California Native Zen

Who says native gardens have to be southwest style?  This Carlsbad bird enthusiast wanted to create native habitat but loves Asian style gardens and wanted to incorporate some great sculpture pieces she found on a recent trip to China.  Dilemma?  Nope!  Native Strawberries, Pacific Coast Iris, Coral Bells and Red Bud are perfect for creating the clean yet natural forms common in Japanese and Chinese style gardens.

Design by Argia Designs

Native Plants at the Spring Home and Garden Show

At least two gardens at this year's Spring Home and Garden Show featured native plants!

Argia Designs' garden (shown here) featured Western Cottonwood, Ceanothus, Toyon, Howard McMinn Manzanita, Giant Coreopsis, Blue Eyed Grass, and Chalk Dudleya.  The garden next door, designed by Brian Best, featured gorgeous 24" box Manzanitas, Oaks,  and blooming Ceanothus among other drought tolerant plantings!  Both gardens had a slight Asian flair showing that native plants are perfect for not only Southwest style gardens but any garden style!!

Greg Rubin also gave a talk on using California native plants in the garden!

Great to see natives right up there along with the rest!!