Author: Mary Church

If June is when the garden starts producing, July and August are when it really shows off. Tomatoes are ripening by the handful, zucchini seem to double in size overnight, cucumbers are ready before you know it, and peppers are finally coming into their own. There’s nothing quite like walking out to your garden with…

If this season has felt a little unpredictable, you’re not alone. Here in Southern California, we’ve had stretches of unexpected heat followed by cooler days that finally feel like early spring. For gardeners, that kind of swing can be confusing — and sometimes frustrating. March is all about adjusting. Your garden is shifting, your plants…

February is an underrated month in the garden. It’s not as busy as spring, not as abundant as summer—but it’s one of the most important times of the year at Las Flores Community Garden. What you do now quietly sets the stage for everything that comes next. Think of February as preparation month: tending, planning,…

November is a month of slowing down — shorter days, cooler nights, and a welcome pause after the buzz of summer planting. But at Las Flores Community Garden, this time of year gives us something even more meaningful: a chance to reflect on what the garden gives us, and what we give back. While the…

Fall is Here It may still feel like summer in Southern California, but fall is closer than we think—and in the garden, that means it’s time to plan. At Las Flores Community Garden, planting is not just encouraged, it’s required year-round. This ensures that every plot stays productive, beautiful, and aligned with the mission of our community:…

August is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) months in the garden. Our summer crops are at their peak—tomatoes are blushing on the vine, zucchini is growing faster than we can cook it, and peppers, beans, and melons are filling baskets everywhere. At the same time, it’s the perfect moment to start planning…

By now, your garden is bursting with tomatoes, squash, beans, and (if you’re lucky) a few cucumbers that didn’t bolt in the heat. July is peak season — but it’s also peak stress. For both gardeners and plants. As temperatures climb and the sun gets relentless, it’s time to shift from “planting” mode to protection…

Ah, June — the garden is buzzing, the sun is high, and your plots are (hopefully!) overflowing with the fruits of your labor. From the first juicy tomatoes to the unstoppable wave of zucchini, this is the season we wait for all year. But did you know that harvesting regularly is just as important as watering…

Welcome to Las Flores Community Garden, a vibrant green space in the heart of Thousand Oaks where plants grow, pollinators thrive, and community comes to life. Since our founding, we’ve worked together to create a sustainable, inclusive garden that goes far beyond individual plots. From certified wildlife habitats to giving gardens, we are proud to…

March is a time of transition in Southern California gardens. As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, plants awaken from their winter dormancy, and gardeners get ready for a busy and productive growing season. Whether you’re tending to a community garden or your own backyard space, preparing your garden now will set…

Is your soil ready for Spring planting? Now the clocks have jumped ahead and we are getting a taste of spring. The birds are chirping in the morning busy building nests and my peach tree has beautiful pink blossoms. With some of these cold mornings, I welcome the spring weather and so does your garden. Some of…