Bringing Catalina to Your Own Backyard

CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY

RECREATE

SINCE 1972

The Conservancy is excited to provide the local and visiting community with everything needed to successfully create a beautiful and sustainable Catalina Island native plant garden at home. Plants from the Conservancy's Ackerman Native Plant Nursery are now available at The Trailhead and Chet’s Hardware in Avalon, as well as local events including seasonal festivals.

“We are providing essentially whatever is in flower that month as well as classic endemics like Catalina liveforever (Dudleya virens subsp. hassei) and St. Catherine’s lace (Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum),” said Conservancy Horticulturist Roya Miller. “Many Catalina species are great for container gardening so would be perfect for a patio.” Each plant also comes with an information card that includes helpful planting tips.

Because Island endemics don’t have the invasive tendency that some species have, it is appropriate to bring a piece of Catalina home to your garden.

“Our mission is to have people try to do a bit of conservation in their own yards – not only saving on their water bill but also promoting native species,” added Miller, who added that Avalon residents should focus on deer-resistant species such as Sage (Salvia apiana), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or the Catalina currant (Ribes viburnifolium).

Conservancy Guest Services Manager Teresa Hernandez pointed out that “not everyone on the Island has a full-size vehicle that can drive to the Nursery, so having resources in town for native plant purchases is very special and beneficial.”

Native plants have been one of the most requested items to add to The Trailhead.

“I hope this inspires more Island residents and visitors to incorporate our Catalina natives into their gardens,” added Hernandez.