As you know, I'm an avid gardener - and I love growing fruits and vegetables. My backyard holds a plethora of many different varieties of edibles including lemons, figs, tomatoes, kale, oranges, chard, and more. I'm always looking at unusual plants that I can add to the herd. I also love purchasing unusual fruits and veggies at the Mar Vista Farmers' Market - they have an amazing selection including some of these below. A few I have tried, a few … [Read more...]

If you have been active in your garden during the last two months – planting, weeding, trimming and mulching -- May is the month when you can now take a little time to sit back and start to watch things grow. Not only is the physical act of gardening a great way to stay in shape, numerous studies have indicated that humans have a basic need to keep nature close. According to a 1980s research paper by Dr. Roger Ulrich, Professor of Architecture … [Read more...]

The month of April remains a busy time for Los Angeles gardening, with plenty to do in order to keep all the new growth in check. If there were any plants that hesitated in blooming last month, you'll see them soon - because April is when spring steps forth in all her vibrant beauty. It’s little wonder that April was chosen as the month to celebrate the Earth. Special Note - as you are likely well aware, on April 1st Governor Jerry Brown … [Read more...]

My neighbor Jay is a smart guy. He reads the newspapers and has been following how the severity of the drought is affecting our state. He finally said, “It’s time. I’m getting rid of my lawn.” He didn’t tell me anything, but one day I walked out my front door and he had workers digging in his front yard. The lawn had been pulled up and the yard was filled with workers, wheelbarrows, and upturned dirt. It’s not a large front yard, but it had grass … [Read more...]