Longtime L.A. Times Plants Reporter Jeanette Marantos Dies at 70

Marantos was known for her passion for native California plants and her dedication to educating readers about sustainable gardening.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jeanette Marantos, a longtime Features reporter for the Los Angeles Times, died at the age of 70 following an emergency heart issue. Marantos was a key figure in the Times' plants coverage, using her reporting to spotlight people turning their yards into native plant oases, beautifying public spaces, and saving native flora and fauna. She was described as a "one-of-a-kind voice for plants and the people who care about them" who imbued others with her "infectious enthusiasm for the natural world."

Why it matters

Marantos' reporting on native plants and sustainable gardening practices was particularly impactful as California has faced worsening drought and climate change. Her work helped educate readers on how to adapt their gardens and landscaping to be more waterwise and environmentally friendly.

The details

Marantos grew up in Riverside, California, and remembered her parents' 3,000-square-foot lawn, which sparked her interest in native plants as the state's water crisis worsened. In her role at the Times, she wrote the beloved L.A. Times Plants newsletter, launched the popular L.A. Times Plants booth at the Festival of Books, and covered a wide range of plant-related topics, from the effects of wildfires to the rise of human composting.

  • Marantos died on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Her last assignment was covering the California Native Plant Society's conference in Riverside on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Jeanette Marantos

A longtime Features reporter for the Los Angeles Times who was known for her passionate coverage of native California plants and sustainable gardening.

Sascha Smith

Marantos' son.

Dimitri Smith

Marantos' other son.

Tom Marantos

Marantos' brother.

Theodore Payne Foundation

A nonprofit education center and nursery focused on native plants that worked with Marantos on the L.A. Times Plants booth at the Festival of Books.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Marantos' family is planning a memorial service to celebrate her life and legacy.

The takeaway

Jeanette Marantos' passionate reporting on native plants and sustainable gardening practices left a lasting impact, inspiring readers to embrace more environmentally friendly landscaping and connect with the natural world around them.