Saving Nature Starts at Home: Why California Native Plants Are Essential for Life on Earth

“We are nature’s best hope.”

In a time of ecological crisis—declining bird populations, vanishing bees, and accelerating habitat loss—there is hope growing right beneath our feet. According to ecologist and author Doug Tallamy, one of the most powerful things individuals can do to support biodiversity and restore ecological balance is deceptively simple: plant native plants.

Tallamy’s groundbreaking research shows that native plants are not just beautiful additions to the landscape—they are the essential building blocks of healthy ecosystems. His message is urgent and empowering: “We can no longer rely solely on parks and preserves to sustain the natural world. We must restore native plant habitat everywhere we can—starting in our own yards.”

🌿 What Makes Native Plants So Important?

Native plants have co-evolved for millennia with local wildlife. Insects, especially caterpillars, are the critical link between plants and the rest of the food web—including birds. But here's the catch: most caterpillars can only eat the plants they evolved with. That means non-native ornamentals (like roses, hydrangeas, and boxwoods) might look good, but they offer little to no food for native insects or birds.

Tallamy found that 96% of terrestrial bird species rely on insects to feed their young, and most of those insects depend on native plants. Without these native plant–insect relationships, food webs collapse. No insects, no baby birds. It’s that simple.

🛑 The Disappearing Wild

In California, the situation is especially urgent. Urban sprawl, industrial agriculture, invasive species, and climate stress have drastically reduced native plant habitat. In many urban and suburban regions, less than 5% of native vegetation remains.

Parks and preserves are not enough to carry the ecological load anymore. That’s why Tallamy advocates for a “Homegrown National Park”—a movement where homeowners, gardeners, and landowners convert even small portions of lawns and landscapes into native habitat. Collectively, these patches can create corridors for wildlife and regenerate biodiversity.

🌼 How Garden Design by Marlene Deel Can Help

This is where Garden Design by Marlene Deel comes in.

Our mission is to create gardens that are not only lush, beautiful, and deeply functional—but also ecologically meaningful. We specialize in designing landscapes that seamlessly integrate California native plants, supporting birds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects while bringing structure, seasonality, and vibrant color to your outdoor spaces.

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to transform an existing garden, we can help you:

• Select the right native species for your microclimate and style

• Incorporate native plants with ornamental favorites for a balanced, layered design

• Create habitat gardens that support pollinators and birds year-round

• Design water-wise, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive in California’s climate

• Bring nature right to your doorstep—with beauty, intention, and ecological impact

We believe every garden can be a sanctuary—not just for people, but for all life.

🐝 Birds, Bees, and the 12 Keystone California Native Plants

Not all native plants are equal. Tallamy’s concept of keystone plants refers to species that support the largest numbers of caterpillars and pollinators—making them disproportionately important in sustaining ecosystems.

Here are 12 keystone California native plants that every homeowner should consider growing. These species feed insects, which in turn feed birds, and support complex food webs from the soil up:

1. Oak Trees (Quercus spp.)

Hosts: 400+ species of caterpillarsBenefits: Supports birds and mammals; keystone tree for biodiversity.

2. Willows (Salix spp.)

Hosts: Over 300 caterpillar speciesBenefits: Essential for butterflies; early nectar for pollinators.

3. California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.)

Hosts: Butterfly and moth speciesBenefits: Nectar source and soil enhancer.

4. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)

Hosts: Butterfly larvaeBenefits: Winter berries for birds; evergreen structure.

5. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)

Hosts: Native bee specialistsBenefits: Winter nectar and wildlife shelter.

6. Coffeeberry (Frangula californica)

Hosts: Caterpillars and beetlesBenefits: Bird food and dense habitat.

7. Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.)

Hosts: Hairstreak and Blue butterfliesBenefits: Long bloom time for pollinators.

8. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Hosts: Monarch caterpillarsBenefits: Critical for Monarch butterflies.

9. Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens)

Hosts: Native grass skippersBenefits: Erosion control and nesting ground.

10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Hosts: Beneficial insectsBenefits: Natural pest control and pollinator magnet.

11. Goldenrod (Solidago californica)

Hosts: Bees and butterfliesBenefits: Late-season pollinator fuel.

12. Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)

Hosts: Small native beesBenefits: Spring blooms for early pollinators.

🌎 Every Yard Counts

Each of us holds the power to restore nature—right at home. Even a small patch of native plants can ripple outward, connecting fragmented habitats, rebuilding food webs, and bringing songbirds and pollinators back into our lives.

With expert guidance from Garden Design by Marlene Deel, you can create a landscape that serves not only your lifestyle, but the living world around you.

As Doug Tallamy reminds us:

“It’s time to landscape for life.”

Are you ready to grow something meaningful? Let’s design a garden that gives back.