Tag: birds
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Lori Whalen: A Journey Into Native Plants
Lori Whalen, a new Board member, has a rich background in environmental education and a passion for native plants. Her journey began with volunteer work and has evolved into leadership at the Environmental Nature Center. Lori emphasizes the importance of connecting people to nature through education, conservation, and community engagement.
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Discover St. Catherine’s Lace: A Stunning Native Shrub
Eriogonum giganteum, or St. Catherine’s Lace, is a striking evergreen shrub native to California’s Channel Islands, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Growing up to 6 feet tall, it boasts large, creamy white flowers that attract butterflies and bees. This drought-tolerant plant requires minimal upkeep and can feature in various landscape designs.
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Gardening Resolutions for a Thriving Native Landscape in 2026
The January/February 2026 edition of the Native Gardener’s Corner features insights and challenges faced by members regarding their native gardens. Contributors discuss optimism, sourcing plants, managing weeds, and personal resolutions for braver gardening practices. The newsletter highlights aspirations to balance biodiversity with neighborhood acceptance while adapting to changes in gardening resources and personal capabilities.
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Planting Elegant Clarkia Seeds for a Vibrant Garden
Elegant Clarkia, or Clarkia unguiculata, is a vibrant annual wildflower ideal for California gardens. With colorful blooms from April to June, it’s adaptable to various soil types and light conditions. Seeds are best sown in late fall for naturalization. This hardy plant attracts pollinators and serves as a beautiful cut flower.
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Honoring Tree of Life Nursery’s Impact on California Ecology
Tree of Life Nursery, closing this December after 45 years, has profoundly influenced California’s native plant community. Members of OCCNPS express gratitude for its role in fostering connections between people and ecology. The nursery served as both a retail space and a space for education, enriching the lives of many through native gardening.
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Why Plant Hollyleaf Cherry? Attract Wildlife and Enhance Gardens
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus illicifolia) is the October Plant of the Month highlighted by the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. This adaptable, evergreen shrub thrives in Southern California’s dry conditions, featuring shiny leaves and dark red fruit. It provides habitat for wildlife and serves various landscape functions, including erosion control.
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Lemonade Berry: The Resilient Native Shrub for Southern California
The Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society highlights the Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) as the August Plant of the Month. This adaptable evergreen shrub thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and grows 6-10 feet tall. Known for its unique bitter lemon-flavored berries, it offers various landscaping benefits, such as acting as a…
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Pamela Heiss: Championing Native Plants in Orange County
Pamela Heiss, a member of the OCCNPS board, actively promotes native plants within the Orange County community through her work with the Garden Tour and Outreach teams. Since joining CNPS in 2018, she emphasizes the importance of conservation and community education. Pamela aims to inspire awareness of native plants’ benefits for local ecosystems and biodiversity.
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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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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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February’s Featured Plant: Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a semi-evergreen perennial thriving in dappled light or full sun, adaptable to various soils. This native California plant attracts hummingbirds with its striking magenta flower spikes from late winter to July. It’s drought-tolerant, culinary-friendly, and easy to maintain, enhancing gardens with beauty and habitat value.
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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.