — when the…
Which milkweed should I plant in Southern California?
I’ve caught the milkweed bug. It all started with an accidental visit to a City of Santa Monica building near Santa Monica airport. They had planted milkweed outside the building, 18+ plants by my count, and there were TONS of…
About Mycorrhizal fungus
I’ve been reading more about mycorrhizal fungus and how incredibly beneficial it is to our gardens — indeed to our long-term future. If you don’t know much about this beneficial soil organism, grab a copy of Lowenfels and Lewis’ Teaming…
What is a more-sustainable garden?
Here’s how our gardens can become part of solving some of the world’s greatest problems. LIVING ECOSYSTEMS. Humanity is part of a vast network of life on this tiny planet. The planet’s ecosystems operate as intricate interconnected and interdependent systems,…
What’s your get-ready-for-rain routine?
We’re ever hopeful that we’ll get some rain. Here in L.A., deep into this historic drought, that still remains a big hope! But each time the weather forecasts call for precipitation, I run around doing my routine … garden tools…
What benefits does your drought-tolerant garden provide?
A California Natives garden can be a beautiful haven for bees, pollinators, butterflies, beneficial insects, birds, and urban wildlife. An edible garden can feed you and your family, perhaps with extra to share with your neighbors and the food pantry…
Root knot nematodes
Yesterday in the Community Garden, we discovered that we are experiencing an attack of Root Knot Nematodes. The beets we pulled up had failure to thrive, failed to form a beet root, and had tons of tumor-like growths on the hair…
