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Growing In Your Garden Now - Marin Natives

What better way to preserve our precious water than to plant what loves to live here? 

Let’s talk native plants!  Trees and shrubs abound that can survive our Mediterranean climate.  Coffee berry, golden flannel bush, manzanita pinks, California lilac, Fuchsias, blue-eyed grass, red buckwheat are but a few to dress your garden.  And the ideal time to plant is when the fall rains come.  And they will!  El Nino or not rain is already dampening our gardens.  Three things you should know more about:

Soils: Drainage is critical. Roots don’t want to get water-logged.  Fill your planting hole with water and see if it drains in an hour. Most soils in Marin are clay so amendments should be mixed with existing garden soils, about 1-4 parts.

Conditions: Slope, wind, irrigation, exposure (Sun, shade deer), size - all should be considered before selecting appropriate plants.

Plant: “Right plant Right place” is so essential.  All of the above should be considered before good garden design begins. Here are some links to get plant information. Be creative and have fun!

Read on for more information on shrubs of Marin and tips for gardening success with California native plants.