Tag: southern california
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Celebrate Tree of Life Nursery’s Legacy with OCCNPS
Tree of Life Nursery will close in December, prompting the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society to hold a Members Celebration Day on October 18. The event includes special rare plant sales, free box lunches for members, expert presentations, and an art activity. Non-members can register for membership on-site.
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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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California Fuchsia ‘Catalina’: The Ultimate Hummingbird Attractor
The California Native Plant Society Orange County Chapter highlights California Fuchsia ‘Catalina’ as September 2025’s Plant of the Month. This perennial is drought-tolerant, attracts hummingbirds, and thrives in sunny, well-drained areas. Notably taller than similar species, ‘Catalina’ features vibrant red flowers and enhances garden aesthetics when planted alongside other native varieties.
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Desert Willow: A Versatile Garden Gem
Dan Songster highlights the Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) as July’s Plant of the Month. This fast-growing, deciduous shrub thrives in full sun and various soils, featuring showy, fragrant blooms from pink to lavender. Ideal for gardens, it attracts wildlife and requires minimal care, making it a versatile landscape choice.
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Protecting Endangered Plants: Habitat is Essential
Ron Vanderhoff, a California botanist, expresses concern about proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act that could weaken habitat protections for native plants. He emphasizes that native species, such as the Laguna Beach Live Forever and Santiago Canyon Live Forever, rely on specific habitats for survival. Conservation efforts must prioritize habitat protection to prevent extinction.
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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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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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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.