As spring unfolds, the new native garden, planted last year in front of International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center, is now bursting into bloom.
Thanks to the Garrett Family Foundation who funded this project, we had the opportunity to replace any water-intensive plants with 16 native plants including Toyon, Lemonade Berry, Yankee Point Ceanothus, and more (see full list at the bottom of the article). They were purchased from two local nurseries: Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy and Anawalt Lumber in West Los Angeles.
This project was led by volunteer Taylor Spiliotis and his father George Spiliotis, a Master Gardener who volunteers at University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens. This was also made possible by several Bird Rescue volunteers who assisted in the planting.
“It was really great to be able to have my father consult on the design, and all of the volunteers were such a big help in getting the plants in the ground as well as making sure the plants had everything they needed to establish themselves in the garden’s early months,” Taylor told Bird Rescue. “I’m happy to have had a hand in a project that embraces California’s native foliage and am excited to watch the garden take on a life of its own.”
The garden’s significance extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal. It serves as a living testament to Bird Rescue’s commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. It is also a way to honor the land’s original inhabitants, the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation by respecting and preserving their ancestral land.
Native gardens like this one provide habitat and food sources for local wildlife, from hummingbirds and bats to bees and butterflies. You can take action for your local birds by creating a native garden at your home! The National Audubon Society has some excellent resources to help find bird-friendly native plants for your region. Native gardening is a great way to beautify a space with low-maintenance, water-wise plants while creating critical habitat for birds in a changing world.
Full list of native plants in the new garden: Toyon, Lemonade Berry, Yankee Point Ceanothus, Island Snapdragon, California Buckwheat, Purple Sage, Black Sage, Santa Rosa Island Sage, Hummingbird Sage, Coyote Brush, California Sagebrush, St. Catherine’s Lace Buckwheat, Bladderpod, Monkey Flower, Lilac Verbena, and Coast Sunflower.
Want to Learn More?
JD Bergeron, CEO for International Bird Rescue and garden enthusiast, will be participating in the online portion for the Bringing Back the Native Gardens Tour that is taking place this weekend. JD transformed his home garden in Martinez, CA with native plants, creating an inviting habitat for songbirds and other wildlife. Tune in on Saturday, April 6 at 1:30 P.M. PST for his presentation, “From Neglected to Native: Transforming a Hillside Garden.” Register here.
