Readers outside Southern California – please google ‘native plant society’ and your state -there should be a website and a list of plant sales.
Fall through winter are the best times to plant natives because the roots have time to get established before the heat begins. Lucky for us consumers in Southern California, a bunch of upcoming plant sales make it easy to find a large selection of natives.
Big Berry Manzanita, one of numerous manzanitas available
If you’re wondering why to consider native plants in your landscaping, here are the reasons I’ve discovered:
- Save on your water bill – one study shows a 66% reduction with native landscaping versus grass.
- Attract bees, butterflies and birds, all which have evolved with these plants
- Survival rates are high – natives, especially ones native to your particular area, have adapted the unique climate in Southern California. Inland we especially have very hot and dry summers and cold winters that make growing plants difficult
- Color year-round: With proper plant selection, the wide variety of natives and their hybrids available today offer color year-round (the experts available at these sales can help you)
Upcoming plant sales in Southern California:
Saturday, October 27, 2012
California Native Plant Sale – 9am-4pm
Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano CA 92675
More info: Tree of Life Nursery has an amazing selection of beautiful natives, and will have talks on growing natives. Their website www.californianativeplants.com – has an excellent native plant catalog to look up recommended growing conditions. Tree of Life Nursery runs year-round.
October 27 and October 28
Los Angeles CNPS Native Plant Sale – 10am-4pm
Ray Hartman ceanothus (wild lilac) blooms
Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd, Encino CA 91406
More info: 1000 plants of over 50 California native species, including Theodore Payne Foundation wildflower mixes. California Native Plant Society (CNPS) plant experts are available to assist you. http://www.lasmmcnps.org
November 3:
Fall Planting Festival (Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden) 10 am-4 pm (members only 8-10 am)
1500 N. College Road, Claremont CA 91711
More info: This long-running annual plant sales offers a dizzying number of native plants, many propagated from the Garden collections, with expert
advice available. Also, admission to the garden is free (normally $8) this day, gourmet food trucks, music and a beer garden. Discounts for RSABG members www.rsabg.org
November 3:
The Best Little Native Plant Sale in San Diego County (Back Country Land Trust)
8:30am-11:30am with a plant talk 8:30-9 am
Joan MacQueen Middle School, 2001 Tavern Road, Alpine CA 91901
More info: this small but excellent selection of native plants is preceded by an 8:30 talk prior to the 9 am sale that reviews the characteristics of each native for sale. www.bclt.org
November 10:
Fall Native Plant Sale, LA County- 9am-2pm
Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107
More info: Good variety of reasonably priced natives for the LA Basin landscapes. CNPS Chapter members can help answer questions, discounts available.
One of my favorite plant sale purchases – flannel bush or fremontia -
November 10:
Native Plant Sale 9 am – 3pm
Western Western Municipal Water District- Landscapes Southern CA Style Demonstration Garden, 450 Alessandro Blvd. Riverside, CA 92508
More info: This is another large selection of plants, with experts available to help you. Go see the demonstration garden for ideas prior to the sale. Discounts and prizes for new or renewing CNPS members.
No matter how much I water my some plant it loses all its lower leaves by mid-summer but the top part is fine. What can I do about this?