California’s native plants connect us to the state’s unique beauty—from wildflower meadows to oak woodlands. With a diverse palette to choose from, you can design a garden that fits your style, size, or setting. Here are some tips to get started.
Planning your garden
California's natural beauty is inspiring
CNPS chapters
Many CNPS chapters host their own events, plant sales, and volunteer opportunities that can help offer insight to planning your own garden.
Match design to your habitat and plant community
Your garden will thrive when you match plants to their natural habitat—where a plant grows. Habitat includes soil, light, slope, water, and temperature.
A plant community, what grows together, is a group of species that naturally grow together in the same habitat They share similar needs and often support one another—for example, through beneficial fungi in the soil, called mycorrhizae. For easier, more waterwise landscaping, choose plants from the same community.
Visit nearby trails or open spaces for inspiration. What grows around you—oak woodland, desert scrub, coastal sage?
Let nature be your guide
Nature offers endless ideas for planting. Notice how species grow together in the wild— those species are the most likely to thrive in your garden and provide the greatest benefit for local wildlife.
In fact, the original creator of Calscape drew inspiration from the hills and canyons near his San Diego home, which became the thriving garden pictured here.
Clarify your goals and priorities
Before choosing plants, think about how you want to use your garden. Do you want a space for gathering, relaxing, wildlife watching, or low-maintenance beauty? Reflect on your reasons for gardening with native plants.
Also consider:
- Water availability in the future
- Time and effort for upkeep
- Budget and plant sizes
Clear goals will guide your design choices and set your garden up for success.
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