WHY USE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS?

In Southern California we have three factors that determine the type of plants we need to use in our gardens.  One, we live in an arid climate; two, we have periods of drought; three, our population is increasing.

Orange County water agencies have working on the problems by instituting several ways to increase our supply.  They have been maximizing our recharge basins.  Rain is held back by dams and released slowly for maximum percolation.  Water is stored in pits such as the Santiago Pits and allowed to percolate.  The water agencies have also been promoting conservation.

WE CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

If you live in a house, most of your water is used outside for your yard.  Using drought tolerant California Native Plants can save you water and, therefore, money.  Native plants are easy to care for as they need very little fertilizer, soil amendments and pesticides.  This also means that our water contains fewer chemicals.  Maintenance is minimal.

PLANTS TO VIEW AT THE EL MODENA NATIVE PLANT GARDEN

At the garden there are over 100 different types of plants suitable for home gardens.  Many can be used as cut flowers in bouquets.  They attract birds and butterflies and many are fragrant.  You can have flowers most of the year by careful planning.  When visiting the garden you can see and obtain information concerning plants for shade areas, sunny areas, flat areas, slope areas, containers and other situations.  Information sheets are available to take and books are available for viewing.  All plants are labeled with the botanical name and common name.