Where to Find Great California Natives for Fall Planting

Heads up, gardeners.  That hallowed season is upon us: California natives planting time. You may have heard the opening salvo at the end of September when the clatter of garden tools punctuated many a neighborhood’s Saturday reverie.  As soon as nighttime temperatures dip, California natives gardeners become tightly sprung coils awaiting the release of their stored energy.

Why plant now?  Many California natives are summer dormant, shedding leaves when temps blister and no water falls from the sky. Without leaves, respiration is slowed to a flat line, sort of like a coma. When the mercury drops, and water becomes available even through morning dew, plants are ready to awaken from hibernation.

Gardeners who plant with natives are an egalitarian group. Even the novice will find acceptance, encouragement and information where water-wise and native plant fans congregate. A good place to find these supplicants is at annual plant sales.  Combing Southern California is worth the drive to botanic gardens or universities with horticulture programs. Here are some upcoming opportunities to purchase fine specimens, from public institutions, a win-win for everybody. 

October 22 & 23, 2011

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Westwood

Kicking off planting season with a two day “autumn garden party,”  Grow Native Nursery Westwood opened in 2010 for year-round plant production and sales. Go Westwood, I say, to support the new branch of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Located at the VA property, RSABG trains and employs veterans in horticultural practices. As if native plants and job skills for beloved veterans isn’t enough, must-see speakers are scheduled over the two day event.  Native grasses rock star John Greenlee gives a talk Saturday at 11AM, and Emily Green, Los Angeles Times “Dry Garden” horticulture columnist, speaks Sunday at 1PM.  Beloved Bart O’Brien of RSABG and Lili Singer, of Theodore Payne and LA County Arboretum, round out the speakers’ schedule Saturday and Sunday, respectively.  Members receive discounts on purchases.

Grow Native Nursery, Westwood Locations

VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System,

Davis Avenue and Constitution Avenue, Los Angeles 90049

Phone: 424.234.0481. Email: cwheeler@rsabg.org

October 22 & 23

UC Riverside Botantic

Yes, it’s 110 miles away and maybe an equal number of degrees once you get there.  No pain, no gain, right? Here, too, a ginormous number and array of plants are for sale, if you consider 10,000 ginormous. Plus, here’s your opportunity to visit the 40 acre UCR botanic garden.

The maxim “knowledge is power” is borne out, here with instructive talks. Become empowered Saturday at 10AM: climate appropriate plant care, at 1PM: pomegranate, persimmon and jujube fruit tree overview, and Sunday at 1PM, micro-irrigation workshop.  $4 admission charge and hourly parking rates apply. Friends of the garden gain early-bird access to the sale on October 22 at 8AM, and receive a discount on all plant purchases. Everyone can download a coupon for one packet of wildflower seeds with a $2 purchase.

University of California, Riverside

900 University Ave.

Riverside, CA 92521

Tel: (951) 827-1012

November 5 & 6

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Claremont

Closer to home, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden’s annual Fall Plant Sale offers thousands of native plants and advice from horticulture experts.  The nursery is closed during the summer months and reopens every November, so mark the calendar. The plant sale is an opportunity to tour the grounds; in turn this is the best chance to see your plant selection in situ, along with abundant planning schemes.  “Members only” preview sale, Saturday, November 5, 8AM to 11AM.  During all sale hours, members benefit with regular 10% discount.  Not to preach to the choir, but memberships often pay for themselves at the annual plant sale.

Public welcome Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 6, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Grow Native Nursery

Claremont Location: 
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

1500 N. College Avenue  Claremont, CA 91711

October 27, 2011

Propagation Workshop with Dave Lannom

The frugal gardener understands it’s possible to purchase any plant with sweat equity.  Many plants can be propagated through division, stem or leaf cuttings, grafting or air layering.  Dave Lannom, longstanding Mt. SAC horticulture professor and retired department chair, will give a talk and demonstration at the LA County Arboretum Thursday, October 27. One in the series of Thursday Garden Talks with Lili Singer, Professor Lannom will delight, amuse and challenge gardeners of all levels.  This class at the feet of the Master is at 9:30AM to 12 Noon.  Reservations suggested.  Admission to the talk, $20. Time with Dave Lannom, priceless.

LA County Arboretum, Palm Room