After over four years of drought, perhaps you are wondering if you can still have a garden or maintain colorful and thriving landscapes.  If so, think about utilizing drought-tolerant California native plants!

(Fremontia, pictured left) Join the Mariposa County UCCE Master Gardeners at the Board of Supervisors Chambers on Saturday, September 17th to see a presentation by Bonnie Bladen, owner of Intermountain Nursery in Prather.  Bonnie will highlight some of the toughest and most drought-tolerant native plants that grow well in our foothill environments and will also touch on how to have year-round color.  Since fall is the perfect time to plant natives, she will bring some plants as examples and offer them for sale.

Although, there are many drought-tolerant plants from other parts of the world with similar, Mediterranean climates—such as Australia, Chile and South Africa—California native plants have an advantage because they are acclimated to our local climate and soils and don’t need expensive amendments, fertilizers or pesticides.  In fact, native plants promote soil health by supporting beneficial, underground fungi and animal life that are critical to a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

(Carpenteria, pictured right) These plants also have evolved with, and help support native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators and as a result, the plants also provide seeds, nuts, fruits and habitats for other birds and wildlife.  Quite a bang for your buck!

To receive educational handouts at this free workshop, please register online at: http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu or call (209) 966-2417.

Submitted by Kris Randal, Mariposa UCCE Master Gardener Coordinator

Wild Rose & Fremontia pictures taken by Master Gardener, Dan Horner

Carpenteria picture by Kris Randal