We get some rose blooms all the way into November. It doesn't get cold enough here for the roses to really go dormant. I prune some time between Christmas and Valentine's Day. Most hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas and miniature roses repeat bloom from spring until fall. Many shrub roses, climbers and heritage varieties do too. I will put a link to information on rose clubs in Southern California. You won't need to be a member to go to a meeting and ask questions -- the best advice on good varieties that bloom well your area will come from folks who live in your microclimate. In public rose gardens with labeled varieties you can see how the plants look, and at rose shows (several held this fall and next spring) you can see hundreds of cut blooms grown locally. Here is a link that might be useful: Southern California rose societies

I just moved to Tujunga/Sunland, close to you San Fernando folks. Currently, we have about 2 Japanese sweet potato vines, the tubers should be about ready to harvest. Just planted some mizuna, daikon and napa cabbage, along with other salad greens. In florida, I grew red shiso (perilla), malabar spinach (basella alba) and asian winged bean. The malabar spinach and shiso should do OK in this climate, but not sure about the asian winged bean, as I am up in the foothills and we get frosts up here. Would be happy to trade malabar spinach or winged bean seeds for other asian vegetables. If I get the shiso established, then I can trade those seeds too.

Tony, Check out the FAQs at the top of the page. You will find a wealth of information, including host and nectar plants. Sandy

Herbs: I'm in the san diego area and have had success growing a vast number of herbs. These have all grown well over the past several years: Lavender, Thyme, Basil (all types), Dill, Cilantro, Sage (all kinds), Chamomille, Oregeno, Rosmary, Catnip, Chives, Scallions, Ginger root, Onions, Spearmint, Peppermint, & Lemon Balm. (be wary of planting the mints directly into your garden, if they go to seed you'll be finding mint everywhere and anywhere for a long time. I suggest potting mint, and keeping it on a patio/away from an area which it can drop seeds.)