If you’re still undecided on a pledge for the Community Resilience Challenge, try taking a vow to transform your yard by planting native, drought-tolerant plants! Planting native species will not only decrease your home’s water use, but also encourage the flourishing of local ecosystems and foster biodiversity.
Feeling a little intimidated by this project? It’s as easy as heading to your local nursery and then getting your hands dirty with some planting. After that, you’ll be amazed at how low-maintenance these beautiful plants can be!
If you still need some guidance, local resources we particularly recommend include ReScape California (Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition), The Gardens at Heather Farm, the Victory Garden Foundation, Bumblebee Farm & Garden, The Ruth Bancroft Garden, Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden, and the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County. Here are additional resources as well:
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District’s “A California-Friendly Guide to Native and Drought Tolerant Gardens” is a fantastic, in-depth resource! With plants separated into categories like Deer Resistant, Spring Flowers and Butterflies, and Patio or Container Plants, you’ll find everything that you need in this document.
Not sure where the nearest nursery is? This helpful list provides contact information and descriptions for 6 nurseries in the area.
Perhaps you just need some inspiration for your new garden. Don’t miss Sunset’s Western Garden Collection, or their other helpful pages like their guide to low-maintenance gardening, including what to plant, design ideas, and tips!
Get creative with the Contra Costa Master Gardener Program’s design guide for drought-tolerant plants, including a list of additional resources.
If you’re interested in transforming your lawn into a luscious native paradise, check out Contra Costa Water District’s Lawn to Garden Rebate Program! Their site has great resources for this pledge, including a list of approved plants for the program.
Want to go one step further? Add on to your challenge by pledging to create a greywater system or turn to sheet mulching in your yard.
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