Going native in your garden, Part 1 of 3

California native plants, adapted to our climate, can tolerate extended periods of heat and drought in their natural setting and the many plants covering the hills throughout Southern California display great resilience during the long, hot and rainless periods of the year.

After years of drought, our landscapes have benefited greatly from the past two rainy winters and the effects speak for themselves.

To get started on your native garden, here are a few ways to go about it.

Have a landscape plan ready. If you live near open space, look at the hillsides, visit native gardens, preserves, botan...