Jeanette Marantos started writing for the Los Angeles Times in 1999, doing Money Makeovers until 2002. She returned to write for The Times’ Homicide Report in 2015 and the Saturday garden section in 2016, a yin and yang that kept her perspective in balance. In early 2020, she moved full time into Features, with a focus on all things flora. She is a SoCal native who spent more than 20 years in Central Washington as a daily reporter, columnist, freelancer and mom before returning to the land of eucalyptus and sage. Her present goal is to transform her yard into an oasis of native plants, fruit trees and veggies.
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Replacing lawns with drought-tolerant plants is a good start in dry Southern California. Setting up a recycled water system is even better.
Native plant gardens can look dead over the summer, but there are things you can do to tend to the dried-out vegetation.
Theodore Payne Foundation hosts its Pollination Party at Eagle Rock Brewery. Sample native-plant-infused beer, pizza and ice cream and buy native plants.
SoCal carnivorous plant enthusiasts aren’t just intrigued by the plants eating bugs. They also find joy in ‘growing fascinating, beautiful plants.’
SoCal carnivorous plant enthusiasts aren’t just intrigued by the plants eating bugs. They also find joy in ‘growing fascinating, beautiful plants.’
Even California native plants can dry out in the summer. But these varieties will still look good in Los Angeles yards and gardens during the hottest months.
The best plants for raised garden beds include tomato, eggplant, pepper and kale. Here’s how to keep raised bed gardens producing even in summer.
Gardening experts provide tips on lawn removal, drought-tolerant plants and how to keep turf semi-alive during the megadrought.
As Southern California’s drought conditions worsen, Los Angeles gardeners can keep their vegetables growing amid water restrictions with these tips.
Visit the Idyllwild Lilac Garden nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains above Palm Springs and enjoy lilacs of 165 different colors.