Getting Started.
- Fall and winter are ideal for planting California natives, benefiting from cool temperatures and rainfall.
- Begin with resources like "California Native Plants for the Garden" for a primer on gardening with natives.
- Familiarize yourself with native plants by visiting the TPF nursery and bookstore, attending garden tours, and taking relevant classes.
Analyze and Measure Your Space
- Assess soil type and drainage to select plants suited to your garden's conditions.
- Conduct simple tests to determine soil type and drainage speed.
- Create a base drawing of your site, noting its size, features, and sunlight exposure.
Design Your Native Garden
- Define your objectives and start with easy-to-grow plants.
- Keep the design simple, using evergreen shrubs as anchors and grouping plants by sun and water needs.
- Arrange plants on your site plan according to mature size to prevent future pruning needs.
Prepare Your Site
- Remove or reduce your lawn and weed thoroughly, avoiding excessive tilling.
- Upgrade your irrigation system if necessary and install planned hardscape features.
Install Your Native Garden
- Before planting, water the site to ease digging.
- Space plants according to your plan, digging planting holes and backfilling with native soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
Sit back and enjoy your newly transformed California native garden, rich with biodiversity and low-maintenance beauty.
