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
Sparkly lights are part of most holiday memories, and Southern California certainly delivers with both free and paid holiday light shows closing out 2023.
Nov. 28, 2023
One of the best ways to learn more about plants is to volunteer at Los Angeles area nurseries, botanic gardens, nature groups and plant advocacy organizations.
Nov. 27, 2023
Cardboard is crucial for sheet mulching to kill a lawn, but critics say there’s no science proving it works. All you really need, they say, is lots of wood chips.
Nov. 1, 2023
Here’s how to make your holiday gifts do double duty, with these useful, super snuggly or very cool items whose makers give back to those in need.
Nov. 1, 2023
Western monarch populations have rebounded since their calamitous drop in 2020 but are still far below historic norms. Are native milkweed giveaways helping?
Oct. 30, 2023
Visitors to the Huntington Library can tour a restored 18th century Shoya House, a residence from rural Japan.
Oct. 20, 2023
For work, he tends roses at the Huntington. At home, he inspires his Watts neighbors with his low-cost, DIY garden full of native plants, herbs and food.
Oct. 17, 2023
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