California Native Plant Society Announces New Resources for Fall Planting Season

October 24, 2024, Sacramento—As the weather cools and the leaves change color, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) announced a suite of new digital tools, created to make native plant gardening simple and rewarding.  

“After a long, hot summer, this is the perfect time to plant up your California native garden and celebrate the natural beauty native plants bring to our neighborhoods,” said CNPS Horticulture and Stewardship Manager Ann-Marie Benz. Fall is widely regarded as the best time to plant native plants. With cooler temperatures and the promise of winter rains, late fall offers ideal conditions for plant growth and seed germination. “For native plant gardeners, it’s one of our favorite times of the year—and we invite you to join us!” 

This year, CNPS has been quietly publishing a number of exciting new tools in anticipation of this year’s planting season, all available through the organization’s popular native gardening website, Calscape.org. Visitors to the website can search for native plant recommendations best suited to their location, gardening goals, and site conditions. The search includes helpful filters to find plants for pollinators, patio or container gardens, erosion prevention, drought resilience, and much more. As Halloween approaches, the plant search even includes a new search option to support native bats, who help control mosquito populations and rely on native insects for sustenance. 

One of Calscape’s most popular new features is the new Calscape Garden Planner. The planner is an interactive tool that provides recommended garden design ideas and a customized plant list based on the individual’s preferences. With inspiration in hand, Calscape users can also search for native plant nurseries and landscape designers near them. 

“Calscape reflects years of listening to native plant gardeners and professionals,” said Calscape Program Manager Jessica Woodard. “We’ve learned where people needed support and information and have worked with experts across the state to provide those resources in fun, inspiring ways.”

Gardening with native plants helps connect urban and suburban residents to California’s natural beauty while also providing much-needed habitat for California’s wildlife. California is home to the largest number of native plant species and native bees in the nation, but it is also the state with the highest number of native plants and pollinators at risk of extinction. Native plant gardening is one way everyone can help support California’s rich biodiversity alongside conservation of remaining natural areas. 

“The climate and extinction crises can easily make us feel overwhelmed and hopeless, but native plant gardening gives us a specific and beautiful way to make a difference right in our communities,” said CNPS Education and Stewardship Director Sarah Barnes. “From school gardens and business fronts to our apartment balconies, every newly planted native plant is an act of hope, a way to push back against despair.” 

CNPS chapters are hosting plant sales and events across California. Connecting with your local chapter not only provides access to native plants but also offers valuable resources and support for building a thriving native garden. Visit cnps.org/fallplanting to find your nearest chapter plant sale and learn about upcoming CNPS chapter plant sales. 

“Together, we can support wildlife, save water, adapt to climate change, and garden like nature – one backyard at a time,” adds Barnes. 

-###- 

California Native Plant Society is a statewide nonprofit organization that protects California’s native plants and their natural habitats through science, education, stewardship, gardening, and advocacy. CNPS has more than 13,000 members and 36 chapters supporting its mission throughout California and Baja California, Mexico. Learn more at cnps.org.