Many beautiful plants thrive in Santa Clara County’s summer-dry climate and clay soil without a lot of extra work. California native plants are naturally adapted to our conditions. Non-native waterwise plants typically come from places with similar climates to ours, such as Australia, South Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Chile.
Summer water requirements for these plants can range from occasional (once or twice a month) to no summer water at all. Some cultivars are more drought tolerant than others. In general, plant in native soil and mulch well for best results. Remember that most plants will need regular water in their first year to get established.
Demonstration Gardens
Waterwise plants can be seen in Master Garden Demonstration Gardens throughout Santa Clara County.
- Water Wise Garden section of Palo Alto Demonstration Garden
- Berger Native Demonstration Garden at the Berger county building in San Jose
- Native Garden Wheel at Emma Prusch Park in San Jose
- Several plant collection gardens within the large Martial Cottle Park Demonstration Garden in San Jose
Video
- Selecting & Planting California Natives [55:03]