Coast Goldenbush

Question from Dave: I want to purchase one plant – can you help? Answer from Pat: Coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. menziesii) is a California native plant that proliferates along the coast of Southern California and the northern Baja peninsula...

Drought tolerants for patio

Question from Tracey: I would like to find out if there are some drought tolerant /native plants that will do well in pots on a patio. The patio is south facing and gets a lot of sun. I’m in the South Pasadena/ Highland Park area of Southern...

Native Plants Suitable For Planting Near A Coastal Lagoon

SHRUBS Adenostoma fasciculatum—Chamise Most abundant shrub in some local coastal chaparral, often called “Chamise chaparral”. Known for spring bloom but often flowers in fall. Arctostaphylos glandulosa, ssp. crassifolia—Del Mar manzanita Coastal...

Planting California Native Plants

Here is the way to plant native plants (Best time to plant: in November) Native plants like best to be planted in plain, native, un-amended soil. Amended soil where garden plants have grown is not the best environment for native plants because native...

Combinations with Mexican Sage

Question from Dave: We’re planning on planting Mexican sage in a full sun area in zone 24. Can you suggest a plant with similar hardiness characteristics that has a red flower or a white flower? Answer from Pat: In my opinion the plant that looks...

Native Plants Suitable For A Green Roof

In this short list are several succulents, and two grasses. Several groundcovers, a few bulbs, and some perennials would also be worthy contestants but all these would require regular maintenance, so they are not included. SUCCULENTS: General Characteristics...

Native Plants of the Southern California Coast

Southern California is not a desert. Only the area east of the mountains can correctly be characterized as a desert having plants we know as desert plants. The coastal zones of California, west of the mountains have a Mediterranean climate, which means...

Drought-Resistant Gardening

Question: I heard you speak at the Fallbrook Garden Club. I ordered your most current book tonight. Which of your books (or is there a book that isn’t yours that you recommend?) would have the most information on drought-resistant plants for...

Native Plants Of Southern California’s Coastal Zones

These are plants adapted to Mediterranean climate, drought-resistant plants, that can survive in coastal California zones on natural rainfall in winter alone. Pinus torreyana—Torrey Pine (a source of pine nuts for local native American tribes.) Coreopsis...

California Pepper tree

Question from Linda: Hi, Am helping my cousin landscape her yard in San Diego and she says that nothing she’s tried will grow in the ground under the dripline. Any suggestions? Answer from Pat: I am one of those people who happen to love the California...

Trees for new home

From Paul: As usual, thanks for your help. Here is my latest plan: Swan Hill Fruitless Olives anchoring the house on both sides and middle in the front. (full sun with sea breeze) Acacia baileyana near street on both sides of driveway. (full sun with...

Planting on a Bank & Best Substitutes for Lawns

Question from Howard: We are a Homeowners association with a steep bank, 45 degrees or steeper, three blocks long and about 30 feet high. What drought tolerant plant(s) would you recommend? Also, what ground cover, if any, would you recommend to replace...

Drought-resistant Lawn Substitute for People and Dogs

Question from Candace and Cyrus: We recently got rid of our entire fescue lawn and replaced it ( or tried to ) with UC Verde, a new form of buffalo grass specially engineered for the climate of the southwest. Unfortunately, because we are within a...