Native Plants
California native plants require little irrigation once established, provide habitat for pollinators, are low maintenance, and are perfectly suited to our local climate and soils.
Native plants have evolved over thousands of years to survive in our hot, dry summer climate. Make sure you select those that are specific to our region. Native plants differ from drought-tolerant plants in that they are adapted to survive without much irrigation in summer, whereas drought-tolerant plants generally require some watering all year.
Native plants provide the following benefits:
Save Water – Native gardens can use up to 85% less water than traditional landscapes, reducing both water consumption and irrigation costs.
Reduce Maintenance – Once established, native plants require less mowing, fertilizing, watering, and overall upkeep, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space.
Support Wildlife & Biodiversity – Native plants attract pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, creating a healthier ecosystem and helping control pests naturally.
Reduce Chemical Use – Because native plants are adapted to local conditions, they require fewer pesticides and fertilizers, benefiting both environmental and human health.
Strengthen a Sense of Place – Native gardens reflect California’s unique natural heritage, creating beautiful landscapes that connect people to their local environment.
Read the full benefits here.
Getting Started
A great place to start is our residential landscape webpage, which has information about waterwise gardening and other helpful native gardening resources. Late fall through early spring is an ideal time to plant a native garden because of the mild weather conditions.
Resources
- For planting tips, read the California Native Plant Society’s article on Planting California Natives.
- California Native Plant Society (CNPS) – a comprehensive resource for everything you need to know about California native plants. CNPS also has local chapters across the state. Here's the link to our local one.
- Master Gardeners of Ventura County - The Master Gardener program is sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture and overseen by University of California scientists. Their mission is to share science-based gardening information and best practices and provide training for home gardeners. Click HERE for a schedule of free workshops on native plants, drip irrigation, and pollinators.
- Tree of Life Nursery – provides excellent information and resources on caring for your native garden.
- Irrigation controllers frequently reset to factory settings after a power outage. Visit this webpage for tips for resetting your controller.
