
Author: Jonathan Robbins


Inland Gardening
Have you ever used the word ‘only’ in the same sentence as ‘90 degrees’ or found yourself convinced that gardening where you live is a sort of purification process akin to hot yoga? If so, then you are probably an inland gardener.

Native Plants for Hummingbirds
Native plants are favorites for hummingbirds. The plants listed here are sure to bring these graceful creatures to your garden.

Intermediate Gardening
Assuming you don’t spend more than a couple of days at a time near 100 in the summer but also don’t describe your general weather as having a coastal influence you probably fit into this intermediate category. In other words you aren’t constantly cool but you aren’t altogether melting either. Below is a condensed list of native plants that will do well in your region.

The California Garden
The California garden is tended nature in miniature. It’s not about the plants. It’s about generosity. It’s about giving back to the land and giving oneself the pleasure and satisfaction of loving, getting involved, and tending a garden modeled after the natural beauty of the region.

Easy Summer Plants
TURF SUBSTITUTES (plant 3-6’ apart for full coverage in 9-12 months) MEDIUM SHRUBS (4-6’+) Abutilon palmeri, Indian Mallow Hyptis emoryi, Desert Lavender LOW SHRUBS (2-4’)

Native California Plants for Native Bees and Pollinators
It is important to keep in mind when planting to use a variety of flowers that will provide access to our great range of pollinators. Equally important is providing food for pollinators year round. This can be achieved by keeping in mind a calendar of color when you are choosing your plants.

Handy Plant Respecifier
The Handy Plant “Respecifier” lists California natives that should replace common exotic ornamental landscape choices. These suggestions are only a small sample of the possibilities available

Native Plantings for Slopes
For slope plantings you will need an array of plants that have different root depths in order to keep the slope intact. Check out our list of California native plants for your slopes.

Summer Water for Native Plants
California native plants are well adapted to our climate and can tolerate extended periods of heat and drought in their natural setting. Many natives experience a drought-induced dormancy in the summer. They simply maintain their size and shape, add very little to no new growth, and sometimes even lose a few leaves toward the end of the season.This is how they “tough it out”.