Have you ever stopped to take a look at our beautiful Rancho Santa Fe scenery? Walked around Torrey Pines State Park and admired everything from delicate red monkeyflowers to the large, graceful flowers of the yucca? Ever seen the little sunburst-shaped succulents (a group of plants called Dudleyas, many of which live only in Southern California) that seem to burst from sheer rock faces like miniature miracles? Many people have taken the time to appreciate the sages, manzanitas, wildflowers and other unique species that create our one-of-a-kind landscape, but most don't realize that, with a little thoughtful arrangement, these species can create a home landscape that is easy on the wallet, good for the environment, and beautiful year-round!
Because we live in an area where water is scarce (and getting more expensive by the day!), landscaping with Southern California native species can carve a serious chunk out of your monthly water bill. Planting certain of these species - including hedge species such as laurel sumac, sugarbush and lemonadeberry - can create a fire-resistant area around your home. Native flowers, bushes and trees attract hummingbirds, songbirds and butterflies much more effectively than ornamental species that native animals don't recognize. And although many people think that native species only encompass the sagebrush-type plants that cover our hillsides, this could not be further from the truth. Native plants include a wide variety of wildflowers, ground covers, hedge-type bushes, sages, and small trees.
Whether you're thinking of nixing that water-intensive lawn and unremarkable front garden, adding a few bird-and-butterfly plants to your greenery, or just trying out something new and beautiful, check out what Southern California natives have to offer.
Below are some websites to get you started!
A list of local nurseries that carry native plants:
http://www.cnpssd.org/horticulture/nurseries.html
(Many of these also offer classes, articles, consultations and other help to get you the garden of your dreams!)
A couple websites with great articles to help you become an expert native-species gardener:
http://www.californianativeplants.com/index.php/resources/sage-advice
http://www.laspilitas.com/easy/easyeasy.htm
Good luck, and have fun!
And Don't
Forget to Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate
Website!
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