DonateWhere To Buy Native Plants
The Garden Nursery
Building Your Native Plant Garden
Located in our courtyard, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Nursery is open to our members and the public seven days a week, featuring the largest selection of California’s native plants on the central coast. With hundreds of varieties available, there is something for everyone. Our knowledgeable staff are available to answer your questions and help you handpick the right native plants for your garden. Open year-round, the Nursery is always changing, so stop by to browse our selection often to see what’s new. Remember, all Garden members receive 10% off purchases — for every purchase.
Nursery Hours
daily
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Members’ hour
9 to 10 a.m.
Seasonality
When To Plant Is as Important as What To Plant
Many native plants are adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This basically means that summertime in California is like wintertime in the rest of the world: a time when plants take it easy and get ready for the harsh times ahead. Of course, many native plants thrive and even flower in the harshest time of the year, but understanding this adaptation is key to growing many of California’s native plants.
Native Plants for Your Garden Needs
Easy To Grow
perennials
Golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea)
Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
Shrubs
Perennials
Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia)
Buckwheat species (Eriogonum spp.)
Black, white, and purple sage (Salvia mellifera, S. apiana, S. leucophylla)
Groundcover & Lawn Substitutes
Turf, Light foot traffic
Bentgrass (Agrostis pallens)
Blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis)
California field sedge (Carex praegracilis)
Red fescue (Festuca rubra)
Low Groundcover
Arroyo Cascade manzanita (Arctostaphylos ‘Arroyo Cascade’)
Seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Terra Seca sage (Salvia mellifera ‘Terra Seca’)
Common juniper (Juniperus communis)
Slopes & Erosion Control
Perennials
California brittlebush (Encelia californica)
California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)
Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri)
Shrubs & Trees
Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum)
Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia)
Black, white, and purple sage (Salvia mellifera, S. apiana, S. leucophylla)
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia)
Partner Nurseries
Time To Shop for Native Plants
If you’re ready to invest in your home garden but not within driving distance of the Garden, we can still help.
We’ve partnered with nurseries from Ventura, across Santa Barbara County, and even Buellton and Solvang to help you succeed when it comes to growing native plants. These nurseries are knowledgeable, have inventory, and are ready to support you — from beginners to seasoned pros.
Plus, if you’re a member of the Garden, you’ll get 10% off your purchase when you show your card — every time!
Partner Gardens
Not Close? Find a Public Garden Near You
As part of the American Horticultural Society (AHS), our Garden members enjoy reciprocal benefits from gardens across North America. Not a member yet? Join us today.
While the Garden is unique in its specificity to native plants, our partnering public gardens should have someone available who also can support your efforts to grow native plants. For a list of gardens in your region, please visit the AHS website for more information.
COME & GET HORTICULTURE’D
Green Thumbs Will Save Us All
From docent walks and plant illustrations to how-to gardening sessions and volunteering with our Horticulture Team, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a variety of opportunities to get engaged with our growing native plant community. We look forward to seeing you in the Garden soon.
Home Consultations
The Garden is excited to offer native plant consultations for homeowners looking to welcome more native plants and bolster biodiversity in their yards. Aligned with our goal of achieving 30% native plant coverage in residential and public landscapes, a native plant consultation provides you with the tools needed to select plants suitable for your space.
Consultations include an hour-long visit with Garden staff, focusing on specific plant materials you can use to improve shade, erosion control, wildlife value, etc.
Following the visit, homeowners receive a site assessment report, including a curated list of recommended native plants especially for you.
Cost: $800 for an hour-long garden visit, including a post-visit assessment.
If you are interested in receiving a native plant consultation, please complete the survey below and our staff will follow up with you.