Gardening Guides
Native Plants
Stroll Through 10 Inspiring California Native Gardens
See paths and plantings from the 2017 Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
Paths and the plants that edge them can create some of the most memorable and magical garden spaces, from meandering, overgrown walks to clean-lined, neatly framed runways. Over the course of two days, April 1 and 2, 2017, garden enthusiasts will be able walk through and experience over 30 gardens throughout Los Angeles County that will be open for the Theodore Payne Foundation’s annual Native Plant Garden Tour. Planted with mostly native California plants, these gardens buzz with wildlife as they celebrate the beauty of the region.
2017 Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
Location: 32 residential gardens in Los Angeles County
When: April 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 to $35. More info
2017 Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
Location: 32 residential gardens in Los Angeles County
When: April 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 to $35. More info
With a running stream, an elevated catwalk and a water feature for birds, this mature native garden near downtown Beverly Hills transports visitors to another world. Here, a path of concrete block (which has since been changed to flagstone) and pink garden rock leads along the side of the house from the front yard to a back garden. Gray-green plants mound toward the path, visually cooling an especially hot, bright area.
The plants were chosen for their heat and drought tolerance, especially the desert lavender (Hyptis emoryi), which runs against the house, and their ecological benefit. “Using plants native to our area is extremely important to me, as my mission is to provide habitat for the creatures that are native to Southern California and the Los Angeles basin,” says homeowner Susan Gottlieb. “Many native California plants are endangered, so using them in our gardens is important from a conservation standpoint.”
Plants lining the path include deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), black sage (Salvia mellifera), desert mint (Monardella odoratissima), ‘Canyon Prince’ wild rye (Leymus condensatus ‘Canyon Prince’), fragrant pitch sage (Lepechinia fragrans), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and Matilija poppy.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
The plants were chosen for their heat and drought tolerance, especially the desert lavender (Hyptis emoryi), which runs against the house, and their ecological benefit. “Using plants native to our area is extremely important to me, as my mission is to provide habitat for the creatures that are native to Southern California and the Los Angeles basin,” says homeowner Susan Gottlieb. “Many native California plants are endangered, so using them in our gardens is important from a conservation standpoint.”
Plants lining the path include deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), black sage (Salvia mellifera), desert mint (Monardella odoratissima), ‘Canyon Prince’ wild rye (Leymus condensatus ‘Canyon Prince’), fragrant pitch sage (Lepechinia fragrans), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and Matilija poppy.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
2. Urban Oasis
Location: Historic Filipinotown, California
Designers: Homeowners DJ Peterson and Dan Nadeau
Surrounded by the noise of an apartment building, busy streets and a parking lot, this urban oasis in Historic Filipinotown transports homeowners DJ Peterson and Dan Nadeau, obscuring these sights and sounds while framing a picturesque view of downtown L.A. or the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. Their house, a converted hospital, sits below the garden. This spot was originally an outdoor nurses lounge, and Nadeau tirelessy tore up the original concrete slab to make way for the garden.
The gravel area features a fire pit and patio furniture designed by Nadeau, as well as oversize umbrellas from the L.A. Unified School District, and gives the garden structure. Native perennials and wildflowers frame the space. “What we wanted to do was soften the edges and create some shielding from the busy street in front,” Peterson says. Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), white and Cleveland sages (Salvia apiana and S. clevelandii), and flannel bush (Fremontodendron sp.) grow tall and create a haven for wildlife. “They’re great for pollinators,” Peterson says. “We have tons of hummingbirds.”
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
Location: Historic Filipinotown, California
Designers: Homeowners DJ Peterson and Dan Nadeau
Surrounded by the noise of an apartment building, busy streets and a parking lot, this urban oasis in Historic Filipinotown transports homeowners DJ Peterson and Dan Nadeau, obscuring these sights and sounds while framing a picturesque view of downtown L.A. or the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. Their house, a converted hospital, sits below the garden. This spot was originally an outdoor nurses lounge, and Nadeau tirelessy tore up the original concrete slab to make way for the garden.
The gravel area features a fire pit and patio furniture designed by Nadeau, as well as oversize umbrellas from the L.A. Unified School District, and gives the garden structure. Native perennials and wildflowers frame the space. “What we wanted to do was soften the edges and create some shielding from the busy street in front,” Peterson says. Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), white and Cleveland sages (Salvia apiana and S. clevelandii), and flannel bush (Fremontodendron sp.) grow tall and create a haven for wildlife. “They’re great for pollinators,” Peterson says. “We have tons of hummingbirds.”
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
3. Meandering Entry
Location: Altadena, California
Designer: Homeowner Wynne Wilson of Terra Design
This rustic stepped pathway leads you on a meandering walk from the driveway through the shade of mature cedar trees that arch above it to the front door of this home in Altadena. Local granite river rock set in concrete forms the front of the path’s steps, while loose-set stone borders the path. Crushed three-eighths-inch granite gravel on compacted soil forms the back of the stairs, softening the space and allowing water to easily drain.
Sometimes a seedling even pushes its way through the gravel. “I love the occasional serendipity of plants reseeding,” says homeowner and designer Wynne Wilson. ‘Siskiyou Blue’ fescue (Festuca ‘Siskiyou Blue’), a drought-tolerant, low-maintenace grass, cascades over the rock wall.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
Location: Altadena, California
Designer: Homeowner Wynne Wilson of Terra Design
This rustic stepped pathway leads you on a meandering walk from the driveway through the shade of mature cedar trees that arch above it to the front door of this home in Altadena. Local granite river rock set in concrete forms the front of the path’s steps, while loose-set stone borders the path. Crushed three-eighths-inch granite gravel on compacted soil forms the back of the stairs, softening the space and allowing water to easily drain.
Sometimes a seedling even pushes its way through the gravel. “I love the occasional serendipity of plants reseeding,” says homeowner and designer Wynne Wilson. ‘Siskiyou Blue’ fescue (Festuca ‘Siskiyou Blue’), a drought-tolerant, low-maintenace grass, cascades over the rock wall.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
4. Low-Growing Meadow
Location: Sun Valley, California
Designer: Isara Ongwiseth of FormLA Landscaping
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) rambles over the edge of this entry path. This North American native attracts birds, butterflies and beneficial insects while repelling unwanted bugs. “Grown from seed, it provides a feathery green carpet. We mow it for a manicured-lawn look or let it be to create a whimsical flowering meadow,” says landscape designer Isara Ongwiseth.
Location: Sun Valley, California
Designer: Isara Ongwiseth of FormLA Landscaping
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) rambles over the edge of this entry path. This North American native attracts birds, butterflies and beneficial insects while repelling unwanted bugs. “Grown from seed, it provides a feathery green carpet. We mow it for a manicured-lawn look or let it be to create a whimsical flowering meadow,” says landscape designer Isara Ongwiseth.
Decomposed granite, a permeable material that lends a rustic quality, leads from the street to the entry of this Sun Valley house in the sun. It follows a loose, casual route that accesses the areas of the property the homeowners wanted to reach quickly. Stones from the site were used to edge the path.
Low-growing native and attractive plants line the path. “We aimed for year-round beauty, fragrance and appeal to wildlife,” Ongwiseth says. “At certain times of year, the flowers will be the attraction. At other times, the form and color of the foliage will be captivating.” In the background, on the left, we see common yarrow (Achillea millefolium). A custom native grass mix created by the Theodore Payne Foundation and FormLA President Cassy Aoyagi grows further toward the front. Redflower buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. rubescens), with its gray-green leaves, edges the left side of the path.
Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii), in the foreground, is a striking, fragrant California native. “Locating the Cleveland sage next to a path or a patio will surely provide one with an everlasting memory of the garden through the strong, fresh sweet scent,” Ongwiseth says.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
Low-growing native and attractive plants line the path. “We aimed for year-round beauty, fragrance and appeal to wildlife,” Ongwiseth says. “At certain times of year, the flowers will be the attraction. At other times, the form and color of the foliage will be captivating.” In the background, on the left, we see common yarrow (Achillea millefolium). A custom native grass mix created by the Theodore Payne Foundation and FormLA President Cassy Aoyagi grows further toward the front. Redflower buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. rubescens), with its gray-green leaves, edges the left side of the path.
Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii), in the foreground, is a striking, fragrant California native. “Locating the Cleveland sage next to a path or a patio will surely provide one with an everlasting memory of the garden through the strong, fresh sweet scent,” Ongwiseth says.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
5. Reimagined Front Yard
Location: Pasadena, California
Designer: Andreas Hessing of Scrub Jay Studios
When a maple tree fell across the front yard of this Pasadena home, uprooting its trunk and damaging the original front walk, landscape designer Andreas Hessing redesigned the front yard to not only accommodate the tree, but also to promote it as a focal point. “It provides scale to the garden that only a very large boulder could do otherwise,” Hessing says. The front path, which leads from the sidewalk to the front door, was reconfigured as a series of pavers.
A wildflower meadow, along with Conejo buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum), southern monkeyflower (Diplacus longiflorus) and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), add bold color and disease resistance.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
Location: Pasadena, California
Designer: Andreas Hessing of Scrub Jay Studios
When a maple tree fell across the front yard of this Pasadena home, uprooting its trunk and damaging the original front walk, landscape designer Andreas Hessing redesigned the front yard to not only accommodate the tree, but also to promote it as a focal point. “It provides scale to the garden that only a very large boulder could do otherwise,” Hessing says. The front path, which leads from the sidewalk to the front door, was reconfigured as a series of pavers.
A wildflower meadow, along with Conejo buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum), southern monkeyflower (Diplacus longiflorus) and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), add bold color and disease resistance.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
6. Cool With a Bright Punch
Location: Beachwood Canyon, California
Designer: Andreas Hessing of Scrub Jay Studios
A path of irregularly shaped pavers made of reclaimed concrete (called urbanite) hugs the front of this modernist yard in Beachwood Canyon, providing a solid surface yet still allowing water to drain through.
California fuchsia (Epilobium canum ssp. canum), a California native adored by hummingbirds, grows along the home’s foundation and complements the muted, earthy colors of the pavers in front and the wall behind with its masses of gray-green foliage. Its vivid orange flowers pop against the composition and tie in with the home’s bold front door. “We wanted to complement the darkness of the green on the house with a mostly cool, light color scheme of the plantings. We also wanted something that would bloom in the fall when most other natives are dormant,” landscape designer Andreas Hessing says.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
Location: Beachwood Canyon, California
Designer: Andreas Hessing of Scrub Jay Studios
A path of irregularly shaped pavers made of reclaimed concrete (called urbanite) hugs the front of this modernist yard in Beachwood Canyon, providing a solid surface yet still allowing water to drain through.
California fuchsia (Epilobium canum ssp. canum), a California native adored by hummingbirds, grows along the home’s foundation and complements the muted, earthy colors of the pavers in front and the wall behind with its masses of gray-green foliage. Its vivid orange flowers pop against the composition and tie in with the home’s bold front door. “We wanted to complement the darkness of the green on the house with a mostly cool, light color scheme of the plantings. We also wanted something that would bloom in the fall when most other natives are dormant,” landscape designer Andreas Hessing says.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
7. Wildflowers Stay in Bounds
Location: Oxford Square, California
Designer: Homeowner Gary Gonzalez
A meadow planting spills over the edges of this historic home’s existing front sidewalk. “I wanted to preserve the existing layout, as my home is over 100 years old, and keeping the original exterior pathways was an important consideration,” says designer and homeowner Gary Gonzalez.
No additional paths carve through the front yard, so Gonzalez was able to plant the maximum area to benefit local wildlife. “The primary intent of my garden is to create a supportive habitat for insects, birds and animals,” he says. “I also wanted to create a garden that could survive and thrive with no supplemental water.” You’ll see mostly buckwheat, wildflowers and sage, all plants that could have originally grown in this Oxford Square plot. Additionally, all rainwater drains into a dry well in the garden, preventing runoff, recharging the ground water and feeding the native plants’ root systems.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
Location: Oxford Square, California
Designer: Homeowner Gary Gonzalez
A meadow planting spills over the edges of this historic home’s existing front sidewalk. “I wanted to preserve the existing layout, as my home is over 100 years old, and keeping the original exterior pathways was an important consideration,” says designer and homeowner Gary Gonzalez.
No additional paths carve through the front yard, so Gonzalez was able to plant the maximum area to benefit local wildlife. “The primary intent of my garden is to create a supportive habitat for insects, birds and animals,” he says. “I also wanted to create a garden that could survive and thrive with no supplemental water.” You’ll see mostly buckwheat, wildflowers and sage, all plants that could have originally grown in this Oxford Square plot. Additionally, all rainwater drains into a dry well in the garden, preventing runoff, recharging the ground water and feeding the native plants’ root systems.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
8. Tiny Native Container Garden
Location: Santa Monica, California
Designers: Homeowners Mary Renaker and Eric Brazel
This entry patio in Santa Monica is a native garden made entirely with raised beds and pots. “We have learned the fun of moving plants around like furniture, changing the look of the garden,” says homeowner Mary Renaker. Not only does this help give the patio a new look, carving out paths and seating areas, but it also has allowed the homeowners to cater to the needs of the plants. For example, it makes it easy to give afternoon shade to a plant that needs it.
Local wildlife — lizards, birds, butterflies, bees — absolutely responds to it. “It’s interesting how much urban wildlife I’ve gotten here so close to Wilshire Boulevard,” she says.
Container gardening with natives is not without its challenges. “Sometimes plants get too big,” Renaker says, and are given away. “And we have lost many. However, some have appeared to have died only to turn up in another pot. They move around and reseed themselves too.”
Location: Santa Monica, California
Designers: Homeowners Mary Renaker and Eric Brazel
This entry patio in Santa Monica is a native garden made entirely with raised beds and pots. “We have learned the fun of moving plants around like furniture, changing the look of the garden,” says homeowner Mary Renaker. Not only does this help give the patio a new look, carving out paths and seating areas, but it also has allowed the homeowners to cater to the needs of the plants. For example, it makes it easy to give afternoon shade to a plant that needs it.
Local wildlife — lizards, birds, butterflies, bees — absolutely responds to it. “It’s interesting how much urban wildlife I’ve gotten here so close to Wilshire Boulevard,” she says.
Container gardening with natives is not without its challenges. “Sometimes plants get too big,” Renaker says, and are given away. “And we have lost many. However, some have appeared to have died only to turn up in another pot. They move around and reseed themselves too.”
Farewell to spring (Clarkia amoena ssp. amoena) is one of the 35-plus species of plants Renaker and her husband have growing on their patio. This California native blooms in late spring through summer, welcoming hummingbirds with its soft pink blooms.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
9. Tidy Backyard at the Beach
Location: Santa Monica, California
Designer: Isara Ongwiseth of FormLA Landscaping
Behind a historic farmhouse in Santa Monica, walk along a decomposed granite path to a detached garden studio, once the home’s garage, at the back of the property (here we’re looking back on the house). The material lends itself to the home’s aesthetic, simple and understated, while contributing environmental benefits. “It allows rainwater to percolate into the ground and minimize runoff and evaporation,” says landscape designer Isara Ongwiseth. A thin steel edging helps keep the decomposed granite in place without intruding on the design.
UC Verde Buffalograss edges the path. This drought-tolerant native buffalograss cultivar was developed by the Riverside and Davis campuses of the University of California, and was bred specifically to thrive in California and other desert areas. It’s also especially resistant to damaging insects and thrives without the use of any turf chemicals. Santa Monica’s mild coastal climate means this grass stays green year-round.
Along the perimeter, citrus trees and an artichoke plant add garden beauty in addition to edible treats.
Location: Santa Monica, California
Designer: Isara Ongwiseth of FormLA Landscaping
Behind a historic farmhouse in Santa Monica, walk along a decomposed granite path to a detached garden studio, once the home’s garage, at the back of the property (here we’re looking back on the house). The material lends itself to the home’s aesthetic, simple and understated, while contributing environmental benefits. “It allows rainwater to percolate into the ground and minimize runoff and evaporation,” says landscape designer Isara Ongwiseth. A thin steel edging helps keep the decomposed granite in place without intruding on the design.
UC Verde Buffalograss edges the path. This drought-tolerant native buffalograss cultivar was developed by the Riverside and Davis campuses of the University of California, and was bred specifically to thrive in California and other desert areas. It’s also especially resistant to damaging insects and thrives without the use of any turf chemicals. Santa Monica’s mild coastal climate means this grass stays green year-round.
Along the perimeter, citrus trees and an artichoke plant add garden beauty in addition to edible treats.
California native plants, such as this California lilac (Ceanothus sp.), entice humans and hummingbirds alike to stop, take a look, and enjoy its flowers and fragrance.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
10. Clean and Green
Location: Playa del Rey, California
Designer: Isara Ongwiseth of FormLA Landscaping
Poured-in-place concrete pavers, spaced for permeability and finished in a light wash, lead visitors from the driveway across the front yard to the front door and side yard of this beach garden. The hardscape’s clean lines and simple layout create a design both straightforward and elegant.
Low-maintenance and mostly green native ground covers spill over the edges of the pavers, softening the straight lines and hard corners while referencing the plant life of the nearby Ballona Wetlands.
Sanddune sedge (Carex pansa), a West Coast native, edges the path and is a lawn alternative Isara Ongwiseth suggests for both manicured lawns or unmown meadows. “It uses only 20 to 25 percent of the water a traditional lawn needs and none of the toxic chemical fertilizers or pesticides,” the designer says.
Location: Playa del Rey, California
Designer: Isara Ongwiseth of FormLA Landscaping
Poured-in-place concrete pavers, spaced for permeability and finished in a light wash, lead visitors from the driveway across the front yard to the front door and side yard of this beach garden. The hardscape’s clean lines and simple layout create a design both straightforward and elegant.
Low-maintenance and mostly green native ground covers spill over the edges of the pavers, softening the straight lines and hard corners while referencing the plant life of the nearby Ballona Wetlands.
Sanddune sedge (Carex pansa), a West Coast native, edges the path and is a lawn alternative Isara Ongwiseth suggests for both manicured lawns or unmown meadows. “It uses only 20 to 25 percent of the water a traditional lawn needs and none of the toxic chemical fertilizers or pesticides,” the designer says.
Beach strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) creeps along the ground next to the pavers and sedge. “The delicious small berries are a great food source, and entice birds, wildlife and kids into the garden,” Ongwiseth says.
Succulents, including this California native chalk dudleya, (Dudleya pulverulenta) bring color and a sculptural quality to the planting bed.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
More: 10 Top California Native Plants, Trees and Grasses
Succulents, including this California native chalk dudleya, (Dudleya pulverulenta) bring color and a sculptural quality to the planting bed.
See more photos and this garden’s complete plant list
More: 10 Top California Native Plants, Trees and Grasses
Location: Beverly Hills, California
Designer: Homeowner Susan Gottlieb, with the assistance of Rogers Weld
Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri), with its beautiful papery white petals and golden centers, anchors the end of the path in this Beverly Hills garden. Reaching up to 8 feet tall and with flowers attracting a range of wildlife, it’s a beautiful (though somewhat challenging) native for the California garden.