Don t fight Mother Nature. And don t buy plants any bigger than you have to, advises LaTourrette. He adds, Expect 30 percent mortality in the first year. You can t see too much, says LaTourrette. Talk to native plant gardeners there s an opportunity at a CPNS native plant sale Oct. 21 at Hidden Villa Farms in Los Altos and visit gardens.
Hummingbirds find the brilliant color of California fuchsia irresistible.
A hummingbird sage flaunted dark red flowers, and the Winifred Gilmer Cleveland sage sported blooms of an intense blue. All related, all aromatic, yet very different. The Web sites on the list that accompanies this story are chock-full of tidbits, planting lists and areas to visit. Simply strolling through Portola Valley Ranch should provide inspiration and ideas, figures Winkler. If you re not the hands-on type, make sure your landscape designer or contractor has a working knowledge of native plants.