Tulips are March’s plant of the moment. They can be seen in their annual glory in the courtyard and will be coming soon to the backyard. Tulips get special treatment here at Rancho Los Cerritos: in order to get a proper chill on these bulbs in our temperate climate, they spend several weeks in our[…]
Plant of the Moment: March
By Rancho Staff Gardens Feb 27, 2017
Plant of the Moment: February
By Rancho Intern Gardens Feb 14, 2017
Arctostaphylos densiflora ‘Howard McMinn,’ or Manzanita Howard McMinn is February’s plant of the moment. The evergreen shrub was hybridized from a species native to Central California and has since found its way to Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach. This winter plant is located at the top of Arroyo on the site and along the fence[…]
At Rancho Los Cerritos, Winter is for the Birds
By Rancho Staff Gardens Jan 12, 2017
Recently, friend of the Rancho Jerry Millett captured a wonderful photo of one of one of the museum’s winged visitors. These handsome, gregarious birds migrate to Southern California — and our Long Beach garden — timing their journey to the ripening of their preferred food source, berries. While they will consume insects, these birds are[…]
Plant of the Moment: January
By Rancho Staff Gardens Jan 04, 2017
Pink Powder Puff – Calliandra haematocephala Location: Backyard & Orchard This large evergreen shrub can be espalier as seen on the Orchard wall or allowed to grow into a large shrub that almost attains a small tree stature as in the backyard. Follow the perimeter walkway to the back wall and these powder puffs of[…]
Plant of the Moment: December
By Rancho Staff Gardens Dec 07, 2016
Our recently replanted Pink Florist Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), which is located in Rancho Los Cerritos’ backyard near our shade garden, is already in full color and brightening up the shady bed behind the Morton Bay Fig. We also have red and white varieties of Cyclamen, which will brighten up the shorter days of winter. Other[…]
Plant of the Moment: November
By Rancho Staff Gardens Oct 31, 2016
Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry tree, is November’s plant of the moment. These trees are great for residential gardens, with evergreen foliage and dainty white urn-shaped pendulous flowers. Once pollinated, the strawberry tree bears ¾” fruit. The fruit is green when it first appears, then changes to yellow, orange and, eventually, red (hence the name).[…]
Rancho Los Cerritos in Bloom
Gallery By Rancho Staff Gardens May 10, 2011
It doesn’t get any sweeter than the purples, pinks and oranges of spring- colors that Rancho Los Cerritos has in abundance right now thanks to Mother Nature. Stroll through rambling paths on the arm of your sweetheart and take your engagement photos amongst these blooming beauties. Hidden wooden staircases add a rustic feel, while statuesque,[…]