Tag: Nature
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California Buckwheat: A long-flowering native plant for every garden
California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) is a versatile, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub found in Southern California. It blooms from April to November, offering attractive flowers that support native pollinators and reduce hillside erosion. Easy to maintain, it has indigenous medicinal uses and thrives in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade.
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Chapter Members Dream of New Native Plants this Fall
The article features insights from native gardeners on plants they wish to add this fall. Members suggest various species including Island Alum Root, Baccharis, and Eriogonum. Each contributor shares personal preferences and experiences, emphasizing the joy of discovering and experimenting with native flora in their gardens, while some have shifted focus from expansion to enhancing…
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Benefits of Menzies’ Goldenbush in Native Gardens
Isocoma menziesii, or Coast Goldenbush, is an evergreen shrub thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, adaptable to clay. Known for its golden-yellow flowers, it is drought-tolerant and attracts a variety of pollinators. Easy to grow, it adds beauty and depth to gardens and supports local ecosystems.
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Embracing Local Flora: The Future of California Gardens
In a discussion among California native plant gardeners, members shared their wishes for an ideal gardening experience. Many expressed desires for greater acceptance of native plants, improved accessibility to knowledgeable resources, and enhanced community engagement. They envisioned a world where native plants dominate landscapes, enriching biodiversity and connecting people to their local ecology.
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Into the Chaparral: Conserving Dudleya chasmophyta
A team of botanists, led by Ron Vanderhoff, collected seeds of the rare Dudleya chasmophyta from steep cliffs in the Santa Ana Mountains, California. Discovered as a new species in 2023, this succulent is critically rare, occupying just two acres. The seeds will aid conservation efforts and ensure the species’ future survival.
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Cleveland Sage: The Drought-Resistant Garden Star
Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) is featured as the Plant of the Month for June. This fragrant, drought-tolerant woody sub-shrub thrives in full sun, blooming from May to August. Its beautiful purple flowers attract pollinators while providing essential habitat. With proper care and pruning, Cleveland Sage enhances native gardens for years.
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Impact of Proposed Housing Near ENC in Newport Beach
Lori Whalen, Executive Director of the Environmental Nature Center (ENC), discusses a proposed residential development near ENC in Newport Beach. The project raises concerns about its impact on environmental education, safety, and community compatibility. Despite discussions with the developer, unresolved issues led ENC to oppose the current proposal, scheduled for Planning Commission review.
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Chalk Dudleya: The Ultimate Guide to Growing This Stunning Succulent
The article by Dan Songster features Dudleya pulverulenta, known as Chalk Dudleya, as the Plant of the Month for May. Native to California, this attractive perennial succulent thrives in well-draining, rocky soil and can tolerate drought. It showcases striking silver-grey foliage and beautiful cherry red flowers, appealing to hummingbirds.
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Protect Newport Beach’s Civic Center Park from Police Station Plans
Laura Curran from OCCNPS urges residents to preserve Newport Beach’s Civic Center Park, a habitat filled with native Coastal Sage Scrub plants, amid plans for a new police station. The City Council will discuss the project’s impact, and community members are encouraged to voice their concerns before the April 28 meeting.
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Boost Biodiversity: The Power of California Native Plants
Laura Camp emphasizes the vital role of native plants in enhancing biodiversity in landscapes, referencing Doug Tallamy’s research that connects local wildlife survival, especially birds and caterpillars, to native flora. The movement encourages removing invasive species and promoting native landscaping to support ecosystems effectively, urging community involvement in this essential environmental effort.
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Rally for Nature: Defend the Roadless Rule on May 7, 2026
On May 7, 2026, from 3-6 pm, a Rally for Nature will be held in the Santa Ana Mountain Foothills to defend the Roadless Rule, protecting nearly 60 million acres of national forests. This is crucial for wildlife habitats, clean water, and limiting infrastructure costs. Participants can register online.
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Douglas Iris: April Plant of the Month
Dan Songster highlights Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) as April’s Plant of the Month. This native California perennial thrives in various conditions, preferring partial shade and well-drained soil. Celebrated for its elegant spring flowers and evergreen foliage, it enhances gardens when used in masses, alongside native plants, or in rain gardens.