There is no doubt that this year's winter in Southern California has been particularly harsh. We "enjoyed" the coldest frost in recent memory and one of the driest years in the record books! While naturalized native plants are adapted to our arid conditions and the occasional record-breaking drought, native plants in the garden, particularly newer installations, might need a little extra care this spring.

Here are some tasks to recover from winter, prepare for summer, and enjoy that premier season in the California wildlife garden: Spring!

• Pruning. Now that nights are warmer and growth has resumed following our record cold, you may want to remove frost-damaged tips on shrubs. Resist the urge to do an extreme "spring cleaning" if you want to encourage wildlife. Nesting season is underway, and your dense shrubs and vines may already be providing safe nesting sites. Likewise, deadheading after spring flowering will make the garden look tidy, but deprive birds of fruit and seed later in the year.
  
  
• Weeding. Spring is prime time for weeds; so allot some time to pull them, preferably before they go to seed and spark the next generation.
  
  
• Mulching. After weeding, thoroughly water the ground, and place or renew mulch. Keep the mulch away from the collar of the plant. Mulch will keep the root zones cooler and conserve water.
  
  
• Fertilizing. Use slow release or half-strength fertilizer in containers. Plants in the ground may not require any supplemental feeding, but at your option a once per year feeding at half-strength may increase the flowering and vigor of your perennials.
  
  
• Watering. Know your garden and your plants' requirements. For new plantings, supplemental moisture throughout the spring will help with establishment before summer heat. For established plantings, a deep, thorough soaking every month should improve the appearance of your garden. Please take a moment to read our Sage Advice: "How to Water Your Native Plants" for additional guidance. For drip irrigation, now is the time to check the placement of your emitters on the outskirts of the root ball, to make sure they are functioning properly.
  
  
• Planting. Although fall is the best time to plant a native garden, spring is second best. It's not too late to replace that section of lawn or accent a corner with a well-chosen native beauty. Also, annual wildflowers planted from containers will provide immediate color, and may also reseed themselves for next year.

We are always available to answer questions here at Tree of Life, so don't hesitate to stop by or call us. In addition, all native plant gardeners should be aware of an outstanding resource available through the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden: The Native Plant Garden Hotline at (909) 624-0838.