RESOURCES

 

Bob Perry's book is probably one of the best resources for gardening in California. The first section groups plants according to communities and what would look best together - like an Olive tree palette, or a Coast Live Oak palette - so helpful for finding plants that look good together and also have the same water requirements. The second and largest part of the book is a plant database, with detailed descriptions and clear water requirements listed, so you can group plants together with common needs. It is pricey though, because it is a "textbook," but well worth it!

Some great websites: 

www.laspilitas.com - a great nursery that sells CA natives. Search around on their site and you can also look up plant communities by city or ZIP code so you can view which plants are native to your area. 

www.yerbabuenanursery.com - a specialty nursery very close to where I grew up! They sell CA natives and also have great resources on their website.

nativeson.typepad.com/plants  - this website features great garden plants native to CA, and often new varieties are posted, providing lots of new inspirations!

deltabluegrass.com/CaliforniaNativeSod Delta Sod is now carrying varieties of sod that are grown from California native grasses and require a lot less water. Never go to your home/garden store and get their precut rolls of sod again!

www.anniesannuals.com  this list from Annie's Annuals is comprised of California native plants that they grow and carry. Their site is very useful because they have great pictures and descriptions.

www.contracosta.watersavingplants.com This is a great website with water-saving plants listed by counties or cities. There are some great landscaping examples in the 'Garden Gallery' tab...take a look for some inspiration! 

http://www.smgrowers.com/info/Natives San Marcos Growers features a California natives page with great suggestions!