A Growing Trend

Learn about California's native flora at these local gardens

These days, with water conservation on the front burner, Southern California's hardworking native plants are logical and attractive choices for home gardens. Once established, native plant species can thrive without much care. Along with being naturally drought tolerant, California natives are pretty and fragrant. Birds and butterflies are drawn to spring flowers and winter berries.

There are more than 4,800 species native to California and public gardens specialize in California native plants. Every reserve introduced here are worth a visit in the springtime, when the flowers and wildlife put on a Technicolor show.