Tom Carruth News Today

April is a stellar month for celebrating native plants, from wildflower hunting (when they arrive) to the Los Angeles Times' Festival of Books, plus lots of plant activities.

Now assistant curator for The Huntington's rose garden, Watts resident and his wife infuse fixer-upper property with new life

Hanukkah is a celebration of light and of overcoming obstacles. During the eight-night celebrations, families light menorahs to honor the miracle of the Maccabees.

Bare root season is just around the corner. Here is a peek at next year’s new roses, with expert takes from San Diego County rosarian Rita Perwich.

Water-hungry lawns are symbols of the past. Today, there are yards with alternative, low-water landscaping built for the future. Here’s one man’s effort.

For work, he tends roses at the Huntington. At home, he inspires his Watts neighbors with his low-cost, DIY garden full of native plants, herbs and food.

For work, he tends roses at the Huntington. At home, he inspires his Watts neighbors with his low-cost, DIY garden full of native plants, herbs and food.

"California’s legislative session closed recently. As always, the state’s lawmakers addressed a range of issues and approved significant actions that are now ready for the governor’s actions," writes Tom Karwin. "Today’s topic focuses on two bills that relate to gardening: AB 1572 and AB 1573, both introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman."

Before reaching for fertilizers as boosters in the rose garden, be sure the chemical addition is needed — and it isn't harming the complex system of organisms that live in the soil, says rosarian Rita Perwich.

With rose-planting season commencing this month, it is time to reflect and deliberate on our must-have roses.