Tag: Nature
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Meet Elizabeth Taylor: Advocate for Native Plant Conservation
Elizabeth Taylor, an environmental attorney and CNPS member, is the OCCNPS Conservation Chair. Her experiences in diverse ecosystems, including Costa Rica, fostered her passion for conservation. Taylor aims to promote native plant restoration, engage the community, and support biodiversity through legislation and partnerships, emphasizing the importance of native plants in local habitats.
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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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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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Top Native Plants to Brighten Your Winter Garden
The column by Dan Songster highlights winter plant favorites among gardeners, featuring manzanitas, toyons, and native bulbs like Brodiaea and blue dicks. Members express their joy in winter blooms and foliage, while sharing inspiration and gardening experiences.
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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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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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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.
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Indian Mallow: A Drought-Tolerant Desert Beauty
Abutilon palmeri, also known as Indian Mallow, is a semi-evergreen to evergreen subshrub with abundant golden blossoms. It thrives in full sun with occasional watering, and its silvery, velvety leaves and poppy-like flowers make it attractive to native solitary bees. This low-maintenance plant is native to the low Sonoran Desert and can be a stunning…
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Tracey Daschbach: A Journey with California Native Plants
Tracey Daschbach, member-at-large of the California Native Plant Society Orange County Chapter (OCCNPS), is featured in today’s article compiled by Thea Gavin. A person of many talents (software engineer, full-time parent, Braille Institute librarian, UCI Herbarium volunteer, nature-inspired textile artist), Tracey shares her skills with our chapter in many areas: E-newsletter lead, plant sales, A…