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 …
You’re Invited to (Virtually) Visit Four California Gardens
Good news! Although Covid-19 shut down our planned free tours of California Native Plant Gardens in Redlands CA last month, you can visit four of them through videos below. We purposely planned yards in different stages, each one replacing some former water-thirsty lawn. There's also a Spring …
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It’s Time to Plant Native Plants! (plus local plant sales)
As the weather cools (lovingly for us in Southern California!), it's the time for local plant sales -- especially for our important native plants that can be hard to find in regular nurseries. Note: Non-Californians: I have 'when to plant' guidelines for my Midwest and Eastern friends (see …
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Our California Native ‘Lawn’ – 10 years old!
Ten years ago we replaced our dying grass lawn with a California native garden. Photos best illustrate the transformation, the rich habitat it has provided, and our happiness with our new front yard. Before Photos and Planting Prep (late 2008 - Jan, 2009) Immediately Post-planting and the …
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Garden Takeaways at Season’s End
It’s finally cooled down here in California and fall is a great time to reflect on what’s done well and what hasn’t in our yards. And also ponder what we might do differently. In Southern California - unlike in the Midwest where I grew up - there’s no rest for the weary since fall through winter are …
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 …
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