Southern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
December, 2009
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
Balloon Flower Trial
Balloon flowers ( Platycodons grandiflorus ) are beautiful summer-blooming perennials that come in a range of flower colors including, pink, white, and blue. They grow to a height of about 3 feet...
New California Lilac Has Colorful Foliage
Ceanothus is known as the California lilac. This shrub is hardy only in USDA zones 8 to 10. However, in those areas it grows 8 feet tall and wide and produces lavender-colored flowers from...
Smelly Compost Pile? Just Add Water
Composting is a great way to reduce household and yard organic waste and create a good soil amendment for your garden. While the materials in a well constructed compost pile will break down...
Illustrated Guide to Gardening Now Organic!
The Illustrated Guide to Gardening has been a gardening bible for many for years. Originally published in 1970s, this book has been the mainstay for many a gardener across the country. The All...
In the Garden
Less-Common Bloomies For the Gloomies
Some less commonly depended-upon perennials provide respite from winter blahs, and they get bigger and better from year to year. Bergenia ( B. crassifolia ) has tiny white-to-pink-to-rose-to-purple blossoms standing above great rounds of wavy, textured...
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Resources
Shows & Events
Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration On Sunday, January 10, 1-4pm, at the Frances Young Hall, South Coast Botanic Garden, Certified...
Clever Gardening Technique
Two Calendars -- One Just for Gardening! Make notes on last year's garden while your memory is still fresh. Your initial choices,...
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Regional Reminders
- Veggies to Transplant
- Asparagus Depth
- Prune After Leaves Fall
- Dormant Fruit Tree Spray
- Protect Compost Pile Nutrients
