Celebrate Earth Day And Go Native...

Mojave Aster (Xylorhiza tortifolia)

In honor of Earth Day, please consider using native plants in your garden landscape. There are so many advantages to putting in a native or xeric (desert) garden, including less maintenance once established and often, less water-use.  Plus, they are remarkably beautiful and some species will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

Of course, please don't try to harvest native shrubs and flowers from the wild.  Most don't transplant very well anyway. Species that do adapt nicely to garden use should be easy to find in either seed or plant form.  Just check with your local nursery.

Native Plant Week Continues Through Saturday, April 23rd

Just a quick reminder to get out there and do something to celebrate Native Plant Week.  If you're looking for activities or ways to get involved, check out the links to local chapters of the California Native Plant Society.

Ridgecrest Wildflower Festival Starts Today; Wildflower Conservancy Presentation Is Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that I will be speaking on behalf of the Wildflower Conservancy at the Ridgecrest Desert Wildflower Festival tomorrow, April 16th, in Ridgecrest, California.

The presentation, entitled "Capturing Ephemeral Beauty: A Celebration of Californiaʼs Wildflowers, will feature my photography and efforts by the Wildflower Conservancy to encourage people to enjoy wildflowers responsibly.

It's happening at the Maturango Museum, 100 W. Las Flores, at 2:30 PM. If you're in the area, please stop by. It's a wonderful opportunity to see wildflowers collected by permit on display and talk with experts in California's Native Plants. Here's a link to the full program: Ridgecrest Desert Wildflower Festival Guide.  Hope to see you there!

Get Ready for the First Ever California Native Plant Week - April 17th - 23rd

The California State Assembly and Senate have approved a resolution that establishes California Native Plant Week. Beginning this year with April 17th - 23rd, the initiative designates the third week in April of each year as California Native Plant Week.  How perfect to celebrate our native plants in the midst of Spring wildflower season!  Schools, community organizations and individuals are encouraged to get involved in promoting the conservation, restoration and appreciation of California's native plants.

Coincident with the week-long event, the Ridgecrest Desert Wildflower Festival starts this Friday, April 15th, and runs through the weekend. If you're in the area, come by and see real wildflowers on display (collected under permit) and visit the different locations where booths and other activities are taking place.

Just a reminder that I will be giving a presentation on behalf of the Wildflower Conservancy at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the 16th, at the Maturango Museum.  It's entitled, "Capturing Ephemeral Beauty: A Celebration of California's Wildflowers." Hope to see you there!  Kahlee