DonateBecome a Native Plant Steward
Every yard, garden, and shared space can support biodiversity. Join the native plant movement and discover how your actions, big or small, can protect wildlife, build resilient communities, and create lasting change across California.
Powered by awesome stewards like you!
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January in the Garden. Winter rains bring fresh green growth, quiet trails, and a moment to pause and notice the season taking shape.
See the beauty, visit today.
Photos: Philip M.
Meet Elk Blue Rush (Juncus patens ‘Elk Blue) a plant that thrives where others won’t.
This evergreen rush adds clean lines and soft blue-green texture to any landscape, especially areas with consistent moisture or seasonal wet spots.
Why it stands out:
• Adaptable to almost any soil
• Great around water features and rain gardens
• Deer resistant and supports caterpillars and butterflies
• Fast-growing, upright, and easy to care for
Quick specs:
• Size: 2–3 ft tall, 4–6 ft wide
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Moderate to high
Pair it with moisture-loving natives like mugwort, mulefat, sedges, or dogwood for a thriving, habitat-rich garden.
100 years of growing knowledge, stewardship, and connection.
As part of our centennial year, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden proudly presents the 13th Annual Conservation Symposium, Plant With Purpose: Growing Resilience Through Native Plants, presented by the Nakashima-Rennie Family.
Join us as we honor entomologist and author Doug Tallamy, recipient of the 2026 Honorable John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Award, and explore how native plants can help address biodiversity and climate challenges, from our landscapes to your own backyard.
The legacy continues January 31st 2026, | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
In-person tickets are sold out. Virtual attendance is free with registration via our Youtube livestream.
https://bit.ly/4r2Xt8c
Photo credit: Molly Lofton @crawleysoftpen
If you THINK you don’t like native plants ... try again.
We can help.
Shop native plants here: https://sbbotanicgarden.org/grow/gardening-resources/
Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
This California native small tree lights up spring with clusters of pink to magenta flowers before the leaves appear. Its heart-shaped leaves deepen from green to gold or red in fall, and thin brown pods add another distinctive touch. We’ve gathered a mix of images showing Western Redbud in both winter and blooming seasons, highlighting flowers, leaves, pods, and habitat.
Easy to grow, deer resistant, and perfect for gardens, this shrub or small tree thrives in sun or partial shade and pops with color in spring.
After all the recent rain, the Garden’s Horticultural Educator Alejandro is sharing simple water-saving tips and tricks you can do right at home to help your garden and your finances.
Want to learn more?
Take a look at our water wise native plant book: https://sbbotanicgarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Water-Wise_Native_Plants_web_optimized.pdf
As we reflect on the past, we’re curious.
What does the Garden mean to you? A place to learn, reflect, volunteer, or simply enjoy nature?
Share your connection or old photos with us in the comments as we celebrate 100 years! Together.
This year marks 100 years of growing, exploring, learning, and protecting California’s native plants. From our earliest plantings to today’s conservation work, this Garden has been shaped by our community near and far.
As we begin our centennial celebration, we also want to celebrate each of YOU who have been a part of the Garden`s living legacy.
Bring a picture with you on your next visit and share how the Garden has impacted you! #100YearsTogether
