Be Inspired: Highlights from the 2019 native garden tours
By CNPS Outreach Staff & Volunteers
Perhaps nothing makes the case for native gardening like a yard full of vibrant lupine, fragrant Ceanothus, and glowing Fremontodendron. Seasoned CNPS volunteers understand this and thus work for months each spring to host dozens of garden tours up and down the state. From San Diego to Arcata, thousands of Californians are able to tour real native gardens thanks to the generous people who open their homes and the chapter leaders who organize and promote the tours. To each of you, the entire CNPS community offers a huge round of applause and gratitude!
In the spirit of “show don’t tell,” garden tours are important tools in demonstrating the variety and possibilities of native landscaping. The tours are also instrumental in dispelling common concerns about native gardening. Whether you crave a modern, spare aesthetic or a colorful cottage garden, chances are that you’ll see the garden of your dreams on a CNPS garden tour.
This stunning coastal garden in Orange County attracts and supports a variety of pollinators and wildlife. Photo: Kris Ethington
Island mallow (Malva assurgentiflora) adds gorgeous color. Photo: Ged Bulat
A valuable reminder for passersby. Photo: Ged Bulat
A western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) sunbathes in Kris’ garden. Photo: Kris Ethington
A hoverfly (Syrphidae family) drinks nectar from blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum). Photo: Kris Ethington
Garden visitors enjoyed sunny blue skies with beautiful chaparral yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei) in this San Diego garden. Photo: Ged Bulat
A vibrant blend of colors from California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), California poppy
(Eschscholzia californica), and Margarita Bop penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus Margarita Bop’) in this backyard native garden. Photo: Ashini Fernando
This decomposed granite path, bordered by the purple profusion of De La Mina verbena (Verbena lilacina ‘De La Mina’), helps water soak into the soil while creating structure for the space. Photo: Larissa Williams
A beautiful entry into this California native, certified habitat garden. Photo: Kristen Wernick
Elegant Clarkia (C. unguiculata) and CA poppy (E. californica) welcome visitors. Photo: Elizabeth Kubey
A wooden sign brings attention to the sticky bush monkeyflower (D. longiflorus) and CA poppy (E. californica). Photo: Ashini Fernando
Water agencies across the state are helping homeowners replace their turf with climate adapted native plants that require little supplemental irrigation beyond normal rainfall. This garden was created as part of the Moulton Niguel Water District NatureScape Program, and featured on both the NatureScape and the CNPS Orange County Chapter Garden Tours. Photo: Kristen WernickOrange California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), pink clarkia flowers (Clarkia ssp.), and other native blooms bring springtime color to a pathway. Photo: Cynthia TypaldosJulie Clements’ garden welcome table on the CNPS Sacramento Valley Chapter’s Gardens Gone Native Tour. Featuring Julie’s handmade butterfly and moth ceramics. Photo: Elizabeth Kubey
Margot Cunningham and Pierre La Plant’s Richmond garden includes a front meadow with this genetically local native clarkia. Photo: Kathy Kramer
This Santa Clara Valley Chapter garden shows how layering low-growing shrubs in the foreground and taller shrubs in the background can draw the eye into the garden while creating depth and interest. Photo: Deborah Praisewater
A front yard blooming with life on the Going Native Garden Tour. Photo: Cynthia Typaldos
In Robin and Neil Heyden’s Alameda garden, Robin’s handmade mosaic stepping stone compliments the plants including leafy reedgrass (Calamagrostis foliosa), monkeyflower (D. aurantiacus), chalk Dudleya (D. brittonii), showy penstemon (P. spectabilis), yarrow ‘moonshine’ (Achillea millefolium) Photo: Kathy Kramer
Benches and sculptures make this garden even more inviting. Photo: Ashini Fernando
Check with your local CNPS chapter for the next tour near you. In our area at least they send out the garden list right before the tour day. There are also some public gardens you could probably visit any time but that depends on where you live.
Hi Liz! They do not look like they are currently for sale on her website: http://www.claypigeonceramics.com/availablework. But could email her to let her know you’re interested if she does have any!
I want to replace a lot of Mexican feather grass we planted 4 years ago, but my husband loves its soft motion in the breeze. Can you recommend a good substitute he will find satisfactory? (Redding, full sun)
Hi Cherie,
Thanks for reaching out. I would recommend California melicgrass (Melica californica), Big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus), deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), and Feather reed grasses (Calamagrostis species). These are all beautiful ornamental bunch grasses that sway in the breeze!
I would love to know where all the gardens are
Check with your local CNPS chapter for the next tour near you. In our area at least they send out the garden list right before the tour day. There are also some public gardens you could probably visit any time but that depends on where you live.
What is the way to make a waterfall?
Are Julie Clements’ ceramic moths and butterflies available for sale?
Hi Liz! They do not look like they are currently for sale on her website: http://www.claypigeonceramics.com/availablework. But could email her to let her know you’re interested if she does have any!
I have just installed a Ca. Native Garden how do I get one of your Signs?
Congratulations Carl!
CNPS sign is available in our store: https://store.cnps.org/collections/cnps-merchandise/products/native-plant-garden-sign
Also, check out garden ambassadors. Could become one! https://www.cnps.org/gardening/garden-ambassadors
I want to replace a lot of Mexican feather grass we planted 4 years ago, but my husband loves its soft motion in the breeze. Can you recommend a good substitute he will find satisfactory? (Redding, full sun)
Hi Cherie,
Thanks for reaching out. I would recommend California melicgrass (Melica californica), Big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus), deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), and Feather reed grasses (Calamagrostis species). These are all beautiful ornamental bunch grasses that sway in the breeze!
Don’t forget Bouteloua gracilis, one of my favorites, especially Blonde Ambition.