Tag: Nature
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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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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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Island Bush Poppy: A Gardener’s Guide
The Island Bush Poppy, or Dendromecon harfordii, is an evergreen shrub thriving in full sun to partial shade, native to Southern California’s Channel Islands. With beautiful yellow flowers and bluish-green leaves, it’s drought tolerant and adaptable. Ideal for gardens, it requires careful planting and minimal pruning for optimal health.
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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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Lilac Verbena: A Butterfly-Friendly Garden Choice
Lilac Verbena, or Glandularia lilacina, is an evergreen subshrub that blooms year-round, attracting butterflies with its lilac to violet flowers. Native to Cedros Island, it thrives in various soils and conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for Southern California gardens. Regular pruning enhances flowering, while two cultivars, ‘De la Mina’ and ‘Paseo Rancho,’ showcase different…
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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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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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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.