"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.If you're from an area where seasons are distinct and easily recognizable, visiting Southern California will make you feel as if you're not having seasonal changes at all.  But if you look closely, you can find it.Location: Terrenea Resort - L.A.'s Oceanfront Resorthttp://www.terranea.com/If

Signs of Spring in Southern California

A day before the Groundhog tells the world about the coming of Spring, February first in Southern California shows blossoms everywhere.Happy Girl, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.It appears that our recent El Nino storms nourished the flowers and helped the insect population.This flowering tree was filled with blooms, and quite a swarm of happy bees, which are not picture here. There will be

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

Calendula in Florence's Garden in February FEBRUARYCalendula can be in full bloom on Valentine's Day. Do note on your calendar to plant them next September or October. Learn to plant the lovely annuals that will soon be in bloom, in early fall, to get the best and most carefree bloom, we have all year. All of the following bloom best in our early spring: Calendula, Iceland Poppies, Primula,

A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

My friend, and gardening mentor Florence Sullivan, passed away recently at the age of 95 1/2. I had previously asked her daughter's permission to share her gardening tips. She wrote a booklet, with the above title, so any tips I share on this blog, with this title are from "Florence Sullivan," with the kind permission of her daughter Holly.Since it's already February, I'll do this slightly out

Cottage Garden Curb Appeal

"Cats never strike a pose that isn't photogenic." ~ Lilian Jackson Braun, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Nothing is more relaxing to me than walking my dog through my neighborhood, and studying my neighbors "cottage gardens." My home is a small 1950's ranch house, and as my rose and front yard wildflower garden grows and flourishes, it finally occured to me that I want a picket fence, and a

Look at what's blooming in my garden!

...and for a brief moment, the weatherman thought it might snow in L.A., but it didn't. I did read that daffodil's love cool weather though. Cheers to Spring, it's on it's way! I planted wildflowers seeds in my garden. I touched up the blank spots in my yard with grass seed, dirt and fertilizer. I planted new roses. Now my back hurts, for real! I suppose I was surely working.

The Ginkgo Tree

The Yellow Tree, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I visited the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. Everything about that garden is peaceful and magical, but with the changing leaves and blooming camellia's the Japanese Garden was particularly perfect. A must see, if you're in Southern California.

Bougainvillea

Flowers are Red, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.This beautiful bougainvillea lives in my coastal Southern California neighborhood. It lines paths, fences, and driveways throughout. After researching this plants history, I found an article that is superbly written. Instead of giving you second hand information, click the title above, and you'll be taken to the article. Here is the web

The Getty Malibu Villa

A Good Day, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.If you enjoy visiting beautiful public gardens, Los Angeles has an array of garden hot spots. If you're looking for an activity, possibly, the word "garden" might not immediately come to mind when you think of "The Getty Malibu Villa," but it should.Not only does the Getty have a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful garden, it has Greek, Italian and

Mexican Marigolds

Mexican Marigolds, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Meet my favorite California fall flower, the Mexican Marigold. I first discovered this plant while visiting "The Living Desert" in Palm Springs. They sell their plants near the exit, and I wanted a plant that would thrive in a California Garden. They told me this plant was a wonderful, flowering plant, and that it was a California

Maryam's Cottage Garden

Southern California has the perfect weather for year round gardening. It's not uncommon to find lovely cottage gardens scattered about town. My neighbor Maryam has a stunning cottage garden, complete with Shabby Chic accents, and a red vintage watering can. Pink, Purple & Green, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes. These are Maryam's window box flowers. She studied Art History at Loyola, and

Fall in Southern California

The Color Purple, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Southern California suffers from overcrowding, and here's the reason. Fall in California comes shades of purple......fading pink hydrangeas......and seashells lying about in your cottage garden...But before you move here, ask yourself, can you handle the traffic, the multi-cultural diversity, and the expense. I moved away once, briefly, and I

The South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation

If you're an avid gardener, or just a person who wants a relaxing day in the garden, take a trip to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There, you'll find the South Coast Botanic Garden, with 87 acres of beauty to experience and enjoy. This botanic garden holds beautiful garden gems.. like the lovely Children's Garden, complete with a child's size house......a Dahlia Garden......a Japanese Garden......