Want to add a burst of color and fragrance to your yard? Plant the California lilac. These beautiful, aromatic and hardy plants have a place in even the most California-friendly and water-efficient ...

May 13—Ceanothus is a diverse group of shrubs called by the common nicknames "Wild lilac" and "California lilac", since the majority of species are native to California. It's easy to find a spot for ...

A bee-busy, massive California lilac bush in Santa Monica, the floppy, Dr. Seuss-like dune sedge in La Canada Flintridge, the mountain-inspired mix of California buckwheat, sagebrush and black sage in ...

Editor’s note:This is one in a series about adding native flora to neighborhood landscapes. Gardeners starved for some ideas might find inspiration lurking in the hills around North County. Recent ...

For gardeners trying to conserve water, xeriscape gardening promotes the use of drought-tolerant plants. When it comes to xeriscape gardening, the ideal plant combines drought-tolerance with beauty, ...

This is one part in a weekly series featuring the UC Davis Arboretum “New Front Yard” series, 41 drought-tolerant and beautiful plants well adapted to our region. Pruning needs: Little or none; prune ...

Ceanothus is a fast grower – and there's one to suit every size of garden, says Marie Staunton Ceanothus There's a ceanothus to suit every size of garden, says Marie Staunton. I have no doubt you have ...

Native to California, ceanothus is a blue-flowering evergreen shrub that likes its summers warm and dry and its winters not too chilly. In full bloom in June, the blue flowers are a glorious sight.