Most native plant biomes in San Diego are some form of chaparral. This Spanish word describes an impenetrable thicket of dwarf oaks, a situation which led to the wearing of protective leather ‘chaps’ by horse back riders.  These complex communities are each defined by their dominant species such as sage or chemise. They once provided food and cover for bears to wander from the mountains down to the ocean, and indigenous people to hunt, gather and exchange food along the many waterways. Restoring chaparral to cleared land is a vital responsibility that every landowner must consider as so very little of it remains. Fortunately many of the plants in these communities are lovely, as well as requiring little water and tolerant of the native soils.

Some of the lesser known chaparral plants also make wonderful landscape plants. Coast Tasselbush is a small shrub that is covered with dangly white flowers and makes quite an eye-catcher in the garden. An unusual and beautiful hedge can be planted with Channel Island Bush Poppy. These open bright yellow flowers are eye-catching and the plant is a recommended replacement for oleander. Yellow Bush Penstemon is an unusual color for a penstemon and is wonderful for hummingbirds. California Fuchsia, or Hummingbird Trumpet, is as tough as it is beautiful, and is covered with interesting red/orange blooms most of the year.

For a different look to the garden, Pipestem Clematis is a delicate vine with small, creamy white flowers. It prefers shade, so try allowing it to wind its way up trees and shrubs as it does in nature, or put it on a trellis that receives partial shade, especially inland. Blue Wild Rye is a tall grass that makes an excellent accent plant, and is the host plant to several species of butterfly.

Whether restoring a large property, or adding natives to a small garden, every plant you add helps feed  native wildlife and helps battle their extinction.

Diane and Miranda Kennedy operate Finch Frolic Garden Permaculture at www.vegetariat.com.