April is the time to fall in love with California native plants. From golden poppies to vibrant redbuds, they bloom in a rainbow of brilliant hues, brightening nearby hillsides and suburban landscapes. These easy-care plants put on this eye-catching show even during dry years.
“Everything looks fantastic!” says landscape designer Soleil Tranquilli, owner of Tranquilli Gardens and a water-wise specialist. “This is the best time of year to see native gardens in Sacramento.”
Refreshed by winter rains, plants native to our Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills look their best in early spring. That’s how nature intended; the better to attract bees. Their flowers provide nectar and pollen needed for dozens of native bee species.
Once established, these cast-iron perennials and shrubs can tolerate the driest conditions. Even in years with normal rainfall, they save water compared to traditional lawn-based landscaping because they naturally need less moisture year-round to look their best. That adaptability is a huge asset.
“Native plants and low water-use plants will be more climate change resilient in the future as well,” Tranquilli says.
During summer, most Sacramento-area household water use is for landscaping. However, many California native plants need little, if any, irrigation.
“When you plant natives, you use way less water,” Tranquilli adds. “You also spend way less time managing your garden. They are less expensive, too; there’s no need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It makes it better for us when we make it better for nature.”
In Roseville, we provide several water efficiency services. If you want to ditch your grass, consider our
Cash for Grass program, where we rebate customers $1.50 per square foot of turf grass removed and replaced with water-efficient landscape up to $2000 per address.
Native plants can be transplanted in spring or fall to replace that thirsty grass. If you need landscape inspiration, we have an Inspiration Garden showcasing plant zones and plants that work well in this climate. Visit
Roseville.ca.us/inspirationgarden or visit the garden located in courtyard in between the Riley Library/Utility Exploration Center and Mahany Fitness Center, 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd.