Plant of the Moment: Justicia carnea – Brazilian Plume Flower. Located in the backyard’s shaded planter beds to the east of the wisteria arbor, this delightful perennial generally has two, and occasionally three, waves of brilliant color in the summer. And it’s not just a pretty flower! Scientists have been looking into its medicinal qualities,[…]
June Garden News
By Christa Weston Uncategorized Jun 01, 2021
May Garden News
By Christa Weston Gardens May 02, 2021
Plant of the Moment: Romneya (Matilija Poppy). They are scattered throughout the California native garden, the flowers of this perennial started to pop up in mid-April. They are primarily native to Ojai, with scattered populations found as far south as Baja California. The Matilija poppy’s preferred habitats are dry washes and canyons where its underground[…]
A Missing Part of History
By Rancho Intern exhibits, Uncategorized May 01, 2021
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI): How Chinese women were erased from history. For Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, we want to also acknowledge the Chinese women that are missing from our history. When talking about the past, it is important to acknowledge what is there but also what is missing and[…]
In Honor of Julia Bogany
By Sarah Wolk FitzGerald Uncategorized Apr 12, 2021
Rancho Los Cerritos mourns the passing of Julia Bogany. We had the privilege of collaborating with Ms. Bogany on our most recent exhibit, Tevaaxa’nga to Today: Stories of the Tongva People as well as on children’s programming related to the exhibit. Julia Bogany shared her knowledge and wisdom with the curatorial team for the exhibit’s[…]
The 1930s in Long Beach, California
By Curatorial Intern Uncategorized Apr 05, 2021
The period of the 1930s in America was a tumultuous one. The nationwide economic crisis that resulted from the stock market crash in 1929 was affecting families across the country. After being elected in 1932, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) began implementing his New Deal programs to benefit the country, with varying results. The Great[…]
April Garden Updates
By Christa Weston Gardens, Visitor Information Apr 01, 2021
Plant of the Moment: the Wisteria sinensis. The Wisteria, which is native to the eastern half of China, is blooming and just about at its peak. So, if you have not been to the Rancho yet this spring, now is the time to schedule a visit. There is an abundance of blooms around the site,[…]
Rafaela Cota de Temple: Hija del Pais (Daughter of the Land)
By Sarah Wolk FitzGerald history Mar 08, 2021
In honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the life story of Rafaela Cota de Temple. She was the wife of John Temple, who established a cattle ranch at Rancho Los Cerritos in 1844 and commissioned the construction of the Rancho’s adobe home. Rafaela Cota was born in March 1812 at the Santa Barbara Presidio to[…]
March Garden News
By Christa Weston Events, Gardens, Upcoming Events, Visitor Information Mar 03, 2021
Plant of the Moment: Ceanothus ‘Concha.’ It is Ceanothus season at RLC! One of California’s most beloved native shrubs, RLC’s Ceanothus are a hybrid varietal with fragrant dark blue flowers. The flowers are as attractive to bees as they are to people, so “bee aware” before you sniff! Our Ceanothus shrubs can be found near[…]
The Great Backyard Bird Count
By Christa Weston Uncategorized Feb 11, 2021
Each February 12-15, the world comes together for the love of birds. We invite you to visit RLC and count as many birds as you can find and report them to the Great Backyard Bird Count. These counts help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. You can count birds[…]
February Garden News
By Christa Weston Gardens, Uncategorized Feb 10, 2021
Plant of the Moment: Viola odorata (Sweet Violet). Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, this violet’s bright and delicate flowers helped ensure its popularity as it spread far and wide. Said to be one of Avis Bixby’s favorites, it is now scattered throughout the RLC backyard. Its deep purple flowers stand above the foliage and[…]