Fuchsia Plant Care for Bodacious Blooms

“Fuchsia” may be hard to spell, but it’s easy to care for. Of course, we’re talking about the spectacular flowering shrub that thrives in Southern California. With just a little TLC, a fuchsia plant will reward you with bright, showy flowers...

Caring for Garden Tools: Maintenance Tips for Longevity

A clean shovel is a thing of beauty. Not hardware store clean, but fresh from the garden and properly cleaned for storage. Just as your prize-winning tomatoes need care, so do the tools that help you cultivate them. Why Proper Tool Care Matters Sharp, clean, and...

A DIY Guide to Building a Rainwater Collection System

Rainwater collection was legalized in California with the Rainwater Capture Act in 2012. Before then, permits were required and still are in many states. But Californians are in luck! Even though gas is sky-high, and housing prices are through the roof, rainwater is...

Mandevilla Care: Spectacular Blooms for Your Garden

Mandevilla is a flowering vine native to Central and South America. Its dazzling, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green foliage make it a favorite for gardens, landscapes, and containers. The plant flourishes in Southern California’s benign climate, showing...

How to Get Rid of Chinch Bugs: Treatment & Prevention

Chinch bugs are a nuisance for California landscapes, especially yards with St. Augustine grass. These pernicious pests suck the sap from grass nodes and crowns, causing yellowish to brownish patches. If left unchecked, they can ruin a lawn in short order. Their small...