Six Solana Beach Home Gardens Featured in the California Native Plant Society Garden Tour

Congratulations and kudos to the six Solana Beach homes whose gardens were featured in the California Native Plant Society's San Diego Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, April 7, 2024.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, CNPS San Diego Native Garden Tour is a celebration of nature, conservation, and the profound impact of native plants on our environment. The 2024 theme is 'Planting Animals,' highlighting the ties between native plants and the animals that rely on them. 

The Solana Beach gardens featured on the tour not only offer aesthetic beauty but also contribute to the City's Climate Action Plan and Mayor’s Monarch Pledge objectives by expanding native pollinator habitats, reducing water consumption, and attracting wildlife. As one host noted, these native landscapes bring forth "a parade of birds, bumblebees, and butterflies."

To be inspired for your own homes, feel free to stroll, bike, or drive by these inspiring Solana Beach gardens (shared with permission from the homeowners).

Seabright Cottage Garden - 505 Seabright Lane

"The fall colors of native grapes and the spring blooms of Ceanothus inspired us to plant natives. We had a few false starts. Eventually our front lawn was replaced with an evergreen palette of Ceanothus, Manzanitas, Lemonade Berry, and Prostrate Chamise. Framed by a white picket fence, our former lawn now displays flowers of vibrant blues, purples, whites, and yellows. The shaded areas mimic a woodsy understory with Snowberry, Strawberry, and Columbine. Out of all the wildlife visitors, our favorites include the towhee and kingbird. Certified an Earth-Friendly Garden by the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County"

Planted Animals:

• Western Kingbird
• California Towhee
• Yellow Warbler
• Striped Skunk
• Raccoon

Garden Crown Jewel - 624 Seabright Lane

"I chose a native landscape because the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is nearby and I wanted to create a welcoming habitat for visiting wildlife. My contemporary home is partly shaded, with Matilija Poppies, Currants, Manzanitas, Sages, and Yarrows. A Ceanothus dentatus is the crown jewel of the design. Storage tanks and permeable paths collect water from our roof, helping the garden to thrive as a harmonious ecosystem. There are frequent visits from raccoons, black phoebes, and red-shouldered hawks. White-crowned sparrows and finches are often seen and heard. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are hard at work pollinating."

Planted Animals:

• Monarch Butterfly
• Northern Mockingbird
• Dark-eyed Junco
• Digger Bee
• House Finch

Santa Helena Oasis - 355 Santa Helena

"In 2019, I attended Greg Rubin’s presentation at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. I learned native plants are not the succulents that are so popular in many home gardens. This sparked my interest in exploring natives as a way to attract pollinators and lower water bills. Catalina Island Bush Poppy takes center stage in our landscape. Shallow swales help to keep rainwater onsite. Frequent visits from native bees add a lively touch. They help to highlight the impact of cultivating a landscape that goes beyond the visual. We now have a garden that looks good, supports local wildlife, and encourages biodiversity."

Planted Animals:

• Bewick’s Wren
• Yellow-rumped Warbler
• American Crow
• Yellow-faced Bumble Bee
• California Scrub Jay

Waystation for Wildlife - 439 Santa Helena

"Our home’s landscape was dominated by water-thirsty grass and pygmy palms lining the walkway. Our love of California native plants led us to Mira Costa’s native landscape program. In 2022, we made the leap. We used WaterWise turf rebates to replace grass with native species. We planted Seaside Daisy, Sage, and Shaw’s Agave. By mid-2023, Bermuda grass had made a comeback and overrun the garden. With the help of Restoring California, our landscape was simplified. Roof water now drains into a deeper streambed lined with larger boulders. Decomposed granite and 3/8-inch gravel give a beach look. Now we enjoy watching a parade of birds, bumble bees, and butterflies."

Planted Animals:

• Black Phoebe
• Monarch Butterfly
• Swallowtail Butterfly
• Yellow-faced Bumble Bee
• Fox Sparrow

Sacred Space - 1127 Santa Luisa Drive

"Our current garden is just the beginning of a long-term project to fill our entire property with California native plants. Pass through the gate and meander by our courtyard to see views of our native plant slope. Buckwheat, Beach Asters, California Fuchsia, Ceanothus, and Manzanitas welcome a variety of wildlife. Native bees and other pollinators are in abundance. Rainbow river rocks frame the sidewalk and DG path. Two large flat-topped boulders provide a place to meditate and enjoy the garden and its frequent visitors. Being part of an interconnected ecosystem has enriched our lives. We are excited for our continuing journey with California native plants!"

Planted Animals

• Song Sparrow
• Anise Swallowtail Butterfly
• Cedar Waxwing
• Ladybug
• California Bumble Bee

Eco-friendly Wildlife Garden - 747 Santa Camelia Drive

"As birdwatchers, we wanted to create a natural landscape for our avian friends. We took a relaxed approach to our design and now our garden is a haven for all wildlife. Blooming Manzanitas in winter provide much needed nectar for birds and bees before spring arrives. The backyard features panoramic hilltop views framed by Ceanothus and Toyons. Fragrant sages and wildflowers next to our pond (converted from a jacuzzi) enhance the charm of our outdoor space. A tranquil bubbling waterfall provides a waystation for wildlife. Our favorite bird visitors are the California scrub jay and other corvids, including the much-maligned American crow!"

Planted Animals:

• Cedar Waxwing
• California Striped Racer
• Baja California Tree Frog
• American Robin
• Bobcat

About California Native Plant Society San Diego

The California Native Plant Society is a statewide nonprofit organization seeking to increase understanding and appreciation of California's native plants and to preserve them in their natural habitat through scientific activities, education, conservation, and restoration.

The mission of the San Diego Chapter of the CNPS is to conserve San Diego and Imperial County native plants and their natural habitats, and to increase everyone’s understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants.

To learn more about the San Diego chapter of the California Native Plant Society, visit cnpssd.org.