It is a hot day. As I sit down to write this article on summer garden care, I decide to check the temperature. It is 84 degrees Fahrenheit at 4 […]
water conservation
Garden Tour, Plant Swap & Sustainability Fair
South Pasadena Beautiful presents its 2023 Garden Tour with Plant Swap & Sustainability Fair Located at the lower entrance of the park, along the shared-use path at the west end […]
Summer Water
Note: This article was first published in July 2011. Since that time our summers seem to have gotten hotter, with some record-breaking highs. I am writing another article on summer […]
Lawn-less Sustainable Garden Finale
The work on the front yard patios is completed. I planted some grasses and other perennials but am waiting until next winter to plant a few shrubs. As promised in […]
WISPPA: The Natural Side of South Pasadena
February 2, 2019. Expert panel and Q & A. Some things everyone can do to improve our natural environment in the time of climate change.
Native Plant Sale
Late autumn through winter is the best time of year to plant in Southern California, especially if you are adding climate-appropriate and beautiful California native plants. The San Gabriel Mountains […]
Drip irrigation for backyard trees
I left you at the end of my last blog post with a cliff hanger. I showed a picture of four Rain Bird valves with combination DIG filter/pressure regulators and hoses hanging off the […]
New native gardens are popping up
During my walks around the city of South Pasadena, I frequently come across new low water-use, native plant landscapes that I have not seen before. Surprised, I ask myself, “When […]
Oaks grow fast – pretty fast, that is
I am sitting at my desk working on a presentation for a class called “What Should I Plant?” to be given on October 16th at the Theodore Payne Foundation. It […]
Native plants in summer
People new to native plants often express concern about the dreaded dormancy period they are reputed to exhibit in summer. Many tell me that they like native plants but want […]