MenuMenu

Native Planting

every plant makes a difference!

Every plant makes a difference! Gardening with native plants: 

  1. Helps restore fragmented urban ecosystems 

  1. Provides critical habitat for threatened pollinators, and  

  1. Saves huge amounts of limited water. 

Why are native plants preferred? 

Native plants occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction. They thrive on what the environment provides naturally, requiring far fewer extra inputs.  

Provide Habitat 

Pollinators – bees, bats, birds, beetles, butterflies, moths, and small mammals – are declining worldwide. Thriving pollinator populations are foundational for stable ecosystems and food systems, too!  

To combat survival pressures from industrial agriculture, intense pesticide use, and habitat loss, you can restore pollinator populations by providing habitat in your own landscaping. Generic store-bought plants don’t meet the needs of pollinators.  

Improve Water Conservation 

The Coachella Valley sits above an underground aquifer, but without careful use our supply won’t last. Landscaping accounts for 70 – 80% of domestic water use.  Plants from arid climates have adapted strategies for minimizing water loss. Native gardens require 70-90% less water than lawns and non-native plants. 

It’s not just cactus, sand, and gravel!

desert native landscaping

desert native
landscaping

desert native landscaping

desert native landscaping

It’s not just cactus, sand, and gravel! These can be key components, but desert landscaping can be so much more with a blend of beautiful plants adapted to arid climates and hardscape elements. Native-landscaped areas are ultimately more lively than non-native areas.  

Download Desert Native Landscaping Guide

Use of native plants supports local populations of birds, insects, and mammals

hummingbird pollinator at the living desert

Plants for
Pollinators

hummingbird pollinator at the living desert

Plants for Pollinators

Use of native plants supports local populations of birds, insects, and mammals. Even just a few native plants in each yard will help bridge the ever-widening gaps within critical wildlife habitat. Pollinators have evolved for eons alongside native plants, developing special behaviors and anatomy to interact with these plants.

Click here to download our desert native plant guide.

When planting for pollinators, consider these basics:

1. NATIVE – Plant native species! Local pollinators prefer or even require native plants.

2. VARIETY – TYPE Different plants attract different pollinators. The shape and colors often reveal who will visit. For example, Red, tubular flowers attract hummingbirds while tubular, clustered, or wide flowers that provide a suitable landing pad attract butterflies. See our Native Plant Guide for ideas.

3. VARIETY – SEASON - Select multiple species with staggered bloom times to ensure continuous blooms. Pollinators need food year-round.

4. HOST PLANTS - Many species depend on only one type of plant to lay their eggs on, as it is the only food source for their offspring.

5. SHELTER - is essential for pollinators. Many native bees nest in the ground, so leaving the ground undisturbed and leaflitter intact will provide natural shelter. Constructed native bee, bat and bird houses are also viable options.

6. WATER - Place small dishes of water in your garden but replace every 3 days or else mosquitos will develop.

7. FRIENDLY TREATMENT - Avoid toxic pesticides! Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides harm ALL insects, including beneficial pollinators. They can remain in the soil or in plants for months or even years.

California’s Western monarch is imperiled, reaching a population low of 1,914 individuals in 2021. Help save this species!

Western Monarch at The Living Desert

Gardening for Monarchs
(and other native butterflies)

Western Monarch at The Living Desert

Gardening for Monarchs (and other native butterflies)

The Western monarch is imperiled, reaching a population low of 1,914 individuals in 2021. Help save this species! Monarchs require: 

  1. Milkweed host plants to lay their eggs 

  1. Nectar plants for food to fuel their journey, and  

  1. Pesticide-free habitat 

Native Milkweed Only, Please!  

Milkweed is essential for survival of monarchs because it is the only plant they lay their eggs on and the only food source for their caterpillars. 

Find a milkweed native to your region! Avoid tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), whose long bloom times can disturb monarch migration patterns and spread disease among individuals.  

Native desert milkweed species: Asclepias erosa, Asclepias fascicularus, Asclepias subulata, Asclepias eriocarpa and Asclepias albicans. 

Native Nectar Plants 

During their thousand-mile migration monarchs must re-fuel with nectar constantly! See our Native Plant Guide for butterfly-specific suggestions.  

Pesticide-Free Paradise 

Herbicides and insecticides are designed to kill. Monarchs, although not the target species, can die after contacting a contaminated plant. If your plant requires loads of chemicals to thrive, consider a different species. Or, research eco-friendly pesticide options.  

Other Ways to Help Monarchs 

Community scientists are incredibly important to building our scientific understanding of monarchs in a changing world.  

Check out this list of monarch monitoring projects across North America for all ages, skill levels, and time commitments:  https://bit.ly/MonarchCommunityScience 

Search the Living Desert WebsiteMagnifying glass icon