Monterey coastline. Getty. (Source)
There is no place in the world like California. However, the Golden State, the Mediterranean Basin, Australia, Chile and South Africa have this one thing in common: the Mediterranean climate. Our latitude, combined with coastal mountains, valleys and a little body of water (the Pacific Ocean) give us a unique combination of hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Only 3% of the world falls into this climate zone, which besides producing world-famous wine grapes, is also wonderful for low-maintenance native plants to thrive all year long. Fall’s firecracker-red California fuchsias are a fan favorite of our Anna’s hummingbird.
Image Credit: National Park Service
Do you carefully plan your garden? Throw mystery seeds in the air? The rainy season has begun, so get those seeds in the soil and germination is close behind. Find a local nursery that carries native seeds through Calscape’s search tool! Planting California natives in winter is ideal, especially in the Bay Area. Cool temperatures, rain and a watering regimen gives your plants a head start before summer’s heat arrives. Check out the Ultimate Tree Watering Guide at Our City Forest.
This is also a crucial time to see what grows well in your yard. Take a tour and review how the past year has been for your plants. Could they use more sun or more shade? Now is the best time to transplant native plants, maybe to a shadier spot or just to make room for new plants. Our City Forest in San Jose has a Community Nursery and Training Center with both trees and shrubs for sale.
Top 5 Favorite Native Trees to plant in winter:
California Buckeye. Image credit: Eric Hunt. (Source)
Make sure you have enough clearance before planting, these trees can get big!
Big Leaf Maple
California Buckeye
Coast Live Oak
Engelmann Oak
Western Redbud
Top 5 Favorite Shrubs to plant in winter:
Sticky Monkey Flower. Image Credit: Steven Thorsted (Source)
Bee’s Bliss Salvia
Maritime Ceanothus
Sticky Monkey Flower
California Fuchsia
Howard McMinn Manzanita
Our Mediterranean climate is perfect for Napa Cabs, but summer’s birds and butterflies prefer the fast-growing vine, Vitis californica, the California Wild Grape. In December, Sydney is abloom with jacarandas and Provence is planting plum trees.
What are you planting this winter?
