Imagine the setting sun throwing a golden light over clusters of purple needlegrass. Bright butterflies flit around patches of purple coyote mint and hummingbirds zip in and out of the hummingbird sage. This is what an evening in a native California plant garden might look like.
California native plants have been growing here since long before European contact. They have evolved so that they’re uniquely adapted to the climate, other native plants and the rich diversity of insects, birds and mammals of California. The result is a special web of relationships between the living and non-living environment of the region that we can help preserve by planting native gardens.
What are the benefits of native plants?
- Save water! In California where a dry climate is common, many native plants are drought tolerant, so they require little to no irrigation. Especially now that San Mateo County is experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor, it is critically important to conserve as much water as possible (which also helps save you money on your water bill!)
- Save the environment! California native plants evolved natural defense mechanisms against pests that live in California, so you will not have to spray as many pesticides in your garden. This is good news for our watersheds because it means fewer chemicals running into creeks and the ocean! Additionally, because California native plants are drought tolerant, you will have less water flowing through your garden and picking up litter and chemicals that will eventually reach the ocean via storm drains and creeks.
- Save time! California native plants are generally low-maintenance, requiring less watering and fewer fertilizers, pesticides, pruning, and time.
- Save the pollinators! Native plants and native pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, evolved to help each other out. According to David Bryant, a Native Plant Specialist at the California Native Plant Society, “Native plants provide invaluable habitat for wildlife.” For example, “As we grapple against the collapse of the western monarch [butterfly] population, gardeners have rallied around the vital connections between monarchs and native milkweeds, taking action by planting these important host plants.” This is especially important since pollinator populations are declining worldwide due to loss of habitat and pesticide use.
- Save money! The Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency offers a rebate of up to $4 per square foot for replacing lawn with drought-tolerant plants. If you add a Rain Garden to your project you can get an additional $300 rebate and add an invaluable water-managing ecosystem to your yard!
“We have tremendous agency to help wildlife by growing the native plants they depend on for survival. In the process, we each become more connected to the ecosystems we call home and the plants that define it. I like to say that every action we take in our gardens is an action we take in the wider world. Native plants offer us the incredible chance to make a positive, lasting and beautiful difference.”
— David Bryant, Native Plant Specialist, California Native Plant Society
How do I decide what native plants to use in my garden?
- CalScape.org lets you search a database of California native plants based on location and plant type. You can even create an account and save your favorite plants!
- Use the CalScape Garden Planner to get a customized list of native plants based on where you live and what garden style you enjoy.
- Bay Area Gardening has a list of plants native to the Bay Area.
- Get some garden inspiration with the California Native Plant Society’s virtual garden tours.
What else can I do to save water in my garden?
For more tips and tricks for saving water while maintaining a beautiful lawn and garden, check out our Water Wise Home Projects page!
Share Your Garden With Us!
If you have a native plant garden, let us know. Share your story and pictures with us by filling out the form below. We’d love to feature your project and share it with San Mateo County residents!
