Following recent rain, the Peninsula looks very green and we look forward to enjoying beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Because of several years of drought, more Southern California people are considering/have considered converting their landscapes to native plant gardens. Even though this season has started out wet, we know that water will continue to be a resource we need to conserve. PV Magazine wants to explore the benefits of incorporating native plants in your yards and what local resources are available to assist in the transition.
Megan Wolff, the garden coordinator for the Point Vicente Interpretive Center Demonstration Garden, explains that the benefits of converting your garden to native species go far beyond saving water, although that is a major advantage. She points out that native plant gardens provide wildlife a place in which to live and play a role in conservation, even within small areas. By incorporating narrow-leaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), habitat in your yard promotes the proliferation of endangered Monarch Butterflies. Megan notes, “If neighbors take to native gardening, it creates wildlife corridors that benefit conservation efforts.” She adds that native plants provide a sense of place, are aromatic, and have cultural significance. Where should someone start in considering converting their traditional landscape to a native plant garden? Megan suggests – Determining what is already in your garden by using the app “iNaturalist” (You may learn that you have native plants.). You will also discover if you have invasive weeds of which you want to rid. To learn more about invasive species, refer to the California Invasive Plant Council website, cal-ipc.org. Another highly recommended website is the California Native Plant Society, calscape.org. “Calscape’s” goal is “to help Californians restore nature and save water one garden at a time. We do this by showing people which plants are native to any location in the state, helping them figure out which ones they want, where to buy them, and how to grow them.”
Along with research, Megan recommends visiting local native plant demonstration gardens and volunteering with a local conservancy group or native plant garden to learn how to plant, water, and maintain native plant species. She also recommends visiting the native plant demonstration gardens at Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) and at the White Point Nature Preserve. Local volunteer opportunities include Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, pvplc.org, or one of the monthly volunteer events at the PVIC Demonstration Garden, usually held the third Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Email megan@sccnps.org at least two days in advance to RSVP.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, bewaterwise.com, gives information on rebates for turf replacement and gardening, and “How-To” videos, including one on converting sprinklers to a drip system.
Once ready to purchase plants, find nurseries that carry Southern California Native Plant Species; two well-known nurseries are Tree of Life in San Juan Capistrano and Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley. We are also fortunate that the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy offers many native species specific to the Peninsula and South Bay that include ones that increase habitat for the El Segundo Blue Butterfly, Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, California gnatcatchers, bees, and hummingbirds.
Once you transform your garden, please be sure to send PV Magazine a photo!
Plants to Entice Butterflies to your Garden!
To attract local species, plant Southern California native plants. Below is a list of host plants for local butterflies. All plants listed are available from Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. Visit https://pvplc.org/plant-sales/ for more information.
- Black Sage (Salvia mellifera): Small, aromatic, evergreen shrub native to coastal Southern California and provides nectar for many species of butterflies. Does best with direct morning light.
- California Bush Sunflower (Encelia california):A bush with yellow sunflowers that bloom in coastal areas from February to August. Host plant for Fatal and Dusky Metalmark Butterflies and nectar for many species. Requires full sun.
- Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis): Food for the monarch butterfly and nectar for the monarch, West Coast lady, and striated queen butterflies. Prefers full sunlight.
- Rattlepod (Astragalus): Also known as locoweed, flowers between February and May. One of only two host plants for the Palos Verdes blue butterfly and is also food for many other species of butterflies as well. Prefers full sun.
- Seacliff Buckwheat: (Eriogonum parviflorum): Flowers June to fall. Food and nectar source for the endangered El Segundo blue butterfly. Partial to full sun exposure and dry conditions.
Information from pvplc.org, theodorepayne.org and myplantin.com.
