Pacific Plant Promotions: Beschorneria rigida
The ten species of Beschorneria form an interesting but little known genus in the agave family (Agavaceae). Although several Beschorneria have great g…
Regions: Southern California
So. Cal
California Native Plants for the Garden: Dudleyas
One of the common names for Dudleya is “liveforever,” which speaks volumes about this western North American genus that thrives on neglect. This g…
Mexican Palo Verde
Although it will tolerate regular watering, Mexican palo verde is one of the few ornamental trees that can grow in Southern California gardens without…
Charles “Chuck” Kline
Chuck Kline began his career as horticulturist at SeaWorld in 1973; he was still a SeaWorld employee on the day he died in 2005. An early member of th…
Mediterranean Splendor in Leucadia
In the seaside community of Leucadia in San Diego County, where municipal planting often consists of little more than the same overused trees and shru…
An Undersea Garden
The underseas world of exotic coral reefs is a dazzling spectacle that has long fascinated divers and snorkelers. Shoals of bright fish weave among co…
Sculpting with Bamboo
Highlighting a recent garden tour in the Los Angeles area was an unscheduled stop at an eye-catching bamboo fence/sculpture. Edging the sidewalk in fr…
A Mediterranean Courtyard in Santa Monica
Walled patios and courtyards are an indelible part of California’s history, introduced as a style by the Spanish missionaries in the late eighteenth century. The…
Native Plant Care
The optimal time for planting most California natives is autumn, except in the mountains, high deserts, and other cold-winter areas of the state. Plan…