Camellia

Camelia, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.The Camellia is a wonderful plant, with Asian origins. I had quite the history lesson on these delicate beauties when I took the Tram tour at Descanso Garden in La Canada, Flintridge (California.) They have the largest Camellia Garden in Southern California. A must see if you're looking for a garden to visit. Elizabeth, the Queen Mother grew Camellia

Cyclamen

Friday I'm in Love, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Everywhere I go in Southern California, I see cyclamen planted in beds and borders. Until I decided to take gardening more seriously, I used to kill every cyclamen I met. It was accidental of course, as I followed my idea that plants like lots of sun and water. WRONG! This plant likes shade, and minimal water, as to avoid root rot. That's

Those Shocking Rosarians!

You would never believe it, but the Victorian world of horticulture was quite cut-throat! Over the centuries, many intrigues have occurred in the name of the rose, so to speak. Here, a few stories associated with some of the roses you may have in your own garden."Gertrude Jekyll": This master gardener was known for her garden designs-so many of which are still going strong today. Each spring,