Starting over. What plants to choose

[Anonymous]

I would like to return my little piece of suburban El Cerrito to a less exotic state. It is almost 100% Oxalis now. I've seen several California native plants lists but I don't want to throw together species that would never be found in the same habitat. Where can I get a list of plants that are appropriate for a hillside in the San Francisco Bay Area Note there are 30' trees on the East and South sides so there is a lot of shade esp. in winter. My second question relates to the process of transformation itself. I've seen a lot of newts and other critters, in the yard, are these exotic too? How do I minimize the impact of the coming changes on the legitimate citizens of yard?

Thanks,

-Joseph</p>

[Anonymous]

For plant lists and other information about growing CA native plants there are two excellent books, both by Glenn Keator, a botanist and teacher of native horticulture: *Complete Garden Guide to the Native Perennials of California* and *Complete Garden Guide to the Native Shrubs of California*, published by Chronicle Books. Another book I recommend is *Gardening with a Wild Heart: Restoring California's Native Landscapes at Home* by Judith Larner Lowry, published by the University of California Press. All were available from the CNPS office in Sacramento last time I checked.

Check out the CA native section of the UC Botanical Garden, the East Bay Regional Park Bot. Garden and the CA native garden in Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco to learn what plants grow in various habitats. There are often helpful people around to answer questions. Another way to learn about native plants is to go on the field trips sponsored by chapters of CNPS.

I don't think you need to worry about the Newts or Salamanders or other creatures who inhabit your property; they will find plenty of places to hang out. If they can deal with wildfires, a bit of gardening won't upset them. They'll love all those brush piles.</p>

[Anonymous]

Volume 10, #3 Dec. 1997 of The Four Seasons, a journal published by the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, has an article written by Steve Edwards called 'A Meditation on East Bay Natural History at First Contact.' He uses various sources to put together his vision of the composition of the flora of the East Bay prior to the arrival of the Spanish. The same issue has a short description of the original plant life of the San Francisco Peninsula. You might also want to look at vol. 9, #4 Dec. 1994 of The Four Seasons, where Edwards writes about 'Creating an Authentic California Meadow.' The Regional Parks Botanic Garden office, in Tilden Park, usually has back issues of The Four Seasons available. Also, Marin CNPS www.marin.cc.ca.us/cnps/gardens.html has information on local native plant gardens and nurseries.</p>

[Anonymous]

From: Joseph: JRogers@tuttle.comDate: 02/23/00Time: 03:57 PM



CommentsI would like to return my little piece of suburban El Cerrito to a less exotic state. It is almost 100% Oxalis now. I've seen several California native plants lists but I don't want to throw together species that would never be found in the same habitat. Where can I get a list of plants that are appropriate for a hillside in the San Francisco Bay Area Note there are 30' trees on the East and South sides so there is a lot of shade esp. in winter. My second question relates to the process of transformation itself. I've seen a lot of newts and other critters, in the yard, are these exotic too? How do I minimize the impact of the coming changes on the legitimate citizens of yard?

Thanks,

-Joseph

Joseph:

If you're interested in devoting all or a major part of your yard to fully self-sufficient vegetation indigenous to your particular site rather than tending 'natives' which may or may not be suited to your particular site conditions, please let me know. I'm retired, so I'm not looking for business.

Is your yard adjacent to any undisturbed habitat? If not, how close is the nearest habitat?

What are your functional and aesthetic requirements?

Best,WT</p>

[Anonymous]

Hello Wayne, I read your response to this, and would be interested in talking with you a bit more. What you described is exactly what I am hoping to create at our home in Pacifica. We go through a wide range of weather - from hot & dry in the summer to lots of water in the winter - and I'm trying to plan a very low maintenance, simple landscape. Any suggestions? My first task is to plant some low shrubs around our foundation. </p>