Category: Buckwheat
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Creative Bouquets with Native Flowers
Dan Songster encourages local gardeners to incorporate native flowers into indoor bouquets, promoting their use while enhancing plant growth. Contributors share favorites like Blue-eyed Grass, California Poppy, and Woolly Blue Curls, highlighting their longevity and aesthetic appeal. The newsletter invites future tips on drought-resistant native plants.
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UCI Herbarium Receives $98,000 Grant for Local Plant Documentation
The Joan R. Hampton Trust and OCCNPS granted $98,566 to the UCI Herbarium to address its backlog of plant vouchers. This funding will enable the digitization and accessibility of plant collections, supporting local biodiversity research. Joan Hampton, a former member of OCCNPS, advocated for plant identification throughout her life.
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Woolly Bluecurls: The Must-Have Native Shrub
Woolly Bluecurls, or Trichostema lanatum, is featured as the native plant of the month. This hardy evergreen shrub thrives in full sun with minimal summer water. Its stunning purple-blue flowers attract various pollinators and possess a unique fragrance. While admired, it is also considered challenging to grow, requiring specific soil conditions.
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Native Plants for Privacy Hedges: Expert Tips and Choices
The newsletter feature by Dan Songster provides gardening tips focused on native plants for privacy screens and hedges. Members shared their favorite selections, particularly Lemonade Berry and Toyon. Recommendations include a variety of native plants that offer aesthetic appeal while being drought-tolerant. The upcoming topic invites members to discuss native flowers for indoor bouquets.
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Sarah Jayne: A Legacy of Native Plant Advocacy
Sarah Jayne, a dedicated member of OCCNPS and former president, significantly revitalized the organization through extensive volunteer work since the mid-1980s. Her leadership, acknowledged with a CNPS Fellow award, inspired many by emphasizing the conservation and promotion of native plants. Sarah’s legacy continues as she supports ongoing initiatives within the chapter.
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Caring for California Native Plants
In Southern California, the rainy season has seen delays, contributing to drought and wildfires. Proper care is essential for native plants as they require thoughtful maintenance, especially in dry periods. Expert Colin Dunleavy highlights strategies for watering and plant selection to ensure healthy native landscapes, emphasizing the need for deep, infrequent watering.
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Support Wildlife with California Native Plants
Karen Graham, a bluebird monitor, actively supports Western Bluebirds in Deerfield Park by checking nest boxes and advocating for native plants in landscaping. These plants provide essential food and shelter, crucial for the birds’ survival amidst habitat loss. Emphasizing native flora fosters biodiversity and strengthens local ecosystems.
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Finding Peace in Native Gardening: Tips and Reflections
Members of a local gardening chapter share insights on how their native gardens foster peace of mind amidst global challenges. Contributions highlight themes of connection to nature, the joy of nurturing native plants, and the solace found in wildlife interactions and personal reflection. Gardening is depicted as a meaningful, calming practice that brings community together.
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Meet Katie Newman: Advocate for California Native Plants
Katie Newman, a board member of the OCCNPS, shares her journey with California native plants, influenced by her gardening family and studies at UC Davis. She’s currently working on outreach through social media while cultivating a garden with both natives and non-natives. Her goal is to reshape perceptions of native landscaping.
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Join OCCNPS in Supporting Native Plants and Biodiversity
During a visit to Vera’s Sanctuary amid strong Santa Ana winds and ash from a fire, the interconnectedness of nature became apparent. The Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (OCCNPS) focuses on promoting native plants, offering education and support for conservation efforts, while recognizing the contributions of volunteers and community members toward…
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Top Tips for Planting Native Plants Successfully
The article features gardening tips for native plant installation shared by experts including Nancy Harris, Alan Lindsay, Thea Gavin, Laura Camp, and Dan Songster. Key strategies include thorough hydration, timely planting, using local soil, and ensuring wide planting holes. Additional resources are provided for further assistance in gardening with native species.
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Insights on California Native Plants from OCCNPS Treasurer
Lindsey Giron, treasurer of the OCCNPS, shares her journey and insights on California native plants. With a background in hospitality and accounting, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature. Currently, she is establishing workshops at Tree of Life Nursery and aims to engage more people in appreciating native plants and their ecosystems.