Note: People in areas outside So CA, please check here for California native plant sales, and elsewhere, look up your state's native plant society. Plants native to your areas make the best habitat gardens, which usher in butterflies, birds and other vital critters. Fall is such a great time here …
Favorite Hikes: Preservation Point in Oak Glen
For a steep hike in a favorite preserve -- and a wonderful example of California native plants and the wildlife they attract - check out the Chaparral Vistas to Preservation Point Trail in Oak Glen Preserve (Oak Glen CA). If you have extra time, the preserve has other fun and easier trails for …
Continue Reading about Favorite Hikes: Preservation Point in Oak Glen
Favorite Plants: California Native Trees and Shrubs
If you’re in the market for a tree or shrub, consider California natives -- for a number of reasons. While we’ve received nearly two inches of rain this fall, Southern California is still in an extreme drought. California native trees are drought tolerant and have the best chance of success once …
Continue Reading about Favorite Plants: California Native Trees and Shrubs
Low-water Plants for Summer Heat
As for many in California, the numerous days of 100+ degree heat has been tough on our vegetable garden, roses, fruit trees and well, pretty much everything (including ourselves....) But we continue to have some plants – mostly California natives or their hybrids – that look good despite little …
Favorite Native Plants: Ceanothus (Wild lilac)
I realize I haven't written about ceanothus - commonly called wild lilac, which has been ablaze with its blue blooms lately. So here is another favorite, which has done really well on the two properties where we planted it. It's short-livedness is a rumor for us, and backed up by ceanothus in the …
Continue Reading about Favorite Native Plants: Ceanothus (Wild lilac)
Favorite Natives: Hardy, Dramatic Manzanitas
Manzanitas (arctostaphylos) are one of my favorite native plants. Their reddish bark offers a striking contrast to their green leaves, which look healthy even when temps start soaring. Very drought tolerant, they grow well in the West as long as you don't overwater them or fertilize them. The four …
Continue Reading about Favorite Natives: Hardy, Dramatic Manzanitas