Common Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ) is a popular choice for native gardeners throughout California and for good reason. They thrive in a range of soils, require little water, and their beautiful blooms attract all kinds of pollinators (and maybe even some compliments from the neighbors). To keep yarrows looking fresh and green, they need a hard winter prune. This can feel scary, but don’t be afraid because they respond excellently to a hard reset. Cutting the plant down to

California natives often get a bad rap for being brown and sticky... not like that though! In celebration of 2026 being the year of "Backyard Ecology,"  we want to remind you that your garden isn't just a yard; it's a "pollinator pathway" that supports local birds, butterflies, and bees. Bright green lawns maintained with chemicals always look strange in the middle of our dry season. Gardens with California natives use 80% less water than a traditional lawn. Though we recomme