The Real Dirt

Flowers blooming

The Real Dirt blog covers regional gardening issues from soil health to planting for pollinators; from fire resistant landscaping to attracting wildlife. Read all about it!

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Long-tubed iris on Humboldt Trail, Upper Bidwell Park, Robert Fischer.

California Native Plant Society

July 22, 2022
California is host to almost 7000 species of native plants, more than any other state. About 40% of those species are found only in California. In fact, California is more species-rich than most other places on Earth.
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Western diamondback rattlesnake, Rex E. Marsh, UC ANR

Rattlesnake Season

July 8, 2022
Summer is high rattlesnake season for us in California. Classified as a native reptile, the rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in California. At least six species are found in various areas of the state, from below sea level to 11,000 feet.
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