Jeanette Marantos started writing for the Los Angeles Times in 1999, doing Money Makeovers until 2002. She returned to write for The Times’ Homicide Report in 2015 and the Saturday garden section in 2016, a yin and yang that kept her perspective in balance. In early 2020, she moved full time into Features, with a focus on all things flora. She is a SoCal native who spent more than 20 years in Central Washington as a daily reporter, columnist, freelancer and mom before returning to the land of eucalyptus and sage. Her present goal is to transform her yard into an oasis of native plants, fruit trees and veggies.
Latest From This Author
If you’ve removed your lawn and want native plants in your new landscape, check out these ground covers recommended by pros, plus a list of October plant events.
Oct. 1, 2023
Southern California used to be full of little farms. Urban development closed many but some survive. Here’s where to buy produce where it was grown within L.A. and two hours away.
Sept. 29, 2023
The summer’s historic rainfall may fuel desert wildflowers in the fall. But don’t expect to see the same flowers as a spring superbloom.
Sept. 5, 2023
Should we pick our homegrown tomatoes when they’re green? Three experts weigh in with harvesting tips, plus plant-related activities for September 2023.
Sept. 1, 2023
If you’re looking for a hike-like workout closer to home, consider tackling one of L.A.’s outdoor staircases.
Aug. 31, 2023
Amelia Air’s volunteer pilots fly unwanted dogs from kill shelters in rural areas to urban rescue centers, where they have better chances of finding forever homes.
Aug. 30, 2023
A healthy neighborhood hike is less about gaining altitude and more about changing your attitude.
Aug. 24, 2023
Bats are our friends. They were here when saber-toothed tigers roamed L.A., and they eat the bugs that drive us crazy, so they need habitat protection too.
Aug. 1, 2023
Severe pruning — a.k.a. “coat racking” — is never good for ficus and other evergreen trees, but pruning during high heat is even worse.
July 21, 2023
After nearly 90 years, renowned camellia grower Nuccio’s Nurseries is closing, but there’s still time to visit one of SoCal’s last family-run specialty nurseries.
July 19, 2023