Let me add a little amen to that Pat Walsh book. I'm always refering to it, in addition to the Sunset Western Garden Book. Can't overlook Green Thumb Nursery on Sherman Way in Canoga Park. I love that place, and always find something I want there. Plus, they have a really nice seed rack inside. Classic Nursery in Sun Valley is a good source for inexpensive landscape shrubs, if you know what you're looking for. (I've never been to the one in Tarzana.) It's a bit hard to find under the big electrical towers. Which is a perfect segue for that other indispensible book for Southern California: The Thomas Guide (a book of local street maps). I couldn't live without mine. Finally, this could be a really fun day trip for you: If you take the 5 freeway to Santa Clarita, there is a highway called the 126 that runs between there and Ventura, where it joins into the 101. (Look on a map.) It must be one of the most beautiful drives in the world. There are mountains and orange groves and little fruit stands and also a place that sells dig-your-own cactuses. I've never been able to time my trip to go when the place is open, but I've always wanted to stop in there. If they're closed when you go, it's still a great ramble, either going from west to east or visa versa. Welcome to Southern California.

The Cooperative garden program cosponsored by LA County, the USDA & the Universities of CA should be able to help you. Try phoning 323/838-4539 (Gloria Mitchell, Common Ground Garden Program Assistant) or the program itself at 323/838-8330. Or check out the link below: Here is a link that might be useful: Los Angeles County Community Gardens

We'll start with my plants. Out of the eleven I entered only one received no ribbon, everything else won either blue or red and the Monilaria awarded an outstanding specimen rosette. Astrophytum caput-medusae Monilaria moniliformis Conophytum periforme Tylecodon reticulata Pelargonium carnosum Pelargonium radicatum Tylecodon wallichii, paniculatus(hiding in the back) and atropurpureus Othonna cacaliodes

I would bet Lars,that they have a hard time keeping valuable plants like rare orchids from "disappearing". Same for any small rare C&S. Even at the SF botanical garden the Camellia sinensis is nearly picked to death of foliage by visitors. Nice photos- I miss my Cereus spiralis. I should order one from ebay. I moved it one too many times..during the drought too boot.