Cleveland Sage

We planted two Cleveland Sage plants last October. Cleveland Sage smells wonderful and attracts hummingbirds. We like this California native plant so much that we planted four more this week.

Sun Drops

Sun drops are a California native plant that can really brighten up your garden. The plant grows low to the ground and produces eye catching yellow flowers.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies are beneficial insects that eat mosquitoes and gnats. Dragonflies come in a variety of colors and sizes. These flying acrobats are amazing to watch. Dragonflies are beautiful useful creatures that benefit humans by eating disease carrying mosquitoes.

Tarragon

Tarragon is a drought tolerant herb with beautiful yellow flowers that grows well in Southern California. The fresh leaves are used in salads and as a seasoning for chicken, fish, beef, or pork. This herb has a sweet, licorice taste. The leaves lose their flavor when dried. Tarragon is easy to grow and a beautiful addition to the garden

California Native Rose

Rosa Californica is the wild rose of California. This California native plant has small pink roses and makes a nice hedge. The rose hips are brewed into a tea with a high Vitamin C content.

Fall & Winter Squash Gardens

Zucchini and Butternut Squash planted in late September produce squash in fall and even into winter in Orange County. Fall and winter squash plants produce small tasty fruit.

Rosemary

Some people believe that smelling Rosemary can improve your memory. Birds are attracted to this fragrant herb. Rosemary plants form a thick hedge.

Rosemary is planted in vegetables gardens as a companion plant for cabbage, beans, carrots, and sage to keep harmful insects away.

Cleveland Sage

Cleveland Sage is planted near doors and windows. The fragrant blue flowers attract hummingbirds. Cleveland Sage is a drought tolerant California native plant.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly pear cactus is used to make food, red dye, hair conditioner, and possibly medicine. The fruit of the prickly pear is carefully peeled and eaten. Flour is made from the tiny edible seeds inside the fruit. The branches are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Prickly pear nectar and red dye are made from the fruit juice and pulp.

The fruit and branches of the prickly pear are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fiber that help stabilize blood sugar. Researchers are studying the prickly pear to determine its usefulness in lowering bad cholesterol and the amount of insulin needed by people with diabetes.

Pink Mandevilla

The mandevilla vine is native to South America. Mandevillas are California friendly vines, because they tolerate drought and like a lot of sun. This vine needs to be protected from frost and does not like to be over watered. The magnificent trumpet shaped flowers attract hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds

Flowers are the best hummingbird feeders. California Fuchsia is a hummingbird magnet.