Tag: pollinators
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Matilija Poppy: California’s Iconic Flower
The Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) is a striking California native perennial known for its large white flowers and golden stamens, blooming in late spring. It thrives in well-drained soil and can become aggressive in gardens, spreading through rhizomes. Best planted away from smaller plants, it stabilizes soil and is challenging to propagate due to delicate…
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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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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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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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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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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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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…
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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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Best Evergreen Native Plants for Summer Gardens
This column features local experts sharing their favorite native plants that remain green during hot, dry summers. Suggestions include wooly blue curls, coast live oaks, ceanothus, and coffeeberry. Readers are invited to share tips for successful planting of native plants in the upcoming newsletter.
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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.