3 tips for transitioning your yard to California native plants
October through December is the perfect time to switch out that tired lawn for a drought-tolerant, colorful, native plant landscape. Jane Lee, owner of Mallow Root Design, and Grace Amico, owner of Miridae Mobile Nursery, recently visited a Rocklin yard they collaborated on last fall that transitioned from lawn to native plants. Here’s three insights they offered for a successful yard transformation.
Research which native plants will do best in your yard: “There are hundreds of native plants that work well in landscaping,” said Lee who evaluates a client’s yard and designs a plan best suited for the space. She selects plants that provide a wide range of colors and heights to make the yard visually interesting year-round. “While California native plants are adapted to endure drought, some plants prefer more shade or a little more water,” said Amico, who sells and delivers California native plants in the Sacramento region. Plants should be grouped in watering and sunshine zones best suited to their preferences. Plants should also be given enough space to grow and spread. For example, California fuchsia can double in size in the first year.
Keep your neighbors and Home Owners’ Association informed: Tearing out a lawn can generate lots of questions from neighbors. Before you bring in the heavy equipment, reach out to neighbors and your HOA to tell them about what you’re planning. Some people have a false conception that native plants turn brown in the summer. Showing them photos of the plants and the design for the space should alleviate those concerns. “Some HOAs have color and plant palettes for landscapes. Native plants can be easily selected to fit those requirements and are drought-tolerant alternatives to the recommended plants,” said Lee. “And with a little water in the summer, they’ll stay green year-round.”
Install a watering system that qualifies for rebates: Native plants require some irrigation, especially over the first 2 years as the plants get established. “Eventually, the plants will only require water a few times a month, even in the peak summer heat,” said Amico. Slow-drip irrigation is best suited for native plants, and some systems qualify for rebates from local water districts. Before you lay the drip system, do your research and install the correct tubing and drip nozzles. Water districts make applying for the rebates straightforward, but they do require proof of the system installed.
Ready to get started? Calscape is a useful resource for researching native plants and landscape design ideas. Many local native plant groups host plant sales in the fall and spring, and native plant nurseries have plants available throughout the year. If you do make the switch, be prepared for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and envious neighbors.
