Osage Orange, Maclura pomifera, is September’s plant of the moment. Native to Arkansas and eastern Texas, this unusual tree first came to Rancho Los Cerritos in the 1840s, when it was planted by John Temple. The Osage Orange was brought west by early pioneers, but what attracts visitors’ attention today is the peculiar-looking fruit that drops[…]
Plant of the Moment: September
By Rancho Staff Gardens Sep 03, 2017
Plant of the Moment: August
By Rancho Staff Gardens Aug 07, 2017
Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, is August’s plant of the moment. These two trees were added by the City of Long Beach, which owns Rancho Los Cerritos, circa 1960. Hot summer temperatures encourage the best floral display, and with this summer’s heat, we are experiencing a spectacular bloom. Other plants in bloom in our Long Beach garden[…]
Plant of the Moment: June
By Rancho Staff Gardens Jun 05, 2017
Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) is our plant of the moment. These sages form undulating mounds of fragrant silver leaves and are currently covered with the periwinkle blue flowers. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, so not only do you get to enjoy the showy flowers, but the aerial demonstrations as the “hummers” vie for territory[…]
Plant of the Moment: May
By Rancho Staff Gardens May 10, 2017
Matilija Poppies are May’s plant of the moment. This stunning flower (Latin name: Romneya coulteri) is located in the California Native garden in three separate areas: by the stairs, below the lower retaining wall, and up slope toward the picnic area. Predominantly found in the Ojai area of Ventura County, this is an aggressive perennial that colonizes[…]
Make Way for…
By Rancho Staff Gardens Mar 22, 2017
These two mallards have been visiting Rancho Los Cerritos for years. They love bathing in the pond’s inner courtyard. For many seasons, the RLC ducks have nested on site, but they have never been able to raise a brood, due to poor nest placement and predation. We’re hoping this is the year for a successful[…]
Plant of the Moment: March
By Rancho Staff Gardens Feb 27, 2017
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: 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[…]