How to Grow Cosmos: A Step-by-Step Planting & Care Guide

Lazy gardeners, rejoice! If your goal is a maximum return for minimum effort, cosmos are the flowers for you! These native Mexican, Central American, and South American plants, with delicate, feathery foliage and a broad color palette, are the embodiment of...

Lantana Care & Cultivation for Drought-Tolerant Gardens

Lantanas are hardy, fragrant, ornamental plants that originated in wild tropical climates and have since adapted to grow in dry, arid areas. They’re tailor-made for Southern California’s hot, dry summers. They’re pretty and practical, too —...

Why Plant Native Plants? Designing Your California Garden 

You can grow almost anything in Southern California, except maybe reindeer lichen. Bird of Paradise comes from South Africa. Bougainvillea hails from Brazil, and pampas grass is native to Argentina. They’re all familiar sights in LA-area landscapes. But while...

Growing Gladiolus in Pots, Planters & Plots

Gladiolus is prized for its tall, striking flower spikes and vibrant hues. The plants are native to South Africa and the Mediterranean, where they flourish in warm temperatures and full sunshine. This makes them a natural for Southern California gardens. The name...

How to Grow Lilac Bushes for Hedges & Landscaping

Lilacs are native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, where they were cultivated for their delicate flowers and sweet fragrance. Symbolically, they’re associated with love and renewal. These bushes can be grown in various environments, making them popular for...