Growing and Dividing Cymbidium Orchids

Dividing Cymbidiums, Cymbidium Orchid

Potatoes and Brown Spots

Question to Pat: Potatoes have the brown spots starting. Sprayed with worm tea this week. Don’t like the idea of copper spray…. holding off. Blight is really a problem and this is a brand new bed with organic soil from El Corzone. Thx so very...

Correcting Erosion on a Steep Bank in Encino

Question from Denise: Our hillside, steep and large area was covered in ivy and was just fine and holding. We are not sure what happened, but due to either improper draining of the pool, a broken pipe, or years of slow erosion, the last years caused the...

Mandarine Oranges/Southern California

Question from Sari: What kinds of soils would you recommend for growing MANDARINE ORANGES near the beach in Southern California?  Are there any  special additives you would suggest?  We’re having a leaf curl problem. Answer from Pat: Citrus...

Plants for Beachfront and Seaside Gardens in Southern California

Question from Zachary: What plants will grow in gardens close to the coast and right on the beach front in Southern California? Answer from Pat: Trees that will survive on the oceanfront in Southern California include the following: Monterey cypress (Cupressus...

Exotic Ladybeetle Found In Southern California

Question from Lee: Ladybugs, once the championed protectors of backyard gardens, are showing spots of a less flattering color, and their public image looks like it could be taking an even bigger turn for the worse. A new study has found that invasive...

Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’

Question from Gail: Hi Pat, I enjoy your books and website very much–what a wealth of information and inspiration! My question is about Agonis flexuosa. I’ve planted three of the ‘After Dark’ dark foliaged trees in full sun...