Pleasanton gardeners know that many plants–even sensitive annuals–will survive occasional days when the temperature drops below freezing, especially if care is taken as to which varieties you choose and nurture. Experts say the seasonal rains and hot summers make it particularly hospitable to the following trees, shrubs, vines and flowers:
TREES
* Strawberry tree
* Western redbud
* Australian Willow
* Olive
SHRUBS
* Butterfly bush
* California lilac
* Australian fuchsia
* New Zealand tea tree
* Manzanita
* Rockrose
* Grevillea
* Tree mallow
* Coast rosemary
PERENNIALS
(Flowers that come back every year)
* Lavender
* Sage
* Purple coneflower
* California fuchsia
* Bear tongue
* Phlomis
* Wormwood
VINES
* Bougainvillea
* Lilac vine
* Pink jasmine
Just how much water, drainage, sun or shade your palette of plants requires can usually be found on each plant’s tag when you buy it. You can also ask someone at the nursery for advice or look the plant up on-line.
Plants picked because they are best-suited for Pleasanton will require less care and water, be more resistant to pests and generate less waste, say horticulturalists. The plants listed are just a sampling of top performers recommended by the East Bay Municipal Utility District for our winter-wet, summer-dry climate.
“Natives” gardens tour
Interested in seeing native plants in a natural setting? Pleasanton gardens will be among those featured in the “Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour” Sunday, May 7.
From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visit various gardens throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Sixty-five pesticide-free gardens that conserve water will be on display. At least 30 percent of the plants in each garden are native to the area.
The tour includes advice on attracting butterflies, birds, bees and lowering your water bill, as well as best bets for designing a low-maintenance garden. In some locations, native plants will be given away.
Photos of each garden can be viewed at www.BringingBackTheNatives.net. Use the Web site to register for this free tour or to volunteer.
Deadline to register for the tour is April 20. For more information, call (510) 236-9558 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., or e-mail Kathy@KathyKramerConsulting.net.
