Los Angeles Times. April 26, 2013. By Craig Nakano and Cassy Aoyagi: You might recall that when a reader wrote about twin rows of Italian cypress — one established and healthy, the other newer and dying — the SoCal Garden Clinic asked a Pasadena nurseryman to tackle the question of why the plants might be struggling for survival. Now, with spring planting upon us and installing privacy hedges a priority, we thought we’d get a second opinion from landscape designer Cassy Aoyagi, co-founder and president of the Tujunga firm FormLA Landscaping.

Los Angeles Times. April 18, 2013. By Bob Chamberlin: The annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design, open Sunday to May 19, features the work of more than 25 designers who transformed a 1941 Monterey Colonial in Arcadia originally designed by Roland E. Coate Sr. Take a look at some of the home and garden design ideas that await visitors.

New Home Source. February 15, 2013. By Patricia Garcia: With spring on its way, you may have some grand ideas for your lawn or garden. Maybe you want to add some flowers for color or plant a tree for some shade. Before you do, make sure that the plants you choose are right for you and your home.

Plants are living things and require maintenance as they grow, says Los Angeles landscape designer Cassy Aoyagi. Needs will vary by plant and plant type, so it’s important to identify what you want from your lawn and what you can accommodate in your lot.