Native Plants …

beautify the landscape

Native plants are rich in color, form, texture, and aroma. By planting plants that bloom in each season, your garden can have flowers year round

nurture the wildlife

Native bees, butterflies, and birds evolved alongside these plants; many can’t survive without them. A native garden is a lifeline, not just a landscape. 

save water

Once established, California native gardens use, on average, 80% less water than conventional gardens

thrive in our local climate

Native plants are adapted to our natural cycles, responding to cool, wet winters with lush growth and slowing down during the hot, dry summers.

build healthy soils

Native plants do well in our native soils and do not require soil amendments or fertilizers so add no contaminants to groundwater. Their deep root systems prevent erosion, filter runoff, and store carbon underground.

cut pesticide use

Adapted to local soil and pests over thousands of years, natives rarely need fertilizers or pesticides to flourish.

minimize your carbon footprint

Most California native plants are grown inistate and travel short distances to your nursery while creating local jobs.

ask for less, but give back more

A well-designed native garden, planted for the mature size of the plants, can require very little maintenance once established.

can be installed at low cost

Native gardens can easily be started with one-gallon size plants, saving on installation costs.

cool the environment

Even though native plants are water thrifty, native trees and shrubs can grow to a large size, providing ample shade. 

harmonize with diverse garden styles

From cottage to formal to contemporary, there are native plants for every design.

create a sense of place

The diversity of our flora means gardeners have many options for creating place-specific, local gardens that connect us with California’s past and creating a more sustainable future.