If you haven’t finished planting your sustainable garden yet this year, you still have some time. Choose native plants that will thrive in the arid San Diego County climate.
Native plants are naturally drought-tolerant. They also support local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for pollinators, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Native plants can fall into one of many categories: trees, succulents, perennials, shrubs, grasses, groundcovers and more.
Create your sustainable garden
Each type of plant serves a different purpose in a sustainable garden.
Trees are a great way to provide natural shade. They also catch water that runs off your roof when it rains.
Perennials often have colorful flowers that bring beautiful colors for your garden.
Groundcovers and shrubs are great for covering dry slopes and catching rainwater.
Succulents look great next to rocks or other features in your garden and are usually low-maintenance.
Need ideas for your new sustainable garden this spring?
The California Native Plant Society-San Diego Chapter will conduct its eighth annual Garden Tour, The Artful California Native Garden: Native Gardens and Art Tour of East County on Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Demonstrations will include how to add dry stream-bed bioswales, adjacent natural areas, water catchment devices, slope gardens, charming water features, bridges, sculptures and more in your garden.
Local artists will be meeting and greeting guests in many of the gardens and selling their California native garden themed artwork and crafts.
Tours of private residential gardens
Twelve private residential gardens will be visited on the tour, and their owners will be on-site to answer questions. At the Water Conservation Garden there will be guided demonstrations for planting and tours of the native plant garden.
When: Saturday, April 4, 2020, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Water Conservation Garden
12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon, 92019
Cost: $30 – $40