“Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.”
— Margarita Petra Maria de la Concepcion 'Daisy' O'Neill (1879-1981)
From the blog
Experience Tree of Life Nursery
April in the Natural Garden
The cool (never extremely cold) and consistently wet winter/spring season has allowed us to put our gardens on autopilot. Even brand new plantings have required very little extra attention. Our storms have stacked up evenly over the last six months or so, totaling 20” of rain to date (TOLN reading), with more on the immediate horizon. Rejoicing in another easy year to be a naturist gardener.
February in the Natural Garden
Our climate zone is called Mediterranean, but maybe we should start referring to our weather as uniquely “Californian.” We get our rain in winter and spring. But in between what we call “rain events,” we can have some of the most beautiful days imaginable. It is not uncommon to appreciate a perfect 78 degree beach day, only to be immediately followed by cold blustery winds, heavy rain, and snow levels below 3000 feet. Three or four days like that and when it clears, we’re back to the beach! No where on earth is quite like this.
January in the Natural Garden
“Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets. But humbler folk may circumvent this restriction if they know how. To plant a pine for example, one need be neither god nor poet. One need only own a good shovel.” Aldo Leopold
Every month we invite you to learn with us and honored guests for Tree of Life Workshops. Topics range from landscape design to natural history of California.
Recent Videos
Southern California Lizards
Herpetologist and Desert Ecology expert, Dr. Cameron Barrows, describes some of the many different species of lizards found in Southern California.
Plants of the California Deserts
Kevin Alison details California desert plants and how they are used in the garden. Kevin covers the evolution of desert habitats and common adaptations of desert plants that allow them to survive and thrive in hot, dry climates. Kevin also highlights desert species that can be planted throughout the summer and add summer color to your garden!
Designing with California Native Plants
Randi Gunder is an experienced Landscape Designer, whom specializes in California’s Native Plants. In this video, she breaks down her design process and guides us through her professional tips to help you create your ideal native landscape.
OUR MISSION
Mission
To embody the spirit of California in native plant culture.
Values
People. Places. Plants.
Be fair to everyone; customers, staff, suppliers, colleagues, & associates.
Work to preserve, restore, beautify, and celebrate California’s natural beauty everywhere..
Speak the language of California’s native plants and consistently propagate, produce, and provide them to the benefit of people and places.
Goals
Promote gardens in attractive accessible settings that showcase the essence of California’s natural beauty, so everyone can experience the authentic feel of our wild places.