By Sara Saxonberg

UCCE Master Gardener | QWEL & WatershedWise Certified | Native Plant Gardener | C-27 Landscape Contractor

Welcome to the Spring Edition of our Southern Coastal California Regenerative Gardening Guide, created especially for those gardening in Sunset Zones 22–24 / USDA Zone 10b, including the Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro, Long Beach, and beyond.

This season, we’re shifting to a quarterly guide format, designed to give you a richer, more holistic perspective on regenerative gardening. While previous posts focused on month-by-month priorities, this new seasonal rhythm allows us to go deeper—offering timely planting tips, native plant highlights, harvest guides, and a few nourishing surprises along the way.🌱

Don’t miss the seasonal recipe at the end crafted with love to celebrate what’s fresh and in bloom.

The natural world is one of our oldest teachers—a living presence that responds when we listen, care, and tend it with intention. Every garden offers an invitation to reconnect with the land, support biodiversity, and co-create beauty and balance in our own backyards.

Weather & Climate in Southern California

April brought with it mild to warm days, with average highs around 70–75°F (21–24°C) and cooler evenings. While coastal fog has often rolled in during early mornings, longer days and rising soil temperatures support explosive growth in both edible and ornamental gardens.

Tip: April & May are often drier than March—while last week offered a happy surprise rain event, it is still a good idea to provide your native plants with a supplemental deep watering to prepare them well for the warm season while temps are still relatively cool. Native plants especially hate when their roots get wet and the temps get hot, so evening watering can be best to avoid heat spikes.

As many food producing crops are beginning to really start to produce, consistent watering is key in the early morning to avoid mildews, etc. 

Spring Blooms in Coastal Southern California & Palos Verdes

Spring on the Peninsula is a vibrant time, with native plants bursting into bloom—supporting pollinators, adding color, and signaling a healthy ecosystem. Look out for these seasonal highlights:

California Natives in Bloom

• California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – Iconic orange blooms beloved by bees.
• Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) – Grass-like foliage with delicate violet flowers.
• Sticky Monkey Flower (Diplacus aurantiacus) – Orange tubular flowers adored by hummingbirds.
• Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) – Fragrant purple whorls, pollinator favorite.
• Island Bush Poppy (Dendromecon harfordii) – Native to Channel Islands and Palos Verdes hillsides, with large yellow blooms.
• California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.) – From groundcovers to shrubs, these vibrant blue-to-purple blooms are a springtime showstopper.
• Coast Sunflower / Coastal California Daisy (Encelia californica) – Cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom prolifically on the coast.
• Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) – Pale lavender-white flowers and a favorite nectar source for bees.
• Deerweed (Acmispon glaber) – Early bloomer with yellow pea-like flowers, vital for native butterflies.
• Bush Lupine (Lupinus spp.) – Spikes of purple-blue flowers that support native bees.
• Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) – Showy pink-magenta flowers on bare stems.
• Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) – Tall with dramatic white, fried-egg flowers in late spring.
• Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) – A native shrub or small tree producing creamy white flower clusters in spring, followed by bluish berries. A keystone wildlife plant, it supports native bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Thrives in dry slopes, canyons, and garden edges.
• Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. mexicana) – More drought-tolerant and sun-loving than its blue elder cousin, this fast-growing native has fragrant white blooms in spring and golden to purplish berries later in the season. A great choice for wildlife gardens and erosion control.
• Iris douglasiana (Pacific Coast Iris) – Elegant purple/blue flowers adapted to coastal clay soils.

Mediterranean & Compatible Climate Blooms

• Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – Aromatic, pollinator-friendly, and evergreen.
• Rockrose (Cistus spp.) – A resilient shrub with paper-thin blooms in pink, purple, or white.
• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – Dual-purpose herb with small blue blossoms.
• Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.) – Bright, daisy-like yellow flowers that bloom profusely in spring and early summer. Great for sunny spots and pollinator support.
• Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.) – Bold red, orange, and yellow blooms that thrive in heat and poor soil. Long-blooming and beloved by butterflies

April | May Harvests

What’s Ready to Enjoy

Celebrate the height of your cool-season crops and the first hints of warm-weather abundance:

• Artichokes: Harvest while heads are tight or allow to bloom for happy bees
• Leafy Greens: Harvest arugula, spinach, lettuce, chard, and mustard greens.
• Brassicas: Late-season broccoli, cabbage, and kale are still producing.
• Root Veggies: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips.
• Herbs: Snip chives, cilantro, dill, oregano, and lemon balm. 
• Peas & Favas: Enjoy snow peas, sugar snaps, and fava beans before they fade in May.
• Chamomile & Lemon Balm: Make a soothing straight from the garden tea

PRO TIP: Be sure to leave some of your greens and herbs to go to seed for future harvests!🌱

What to Plant in April – Garden Expansion Time

As soil warms, planting opportunities abound:

🌿 Vegetables: Direct sow beans, squash, cucumbers, corn, and melons. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants started indoors. Continue sowing succession crops of greens, carrots, and radishes

🌼 Flowers: Sow zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, and sunflowers for pollinators and color. Native wildflowers like clarkia and elegant clover can still go in this month🌳 Perennials & Natives: Plant natives such as white sage, buckwheat, and yarrow before summer heat sets in. Add fruit trees or vines if soil is well-drained and prepped

April Garden Maintenance Checklist:

Weed Vigilantly: Spring weeds compete with new seedlings—pull them while small.

Mulch: Reapply mulch around edibles and natives to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Irrigate Wisely: Deep, infrequent watering supports drought resilience.

Feed: Feed fruit trees and veggies with compost or organic fertilizer.

Support Vines & Tall Crops: Set up trellises for peas, beans, and flowering vines.

Reciprocity and Giving Back

Los Angeles Spring Gardening Events & Volunteer Opportunities

1. Outdoor Volunteer Days at White Point Nature Preserve

📅 Sunday, May 18 & Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 1600 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA

Join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy to help maintain native plant habitats, improve biodiversity, and beautify this coastal preserve. Great for community service hours. ​Palos Verdes Pulse+1Patch+1Patch+6www.sanpedrochamber.com+6PVP Leadership Conference+6

2. Guided Family Nature Walk at White Point Nature Preserve

📅 Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 10:30 AM

📍 1600 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA

Explore coastal sage scrub habitat with naturalists and enjoy ocean views. A great way to connect with local ecology. ​

3. Native Plant Sale at White Point Nature Education Center

📅 Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 1600 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA

Purchase native plants to create a butterfly-friendly garden and receive expert gardening tips. ​

4. Nature Club for Kids – Reptiles

📅 Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 10:30 AM

📍 White Point Nature Education Center, San Pedro, CA

Engage children aged 3–10 with fun reptile-themed activities and meet live reptile ambassadors. ​

5. Storytime Tails – Remarkable Reptiles

📅 Sunday, May 11, 2025 | 10:30 AM

📍 White Point Nature Education Center, San Pedro, CA

Enjoy stories about local critters with crafts and hands-on activities, recommended for kids aged 3–6 and their caregivers.

6. Feed & Be Fed Farm – Annual Fundraiser

📅 Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 429 W. 6th St., San Pedro, CA

Support this urban garden dedicated to food justice and environmental education. Enjoy garden-fresh bites, sweets, and community activities. ​

7. Feed & Be Fed Garden – Open Hours

📅 Tuesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 429 W. 6th St., San Pedro, CA

Visit the urban garden to learn about sustainable farming practices and community programs.

8. San Pedro Farmers Market

📅 Fridays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 396 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA

Shop for fresh produce and local goods, including offerings from Feed & Be Fed Farm. ​

Cabrillo Beach Native Garden Restoration

📅 Second Saturday of each month

📍 San Pedro, CA

Join monthly efforts to maintain and restore native plant gardens. 

Seasonal Recipe from Garden to Table

As promised here is a favorite seasonal recipe and our answer to ALL THOSE ARTICHOKES this time of year. When I was growing up, my birthday was always marked by a birthday dinner at Hamburger Hamlet in Los Angeles (I think down on Sunset or somewhere in the heart of the city…) I remember even as a small child being so excited for spring so I could enjoy my first of the season grilled artichoke from that restaurant. Here is a simpler iteration for the home cook... I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Steamed Artichokes with Lemon-Herb Garden Aioli

A bright, earthy dish that honors the spring artichoke harvest with fresh herbs and zesty citrus. Perfect as a shared appetizer or light lunch.

Ingredients:

For the Artichokes:

2–4 large fresh artichokes1 lemon, halved

2 cloves garlic (smashed)

A few sprigs of fresh herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or parsley)

Bay leaf (optional)

For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:

1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tbsp lemon juice

1–2 tbsp finely chopped garden herbs (parsley, dill, chives, tarragon, or basil work beautifully)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Artichokes: Trim the stems so the artichokes sit flat. Snap off any tough outer leaves and trim the pointy tips of remaining leaves if desired. Slice about 1 inch off the top. Rub cut edges with lemon to prevent browning.

2. Steam: In a large pot, add a few inches of water, garlic cloves, a squeeze of lemon juice, lemon halves, bay leaf, and herb sprigs. Insert a steamer basket and place artichokes inside. Cover and steam for 30–40 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the base and outer leaves pull away with ease.

3. Make the Lemon-Herb Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

4. Serve: Place whole artichokes on a platter with the aioli on the side. To eat, pull off leaves, dip into aioli, and scrape the tender flesh with your teeth. Once you reach the heart, remove the fuzzy choke and enjoy the tender center.

Garden Notes: This dish is best enjoyed outdoors with good company and a cold drink. Try pairing it with crisp lemony iced tea or sparkling water infused with mint or lemon balm.

Gratitude and Garden Reflections Surrounding the Abundance of Spring...

This spring, I had the gift of joining my son’s school community for a camping trip at Casper's Wilderness Park located in Orange County, about an hour away from our office. Beneath the shelter of blooming sycamores and wise oaks, the children ran wild with wonder—discovering acorns, climbing rocks, and marveling at trails lined with deer sightings and vibrant wildflowers endemic to this corner of California. 

The kids started off the trip with a trip to South Coast Farms to pick strawberries where they laughed under the sun and stuffed their faces with perfectly ripe red gems (and we got to pick some too!) The rest of the weekend consisted of the rhythm of meals cooked together and families gathered around the campfire as the stars flickered above and a nearly full moon lit the hills. In those moments—watching the kids’ faces glow with joy and dirt-streaked curiosity—I felt the unmistakable presence of hope. Even as the world beyond holds war, loss, and uncertainty, these wild places remind us what is worth protecting.

Gratitude lives in the stillness of the trees, the laughter of children unbound by screens or walls, and the quiet resilience of native plants returning each spring.

At Pachamama Inspired, we believe that taking time to experience these moments of wonder is not only a privilege, but also a great responsibility. Preserving and tending the land is a sacred act of reciprocity—a way to preserve beauty and possibility for future generations. As we plant responsible ecological gardens, we also plant hope.

Spring is by far my favorite time of the year. Partly because I was born in April, but mostly due to its ceaseless bounty of abundance around every corner. The sense of renewal in the air feels unbound and the edible garden outside my office is overflowing with herbs, chamomile, blueberries, strawberries, peppers, greens from the cooler seasons and even the first volunteer tomato plants begging to be pollinated.

Abundance is everywhere this season and there is no choice but to share the bounty. How can you not be inspired this time of year!!

If you made it this far, THANK YOU for being here and for your continued support. May this bountiful season bring you joy and health. May it ground you in what matters most.

With love and appreciation,

Sara & the Pachamama Inspired Team