Grow Native Nursery in the Veterans Garden

Ever since I got rid of my lawn, I've been looking into various drought tolerant plants to grow in my front yard instead. I've fallen in love with the Ceonothus, or the California lilac, which can grow up to a majestic 20 feet tall, depending on the species.The tree bears beautiful purple blooms which, when rubbed in water, generates suds and hence are also called soap flowers.

Not many commercial nurseries carry the ceonothus, but I found that Grow Native Nursery in the Veterans Garden in Westwood has them. This nursery is a branch of the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens in Claremont, a wonderful garden that features native flora in all its glorious manifestations.  It's branch nursery in the Westwood Veterans Garden sells California native plants from the RSA Botanica Gardens. Bryce, the young man who works at the nursery is the most helpful and knowledgeable person who can give you great ideas on how to grow native plants in your garden.

So far, I've purchased several ceonothus plants over the summer, but they've all died on me, I think because of the unseasonably hot southern California summer this year. (It's imcomprehensible since these plants are supposedly native to California, drought tolerant, and should be used to this weather, but whatever). I just bought two more ($9.50 for a one gallon plant) because I'm determined to have a ceonothus tree survive in my yard. Wish me luck.

By the way, Grow Native Nursery is a non-profit that works with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System to maximize veterans’ opportunities in the sustainable horticulture industry. Go visit the nursery for great plants and to support a great cause. It only opens Wednesday through Sunday, so make sure to go on those days.

Grow Native Nursery at the Veteran's Garden
100 Davis Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90049