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L.A. Times staffers will be joined by representatives from the Theodore Payne Foundation and the California Native Plant Society who will share plant information and resources at this years Festival of Books.

Its really been a joy to reunite the soil with the plants that belong here, Christopher Smee says of removing his lawn and planting California natives.

From California native wildflowers to historic Midcentury Modern design, this guide offers details about spring garden tours in Southern California.

It wasnt a superbloom year, and thats OK. Here are the best spots to see an abundance of colorful wildflowers in Southern California.

Florist Abriana Vicioso is reimagining the traditional flower workshop as a communal guided journey, using botanical arts to foster healing and connection in the heart of Los Angeles.

Jeanette Marantos, a Features reporter, died following an emergency heart issue. She helped educate readers about native California plants. She described her reporting as her own ongoing education.

The best hope for a potential superbloom is if Southern California can get some cool, wet weather next week, one expert says, but the chances of that are iffy.

Susanne Hammel-Sawyer knew almost nothing about the traditions of her Chumash ancestors until she was 70. Today she is one of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians premier basketmakers.

In Borrego Springs, youll find a mini explosion of sunflowers, desert sand-verbena, basket evening primrose and even elusive desert lilies.

For the second time in three years, someone has been hacking off and stealing waxy, 2-to-4-foot-long serrated leaves from agave plants at east Torrance homes.

For 50-plus years, Weidners Gardens in Encinitas has specialized in growing color, from begonias to poinsettias.

Youre probably aware that fallen leaves make good mulch, but they can also aid the garden and the flower beds if you make leaf mold.