During this time of year, the roadsides of Ventura County begin to show numerous wildflowers, California Poppies, Lupine, Bush Monkeyflower, and California Buckwheat, just to name a few. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but many of them can be grown in our own gardens. While imported ornamental plants can be lovely to look at, there is something uniquely satisfying in growing California native plants. The next time you take a drive, or a hike, pay attention to the purple, orange and yellow flowers growing along the trails. These attract beautiful California butterflies, as well as bees which are important to an agricultural economy. Imagine these in your own backyard!
Foster Library has many books on growing California native plants and is currently featuring gardening books in our pop-out section.