Ceanothus - California Wild Lilac: (added 1-07-08)

California Wild Lilac, Ceanothus, is one of the most popular native plants for landscapes. This group of evergreen woody shrubs is full of diversity, known for its deep green foliage and vibrant flowers.

The California Garden: (added 11-15-07)

By surrounding ourselves with landscapes that reflect the true nature of our region, we embrace the unique character that makes California such a wonderful place to live. The California garden is tended nature in miniature...

Salvia - SAGE: (added 09-29-07)

Aromatic foliage, brightly colored blossoms attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, fast growth and interesting forms make them good natives to include in any landscape.

Natives for Hummingbirds:

UPDATED 05-07
We interviewed some of Tree of Life’s resident Hummingbirds, and these are a few of their favorites!

Attractive Container Gardens

Can you get a whole ecosystem to fit on your patio?  You can if you use your imagination and a little creativity.

The non-lawn front yard

Think about it. What do you really use your front yard for? In fact, do you even use your front yard? Consider the no-lawn alternative if you have not already...

Arctostaphylos -- Manzanita Basics:

Manzanita, a Spanish word which translates to "little apple," named for its green and red berries, is one of the most attractive and recognizable members of the California flora.

The Basic 1-2-3 on Soils for Natives: (added 08-30-06)

a basic rundown on California plants and the soils they grow in

Natives for Basketry: (added 08-10-05)

an informative summary of natives used by indigenous tribes

How to water your native plants:

a few helpful tips for establishing native plants in your landscape

Native Groundcovers:

over a dozen different drought tolerant, fragrant and/or colorful low spreaders

Native Plants for Containers:

pot up a few of these colorful natives for a moveable garden in a tiny yard or even on a balcony

Native Plants for Dry Shade:

the perfect drought-tolerant, shade-loving California plants for that shady spot in your yard

Native Plants for Slope Planting:

nontraditional, highly effective techniques and native plant list for covering and stabilizing your slope

Natives for Butterflies:

*UPDATED MARCH 07 WITH TONS OF NEW INFO* includes plants that attract Monarchs, Tiger Swallowtails and even the state butterfly, the California Dogface!!!

Natives for Poolside:

October - The Beginning of Planting Season:

explains why California native plants are subject to seasonal planting

Top Ten Tree of Life Natives:

find out which plants are our top sellers so you can have the hottest natives in your yard!

Decidous Shrubs:

using decidious shrubs in your landscape is an excellent way to dramatize the effects of the seasons and add depth and character to your garden.

Fragrant Natives:

as an adaptation to the arid climate in which they grow, many California native plants have high concentrations of oils that are very pleasantly fragrant.

Gray Natives:

this list of native plants contains some of the most beautiful, drought-adapted native foliage available.

Native Grasses:

need an attractive addition or accent for your landscape? Consider using some of the striking native grasses.

Native Trees:

Looking for an appropriate street tree, an attractive shade tree, a flowering patio tree, or a stately specimen tree?

Perennials:

these popular, colorful native perennials will add year-round interest and texture to your California garden.

Planting Natives:

When installing natives, care must be taken to ensure that the plants remain healthy and become "established." These are several strategies you can use to achieve good results.

Replace Your Lawn:

to cut back on your water bill, mowing, or give your yard a unique new look, a drought tolerant, native landscape is a rewarding,worthwhile alternative to the traditional lawn.

Summer Flowers:

use this list to make you garden area bloom all summer long!

Summer Water:

this guide gives you helpful tips on how to water you native garden through the summer.

Eriogonum -- Wild Buckwheat:

The genus Eriogonum (air-ee-og-uh-num) is the largest in California. Almost 100 species are native to California and range from annuals to shrubs.

Ceanothus Basics:

One of the most popular native plants cultivated for ornamental and landscape purposes is the California Wild Lilac, Ceanothus...

Hard-Working Natives -- Highly Efficient Plants that Perform:

The following is a list of native plants that you can put in the ground and virtually forget about except to enjoy their beauty and marvel at their efficiency.

Naturalistic Plantings:

Create a truly inspiring setting right outside your door!

Creating a Pollinator Garden:

Flowering plants and pollinating insects have evolved together over time, each depending on the other for survival and reproduction. By mimicking nature in your garden, you can attract these beneficial insects...

The Genus Salvia -- Sage:

Not to be confused with California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), the true sages are members of the genus Salvia...

Natives for Screens:

In many landscape scenarios, a tall, dense shrub is necessary to provide a living barrier. The following is a list of drought tolerant, evergreen native plants with dense growth.

Natives for Songbirds:

Warblers, Towhees, Wrens, Waxwings, Robins, Thrashers, Finches, Sparrows, Thrushes, Kingbirds, Tanagers, Bluebirds, Orioles and Mockingbirds are all common and familiar songbirds that live in wilderness areas...