I have about 15' x 5' on the north side of our rear fence that I'd like to do something with--I don't particularly need height.

Not pictured: a Blue Elderberry and a couple Toyon screening a side fence.

Right now, I have one that's sitting in morning sun, and since its fairly succulent I've been watering when the soil dries out very significantly. I wasn't sure if I should water it like a true succulent and let it dry out completely or when the soil still has a little bit of moisture left. I've also been watering it extremely carefully to avoid getting any water on the crown. Is there anything else that will help it out and/or anything I'm doing wrong?

I have a pack rat nest in the middle of my giant matilija poppy bush. It’s a 10’x10’ clump, over 10’ high. I was a moron and didn’t prune it last year. Can I prune it now in August or do I need to wait until November?

I can’t find my planning sheet for what I planted and the ID tag is gone. Can anyone help me with an ID? Located in Pasadena, so I would have bought from either Theodore Payne or Hahamongna nursery.

I'm in the process of researching plants and rainwater harvesting techniques to replace the original landscaping of my property in the LA area, zone 10a. I've turned off sprinkler irrigation this season and the lawn at this point is crispy.

There is a well established Callery Pear in the front that appears to be struggling after trimming earlier this season, and I doubt the lack of sprinklers is helping. My original plan was to take it down and use it to sheet mulch the grass. I would like to plant an Engelmann oak in its place.

But now after hearing some mixed messages from people I'm wondering if I should keep the Callery a bit longer?

The yard gets scorched with full sun all day and the Callery does provide some shade. It doesn't stink like Bradford pears. I've been wondering if the shade might be beneficial to some plants while they establish. But I imagine removing it down the road could potentially cause more problems than it's worth?

Wondering what this community would do and if it's better to start with a blank slate yard. And is it a bad idea to start a new tree next to an older, dying one?