How to Start a Native Garden in California [2025]

Starting a native garden in California is one of the most impactful actions you can take at home to improve the environment (all while reducing the maintenance demands of your yard). So give yourself a pat on the back for your dedication to native gardening in the Golden State! 

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

• the benefits of native gardens

• how to create a native garden, step-by-step

• California native plant species to consider

• sustainable gardening tips

• California lawn replacement rebates

• answers to frequently asked questions about going native

Want to start with some inspiration? Take the Water Efficient Gardens Style Quiz!

Benefits of Building a Native Garden in California

Planting a garden with native California species comes with the following benefits:

• conserves water 

• increases biodiversity

• lowers emissions

• enhances carbon sequestration

• contributes to fire-smart landscaping

• helps pollinators to thrive and survive 

• mitigates the need for chemical treatments (better for everyone’s health)

Whether you’re in Northern redwood country or the arid hills of Southern California, your yard doesn’t have to fight California’s climate. It can align with it. In fact, drought-tolerant landscaping can increase the curb appeal of your property.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Start a Native Garden

Learning early on how to start a native garden in California is one of the best ways to create a water-wise landscape that’s resilient and sustainable year after year— even during long, dry summers. The sooner you start it, the sooner you benefit from easier maintenance. 

And with more California cities offering landscape rebates with deadlines and more communities embracing sustainable landscape design, now’s the perfect time to get started.

Why Trust Our Advice on Starting a Native Garden

At Water Efficient Gardens, we’ve spent 10+ years helping homeowners to design and plant native gardens in California. We’ve helped save nearly 3 million gallons of water and converted more than 150,000 square feet of lawn using drought-tolerant plants, smart irrigation, and thoughtful garden design. 

Whether you’re in Southern California’s chaparral or Northern California’s oak woodlands, we’ll show you how to begin and provide resources for taking the initial steps to building a native garden in California that’s pollinator-friendly.

One of the many sustainable gardens we’ve designed for Californians

Why it Makes Sense in California (and Everywhere for that Matter)

If you’ve been watering a traditional lawn through every heatwave, you already know: it’s not working. Native gardens don’t just survive in California — they thrive. That’s because they’re made up of plants that have evolved for centuries to match our soil, sun, and seasons.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Less water use — often up to 80% less than a traditional lawn

• More pollinators — native bees, butterflies, and birds return

• Lower maintenance — once established, most native plants take care of themselves

• Natural beauty — seasonal blooms, sculptural forms, and colors that shift with the light

Why Native Gardens Make Sense in HOAs

But what if your home is part of an HOA? Native gardens are fully compliant with AB 1572 — the state law that prevents HOAs from requiring non-functional turf. So the law is on your side. 

However, if you have an HOA and want to plant a native garden, you’ll find it helpful to learn how to get permission for a native garden from an HOA board.

How to Build a Native Garden in California, Step-by-Step 

You don’t need to be an expert botanist to get started. But you do need a solid plan. Here are the key steps that will set your native garden up for long-term success:

1. Understand Your California Climate Zone

California isn’t one-size-fits-all. Before choosing plants, get clear on your region’s growing conditions — because what works in coastal Marin County might fail in inland Riverside.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

For California-specific climate zones, you can use UC ANR’s zone map to get your zone, or consult with our design team if you're not sure.

• Northern California zones are often cooler and wetter in winter

• Southern California is hotter, drier, and needs tougher plant palettes

• Inland areas have bigger temperature swings and may need soil amending

Does your location have two hardiness zones? Contact Water Efficient Gardens to learn which zone to plant for!

2. Choose the Right Native Plants for Your California Yard

This is where the magic happens. The best native gardens use plants that fit both your location and your vision — whether that’s colorful blooms, low groundcovers, or wildlife habitat.

Before heading to the nursery, start with trusted lists from the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) or UC Davis Arboretum. Then refine by your zone, sun, and soil.

Great options include:

• California fuchsia (Epilobium canum) – bright red blooms that attract hummingbirds

• Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) – evergreen shrub with winter berries

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – hardy, pollinator-friendly groundcover

Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis or speciosa) – essential for monarch butterflies

One of the countless western monarch butterflies spotted on our clients’ native gardens in California!

→ Want to create a butterfly haven? Learn how to create a butterfly garden in California.

Consider Consulting a Native Landscape Design Expert

Don’t just guess which plants work best for your California native garden. Our team at Water Efficient Gardens will help you design, plan and install a native garden that fits your specific yard, goals and region. Not to mention, we’ll help you secure a landscape rebate.

3. Design Your Native Garden with Purpose (Not Just Pretty Pictures)

A native garden isn’t a random mix of plants — it’s a living system. That means you’ll want to plan for both function and form: water use, plant height, color balance, and seasonal change.

Start by asking yourself:

• What do I want this garden to do? (Attract wildlife? Block a view? Replace lawn?)

• Where does the sun hit in winter vs. summer?

• Are there any areas that naturally hold water or stay dry?

Then group plants with similar water/sun needs, layer heights, and include at least one plant blooming per season.

Need design help? Get inspiration from our native garden project spotlights! 

4. Prep Your Yard for Long-Term Success

This step makes all the difference. Healthy native gardens begin with healthy soil and clean foundations. That means removing invasive grasses, loosening the soil, and setting the stage before planting.

Here’s how to get started:

• Remove lawn or weeds using sheet mulching (layers of cardboard + mulch)

• Loosen soil where compacted — some natives prefer “fluffy” topsoil

• Avoid amendments unless your native plants call for it (most don’t!)

Tip: If you're thinking of using greywater in your garden (or rainwater catchment), now’s the time to plan it. 

5. Install Smart Irrigation (Even if You Plan to Go Dry)

It might sound counterintuitive, but native gardens do need irrigation — especially during their first year while roots establish. After that, many require little to no added water.

We recommend:

• Drip irrigation systems for efficiency
  
  

• Timers set for early morning watering
  
  

Zoned layouts so high-need areas get what they need

Drip irrigation for our client’s native succulent garden project. See their Hayward lawn replacement results!

Can I Design a Native Garden Irrigation System Affordably?

Yes, you can design a smart irrigation system affordably. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. We’ve helped hundreds of California homes install drip systems that cost less than expected and reduce outdoor water bills long-term. 

Combine this with a lawn conversion rebate, and you’re golden.

You can even connect your drip system to a smart home controller or weather-based timer to optimize water use automatically.

6. Mulch, Maintain, and Watch it Grow

Once planted, your job is mostly about careful observation. Native gardens don’t need much — but they do need the right attention at the right time.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Mulch deeply (2–3 inches) to retain moisture and prevent weeds

• Weed early and often while plants are getting established

• Water thoughtfully — more during year one, much less after

• Prune gently to shape, but avoid over-trimming

In our experience, most clients are surprised by how quickly their gardens settle in — and how much joy they bring, even in the first season.

Before native garden installation (left), and 1 year after (right) for one of our clients’ yards. Explore her  Sunnyvale lawn replacement journey!

Native Garden Planning Tips by Region in California

Check our table to see what will work best in your native garden, by California region: 

FAQs about Native Gardening in California

What are the best native plants for California gardens?

Some of the best native plants for California gardens include toyon, California poppy, ceanothus, yarrow, and manzanita. These plants are well-adapted to local conditions and support pollinators, birds, and other beneficial wildlife. 

However, the particular layout of your yard and elements of your property might require specific plant choices, spacing and placement. You’ll want to consult a native landscape designer such as Water Efficient Gardens. 

Do native gardens really save water?

Yes. Native gardens can reduce water use by up to 50–80% compared to traditional lawns. Once established, most native plants need little to no supplemental watering during the dry season. You can calculate how much water you can save compared to having a lawn, using Water Efficient Gardens’ Water Savings Calculator.

How do I prepare my soil for a native garden?

To prepare your soil for a native garden, start by removing existing lawn or weeds and use sheet mulching to suppress regrowth. Most native plants thrive in low-nutrient, well-draining soil and don’t require fertilizer or soil amendments.

Can I get a rebate for replacing my lawn with native plants?

Yes. Many water agencies across California offer rebates for turf replacement projects that use native plants. You can find available programs through Water Efficient Gardens. 

How do I maintain a native garden after planting?

Native gardens are low-maintenance once established. During the first year, you'll need to water regularly and control weeds; after that, maintenance typically involves seasonal pruning, occasional watering in extreme drought, and removing invasive growth.

Ready to Create the Native Garden of Your Dreams?

Now that you’re familiar with the basic steps for how to start a native garden, it’s time to consult an expert. After all, if you want to do it right the first time and qualify for a rebate, it’s best to partner with a professional for guidance. 

Schedule a free consultation with our native garden designers or start your project here.