Pulling weeds is a regular task for Bruce Schwartz in his native garden, which is more about creating habitat than traditional landscaping. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) So you've torn out your ...

Fruits and vegetables need plenty of nutrients and water to thrive in a garden. California native plants prefer unamended soils and need little water once they’re established. Separation is the key to ...

Full disclosure: I wasn't always a fan of California native plants because, honestly, I didn't know anything about them. I was too busy being googly eyed over show-stopper ornamentals like roses. My ...

If a wildlife show wanted to film in the middle of Los Angeles, Casa Apocalyptica — a dizzying jungle of native plants, abundant wildlife, soothing water and salvaged debris — would be a great place ...