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Native Gardening Advice

Confused about where to start, or how to address particular challenges? These articles will help you find answers. We also recommend checking out the Calscape Garden Planner, the Calscape App to find out what grows in your area, and the CNPS website. This has an extensive information on gardening tips, techniques, tours of native gardens, and the Naturehood 101 videos that provide in-depth information on subjects as diverse as Healthy Soils, Plant Selection, Lawn Replacements and Watering.

 

From Lawn to Flourishing Habitat

From Lawn to Flourishing Habitat

By Laura Lovett, Gardening with Natives Committee Chair

Lawns cover more acreage in home landscapes than any other plant and provide the least resources for other creatures. In most of California, a lawn will only thrive by irrigating it with expensive and often limited water. Consider removing your lawn and creating habitat by planting a more complex variety of species. If you include California native plants in that mix, your landscape will provide a thriving habitat while requiring less water, less energy, and no pesticides.

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Biodiversity Needs You

Biodiversity Needs You

by Laura Lovett and Rachael L. Olliff-Yang

Here are some ways you can increase your garden’s diversity, extend flowering time, and help pollinators thrive in your home garden.

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Gardening During Drought

Gardening During Drought

By Laura Lovett and Kristin Jakob

Native plants are a great choice for our gardens. They need a fraction of the water that is required to maintain traditional gardens—approximately 30% of what is needed for most non-native ornamental shrubs

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Yard Conversion: from Pool to Habitat

by Stacey Pogorzelski

The yard conversion of a multi-generational family home came with many challenges. The removal of a pool and old deck freed space for edibles and native bunchgrasses near the house.

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Articles Index

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Handouts to Download

Pruning Tips for Natives

Fall Garden Care

Planting Natives in Spring
Planting Natives in Fall
Planting Native Bulbs
Maintenance Topics from CNPS