Pink daylily

Due to their striking beauty and ease of growth, daylilies are a common component of many gardens. You can certainly take the laid-back approach with these perennials, allowing them to do their own thing without any specialized care. However, they will bloom more weakly and die off more quickly if you go this route. By…

Pittosporum in heat stress

For most gardeners, summer is an exciting time of year. Many of your favorite flowers are blooming, and vegetable crops begin to produce. On the other hand, summer can provide perfect examples of “too much of a good thing”. When heat waves strike, your plants can suffer or even die. These tips will help you…

Sunflowers

Nothing in the garden says “summer” quite like growing sunflowers. Most gardeners grow sunflowers purely for their cheerful, decorative appeal, but they do have additional purposes. The large, bright blooms will draw pollinators to your garden, which can be important if you also grow vegetable crops. You can also harvest the nutritious seeds, roast them,…

Rainbow of bearded iris

How is your garden looking this summer? At some point, you will notice that some of your flowers slow down or stop blooming. At that point, dividing Irises and Daylilies (as well as other rhizomes), to promote better health and prolific blooming next spring is the ticket! Perennials that spread through an underground root structure…

lady bugs

Squeamishness around insects is a normal reaction in most people. So, you’re probably not too pleased to step into your garden and spot creepy crawlies everywhere. But before you dash off to purchase insecticides, do your research to discover whether those insects are even harmful. Some “pests” are actually beneficial to your garden, such as……

catnip flowers

After all of the hard work you’ve invested in your garden, the last thing you want to see is a swarm of invasive pests. Unfortunately, that’s just one part of life, especially for avid gardeners. But with a keen eye for details, you can spot a problem before it inflicts too much damage on your…

Green grass

For many gardeners, summer is their favorite time of year. Veggies are maturing, and many flowers have reached their peak. But there’s still plenty of work to do, especially as you nurture new annuals in flower beds or manage your vegetable garden. This handy summer checklist can help you get organized. Fertilize. Now is the…

Gazing ball in the garden

Now that the heat of summer has arrived, you might notice that your lush spring blooms have begun to look a little droopy. Many of your spring flowers might be nearing the end of their blooming period, so now it’s time to transition your flower beds to summer. Short of ripping flowerless plants out and…

Yellow swimming pool ring float in blue water. concept color summer.

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of having your own backyard pool. Whether you want to relax and float in the serene waters, swim laps for exercise, or kick back and watch the kids splash and play, having your own pool can add a lot of enjoyment to your life. But what if your dream home came…

analog alarm clock in grass

An irrigation system is one of the best decisions you can make for your yard. By using this type of system, you can ensure that the right amount of water is delivered straight to your plants’ roots, prevent runoff and waste, and even manage your water bill. Given the lack of consistent rain in California,…

rain boots with garden tools

Any new hobby is more fun, and easier to learn when you have the right equipment. That’s why we put together this Garden Supplies 101 list to make the process easier for newcomers (or folks returning to gardening after a break). You might find that you need additional items, according to your needs, but at…

Jar of dried Laurel leaves

One of the biggest trends in the garden world involves growing your own food, for the benefits of freshness and safety. Your efforts can also cut your grocery costs. But of course, with every new undertaking there is a learning curve. You might already know the basics of storing the fruits and vegetables, but what…

Beans plant

The flexitarian trend has taken over, combining what many believe to be the “best of both worlds” regarding both vegetarian diets and “flexible” (or omnivorous) diets. You’ve probably heard that vegetarians enjoy a myriad of health benefits linked to their plant-based diets, such as a lower risk of various diseases, lower weights, and even better…

Wisteria tunnel

If you’re considering the addition of a garden feature that will add both visual interest and a soothing appeal, you might be interested in the trend of “tunnels” created by shaping trees or other plants. Not only will your garden be the talk of the town; you can provide yourself with a soothing meditative space…

Rose Haven

Are you looking for a unique outing that will please the entire family? Southern California boasts an impressive number of botanical gardens, vineyards, and farms, sure to please just about anyone. These 8 Southern California Visits are by no means an exhaustive list, but should provide you with some fun ideas for day trips around…

Page 19 of 35 1 17 18 19 20 21 35