Category: HOA Landscapes
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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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California Polypody Fern: A Native Plant Guide
The California Polypody Fern, or Polypodium californicum, is a creeping perennial that thrives in light shade and requires winter and spring moisture. It grows in California’s coastal areas and mountains, emerging in fall and providing vibrant green foliage. The ‘Sarah Lyman’ variety, noted for its unique appearance, was named after an enthusiastic gardener.
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Toyon: The Evergreen Christmas Berry
The article by Dan Songster highlights Heteromeles arbutifolia, or Toyon, an evergreen shrub native to California, appreciated for its adaptability, low water needs, and creamy blooms. It attracts cedar waxwings and is historically valued by Native Americans. The ‘Davis Gold’ cultivar is noted for its distinctive golden berries.
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Benefits of Growing Bush Sunflower
Encelia californica, or bush sunflower, is an evergreen sub-shrub native to Southern California, thriving in coastal sage scrub. It features yellow daisy-like flowers, attracts pollinators, and provides food for birds. Suitable for slopes and gardens, it requires little maintenance, with moderate water and occasional pruning for optimal bloom.
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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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Discover the Beauty of Coast Live Oak Trees
The Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is an evergreen tree native to California, thriving in various soil types and climates. Recognized for its beauty, it provides shade and sustains local wildlife. Despite threats like the Polyphagus Shot Hole Borer, it is increasingly planted in parks and community gardens across Orange County.
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Irina Ensminger: Embracing California Native Plants
Irina Ensminger, a new member of the OCCNPS Board, has embraced a leadership role in the Garden Tour Team, showcasing a passion for California native plants. Reflecting on her past experiences in the Ural Mountains, she now shares her love for Southern California’s diverse landscapes. With plans for a native plant and edible garden, she…
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Daphne Christle: Rewilding Urban Landscapes with Native Plants
Daphne Christle, Vice President of the OCCNPS, aims to enhance urban environments with California native plants through education and community outreach. Inspired by her father and activists like Julia Butterfly Hill, she focuses on community science. Her future goals emphasize biodiversity, education, and rewilding urban landscapes for healthier ecosystems.
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Native Plant of the Month: Bladderpod
Guest author Dan Songster submitted this article featuring an outstanding California native plant for May: This fast growing, densely-branching shrub routinely grows in a mounding habit, becoming about 3-6 feet tall and as wide. It produces abundant bright-yellow flower clusters at the ends of its stem branches. These showy flowers are about a half-inch to…
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California in My Garden Tour Coming to Orange County
The California Native Plant Society Orange County Chapter (OCCNPS) is hosting a two-day garden tour featuring 22 gardens that are at least 50 percent California native plants. This is your chance to view public and private gardens that feature California native plants in landscapes in North and South Orange County. When you take the tour,…
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Ron Vanderhoff Shares Wonders of the Natural World
Thea Gavin presents her monthly feature of a member of the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (OCCNPS) Board of Directors. This article features Ron Vanderhoff, OCCNPS Plant Science Chair, and current President of CalFlora. With a career in horticulture that has spanned decades, Ron is also General Manager and Vice President…
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Lesley Bindloss: Champion of California Native Plants
Board Member Lesley Bindloss is featured this month in an article compiled by Thea Gavin. Lesley Bindloss is a fairly new CNPS-OC board member with an “unsung hero” role on the board: Recording Secretary. This is the person who must take accurate notes during board meetings to make sure all discussions and decisions have proper…