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There’s a particular kind of magic that settles over Southern California as we go from late February to early March. The air softens, the light lingers just a little longer, and suddenly your outdoor spaces begin whispering about dinner parties, citrus cocktails, and evenings under the stars. Before spring fully arrives, now is the ideal moment to focus on pre-spring garden prep in Southern California. Consider this thoughtful reset that blends practicality with polish.

Here’s how to prepare your garden for a season of growth and effortless entertaining.

Prune Roses for a Strong Comeback

If you haven’t already, early March is your final window to prune roses. Proper pruning encourages healthy growth and abundant blooms later in the season. Remove dead or crossing branches, shape the plant for airflow, and cut just above outward-facing buds to guide new growth.

As part of your pre-spring garden prep in Southern California, apply fresh mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from fluctuating temperatures. A well-pruned rose bush now will reward you with dramatic blooms just in time for spring gatherings.

Refresh and Revitalize Your Soil

Winter rains can deplete soil nutrients, making early spring the perfect time to enrich your beds. Loosen compacted soil, remove debris, and mix in organic compost or a high-quality soil conditioner. Healthy soil is the foundation of successful pre-spring garden prep in Southern California, especially if you plan to plant herbs or seasonal vegetables.

For raised beds and planters, consider replacing the top few inches of soil to give new plantings the best possible start. It’s a simple step that yields noticeably stronger growth.

Plant Herbs and Early Seasonal Favorites

Southern California’s climate allows for early planting. Now is the time to introduce herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and mint. Not only do they thrive in mild temperatures, but they also double as stylish additions to patio planters.

Incorporating edible elements into your pre-spring garden prep in Southern California makes outdoor entertaining feel organic and elevated. Imagine stepping outside to snip fresh herbs for a spring salad or cocktail garnish. This makes your garden equal parts functional, beautiful, and deeply satisfying.

Give Citrus Trees Some Attention

Citrus trees are a Southern California staple, and early March is prime time for care. Inspect for pests, trim minor dead growth, and feed trees with a citrus-specific fertilizer to encourage strong fruit production. Consistent watering as temperatures rise will help support developing blossoms.

Thoughtful citrus care is an essential step in pre-spring garden prep in Southern California, especially for homeowners who value both aesthetics and harvest.

Update Patio Furniture Before Entertaining Season

Garden prep isn’t just about plants; it’s also about presentation. Wipe down outdoor furniture, replace worn cushions, and consider introducing new textiles in neutral or soft seasonal tones. Adding lanterns, fresh planters, or an updated outdoor rug instantly elevates the space.

By combining plant care with subtle design upgrades, your pre-spring garden prep in Southern California becomes a transformation.

With just a few intentional updates now, your outdoor space will be ready to bloom beautifully into the months ahead.

Stay connected in the world of tech and media with this week’s wrap-up. From Meta and its foray into smartwatches to Apple’s plan for smart eyewear, and more, we’re covering the major headlines. Check out the latest news in this week’s blog!

Google’s Snapseed adds a built-in camera with pro controls and film looks

In product news, Google’s Snapseed for iOS now includes its own camera. Likewise, the update brings manual controls, saved looks you can reapply after the shot, and a suite of retro film emulation filters. The latter of the updates was inspired by Kodak and Fujifilm. The change turns Snapseed from a pure editor into a shoot-and-polish app, which shortens the loop for creators who like to capture mobile moments then immediately craft a finished look. UI polish, like color themes and editable edit stacks, means you can experiment with a vibe, shoot, and then tweak the stack after seeing the photo in context. For photographers who loved Snapseed’s editing depth, the camera addition keeps that power in one place instead of bouncing between apps. Expect Android to follow in time, but for now, iOS users get the early taste.  

Meta reportedly plans a smartwatch to anchor more of its ecosystem

Reports say Meta is planning a smartwatch for 2026 that could act as a long-term foothold in wearables, pairing health and notification features with tighter connections to Meta’s social and AR ambitions. The Meta device is framed as less about replacing your phone and more about extending presence; quick responses, lightweight sensors, and hands-free social touchpoints that feed into Quest and other services. If Meta nails battery life and basic health tracking, the watch becomes a neat way to keep users tied to the company’s network outside the phone screen. The real test will be app depth and privacy controls: users want convenience, but they also expect clear data governance from a social platform. Watch for how the product balances social hooks with practical daily utility when it shows up.  

Audible’s Immersion mode syncs reading and listening for focused study

Audible introduced an “Immersion” reading experience that tightly syncs ebook text with audiobook playback, so you can read on the page while the narration follows; handy for study, language learning, or simply staying focused. The feature tries to bridge the gap between listening and reading by keeping bookmarks, timestamps, and progress in sync across formats so you can flip between modes without losing your place. For publishers and creators, it’s a value add that could bolster bundled sales and deeper engagement with long-form content. Consumers who switch between audio and print will appreciate the frictionless handoff, especially for textbooks or annotated editions. If the sync is accurate across editions, this could change how many of us consume long reads; listen, skim, then re-read with the voice guiding you.  

Apple rumors point to smart glasses, an AI “pin,” and AirPods AI tweaks

Supply-chain reports and leaks continue to suggest Apple is exploring a trio of wearables: smart glasses with AR smarts, a tiny AirTag-like AI “pin” for ambient prompts, and next-gen AirPods with deeper AI features. The common thread is Apple’s push toward on-body computing that’s lighter than a headset but more proactive than a phone; a layered approach that gives users choice in how they access quick AI interactions. If Apple rolls this out carefully, expect a big focus on privacy, on-device processing, and tight integration with iPhone ecosystems rather than standalone cloud reliance. Timelines are still murky, and designs can shift, but the rumors show Apple experimenting across form factors rather than betting everything on one device type. For designers and developers, the key will be how those devices expose APIs and experiences without fragmenting the platform.  

WordPress launches an AI assistant to edit sites with natural prompts

This month, WordPress rolled out a new AI assistant that lets site owners make edits and generate content using plain-language prompts; think “rewrite this section for local SEO” or “create a three-slide product deck” and watch the CMS do the heavy lifting. The assistant is positioned to streamline small-team workflows: quick copy, layout tweaks, and image suggestions that used to require multiple tools or human freelancers. For publishers and small businesses, it’s a productivity boost that lowers the friction to maintain fresh, optimized content. As always, the caveats are accuracy, tone control, and the need for human review, but the convenience factor is immediate. Expect the feature to accelerate A/B testing and rapid iteration for WordPress sites that lean into AI-assisted editing.  

Tenways’ CGO folds flat to debut a compact e-bike that really fits small spaces

Tenways debuted the CGO, a compact e-bike that twists and folds flat so it can slide into tight storage spaces, ride shares, or trunk corners without drama. The design balances rideability with packability: it’s not trying to be a full-size commuter bike, but it hits the sweet spot for last-mile runs and city dwellers who need storage thrift without giving up decent range. Practical details like folding ergonomics, battery access, and ride comfort will determine whether urban commuters swap a folding bike for this electric model. For apartment dwellers and multimodal travelers, the CGO’s flat profile is a genuine life hack; carry it onto a train, stash it under a desk, or tuck it in a closet with far less fuss than a bulky frame. If Tenways nails durability and serviceability, compact e-bikes like the CGO could become the default for dense-city mobility.

As Lunar New Year approaches, there’s no better time to rethink the energy flowing into your home. In feng shui philosophy, the front door is known as the “mouth of qi,” meaning it’s where opportunity, prosperity, and fresh beginnings enter. A thoughtful, lucky entryway design not only honors this tradition but also elevates your home’s curb appeal in a refined, modern way.

Here’s how to create a polished first impression that feels both intentional and inviting.

Repaint for a Powerful Reset and Lucky Entryway Design

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your front entrance. For a lucky entryway design, consider colors that symbolize prosperity and protection. Deep red is traditionally associated with good fortune, while rich emerald green represents growth and renewal. Navy and charcoal offer a more understated luxury while still grounding the space with strength and stability.

If a bold hue feels like too much, consider painting just the interior side of the door for a subtle nod to the season. Pair the new color with clean trim and polished detailing for a high-end finish.

Upgrade Your Hardware

Nothing dates an entry faster than worn hardware. Swapping out doorknobs, handles, knockers, and house numbers is a relatively simple update that makes a major impact. Matte black, brushed brass, or polished nickel finishes instantly modernize the space.

Incorporating upgraded hardware into your lucky entryway design signals attention to detail. A substantial door handle or sculptural knocker adds personality while reinforcing the feeling that what lies beyond the door is curated and cared for.

Frame the Door with Statement Planters

Greenery brings life and vitality to any entry. For Lunar New Year, symmetry is key. Flank your door with two statement planters filled with lush plants like citrus trees, bamboo, or structured evergreens.

A well-balanced arrangement enhances your lucky entryway design by symbolizing harmony and abundance. Choose elevated planters in ceramic, concrete, or metal finishes that complement your home’s architecture. Even in smaller spaces, sleek vertical planters can create that layered, intentional look.

Refresh the Welcome Mat and Lighting

A new welcome mat may seem simple, but it sets the tone. Replace worn mats with a clean, high-quality option in coir or woven fibers. Look for subtle patterns or elegant typography that aligns with your aesthetic.

Lighting also plays a major role in a successful, lucky entryway design. Swap outdated sconces for streamlined fixtures or lantern-style lights that cast a warm glow. Soft, inviting illumination makes the entrance feel secure and welcoming, especially during winter evenings.

Declutter and Create Flow for a Lucky Entryway Design

Perhaps the most important element of any lucky entryway design is clarity. Remove unused décor, sweep pathways, and ensure the door opens fully without obstruction. Inside, keep the immediate foyer area tidy and thoughtfully styled with a console table, mirror, or bowl for keys.

The goal is effortless flow. When the entrance feels open and intentional, it sends a subtle message of readiness for new opportunities.

This season, let your front door reflect fresh beginnings. With a few strategic updates, your entryway can feel elevated, welcoming, and perfectly aligned with the spirit of renewal.