On November 11, instructor Oscar Ortiz presented a class on the uses of California native plants by the native people. Here's what one student had to say about it: "This was not just a class on native plant uses, but a mini-history of the indigenous people of the LA basin and coastal areas. It indeed put the spiritual beliefs in the context of the natural world, the misconceptions long held by the outside-looking- in point of view of anthropologists and the current activities of the Chumash & Tongva . . ." Another student said: "Better than my expectations! This class was very inspirational . . . "

Oscar's next class here promises to be just as well- rounded and inspirational, with the added bonus of learning more techniques of craft-making with native plant materials in the spirit of the native people who have depended on, cared for and maintained our natural flora for generations.

Join Oscar on Saturday, December 2 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm outside (unless it's raining) in the sycamore grove here at TP. Children are welcome in this wonderful class. Don't miss it!

$35 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Reserve your space by calling 818-768-1802.

As many native plants begin to slow their growth for the cool season, we can break out the shears and get trimming! Learn the ropes of proper pruning and tool care from Dr. Holliday Wagner, TP Nursery Manager and plant ecologist. Please bring your own clean, sharp shears if you have them and discover how to shape your precious perennials so they'll flourish, produce plentiful blooms and keep their vitality.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Call 818-768-1802 to reserve your space.

$30 for members, $40 for non-members

Please call 818-768-1802 to register.

We make it easy for your to do your holiday shopping! At our e-store, you can purchase a gift membership for the native plant lover on your list, renew your own membership, buy books, seeds and more.

Gift certificates are available for purchase over the phone. Just give us a call at: 818-768-1802. It couldn't be more convenient!

Feel free to come on in to peruse the many fun things in our bookstore for stockings or under the tree: Juniper Ridge soaps, sachets, incense and teas, Earth Creations organic cotton tees, colorful greeting cards, pottery, books and seeds. A $30 membership or higher purchased in person at TP entitles you to a free copy of the indispensable "Care & Maintenance of Southern California Native Plant Gardens." That's a $30 value!

And don't forget about the nursery, where you can buy your own (small for now) Christmas tree and plenty of other native plants. Artistically pot them up one, two, three or more in an interesting container for a living present (for inspiration, check out these photos). The possibilities are endless!

Each month, TP members receive a 20% discount on a particular species. In November, it is Iris 'purple and white.'

Irises are wonderful accompaniments in a partly shady, dry garden. They work beautifully under native oaks, which cannot take irrigation in the hot months. They also are effective and striking massed in the front of a garden border.

Now in the nursery, we have Aristolochia californica (California Dutchman's pipe), a peculiar and interesting sun to shade loving deciduous native vine that can take drought (in shade) or moderate water throughout the year. It is a highly prized, very interesting plant. As indicated in the common name, Aristolochia's flowers are pipe-shaped, cream colored with thin maroon stripes. Planted with shrubs that accept garden water, it will climb into the branches and serve as a ground cover. It does well in a pot or raised planter trained onto a trellis. At the Foundation, you can see a mature plant coexisting with the Toyon in front of the office. Another is in the planter near the front door, growing up a trellis. If you’re going to incorporate Dutchman’s pipe into your native garden, keep in mind that they usually take some time to settle into their new surroundings before taking off. But they’re worth the wait!

The LA Weekly recently featured an article on the efforts to unearth lost waterways of our fair city - an enormous undertaking, in scope and ecological importance. Click here to read.

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