California Native Gardening: A Month-by-Month Guide

by Helen Popper

This is the first month-by-month guide to gardening with native plants in a state that follows a unique, nontraditional seasonal rhythm. Beginning in October, when much of California leaves the dry season behind and prepares for its own green “spring,” Helen Popper provides detailed, calendar-based information for both beginning and experienced native gardeners. Each month’s chapter lists gardening tasks, including repeated tasks and those specific to each season. Popper offers planting and design ideas, and explains core gardening techniques such as pruning, mulching, and propagating. She tells how to use native plants in traditional garden styles, including Japanese, herb, and formal gardens, and recommends places for viewing natives. An essential year-round companion, this beautifully written and illustrated book nurtures the twin delights of seeing wild plants in the garden and garden plants in the wild.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Plants, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2012

Reviews

[Kat Chou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Native gardening is something I want to do really well and beautifully. This book was helpful in understanding exactly how to manage the seasonal complexities and how to become closer to nature in California.

[Ashley Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly useful reference book, which breaks down California native gardening tasks by month. I will be returning to this book year after year as I tend to my native garden. ☺️

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the CLASSIC if this is your topic: growing California native plants.

[Irene Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm trying to do more with Native plants and taking care of them. I'd have preferred one that was for Southern California, but I still can use the informaiton.