SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Spring is the time to fall in love – with California native plants. From golden poppies to vibrant redbuds, they bloom in a rainbow of brilliant hues, brightening nearby hillsides as well as suburban landscapes. And these easy-care plants put on this eye-catching show even during dry years.

“Everything looks fantastic!” says landscape designer Soleil Tranquilli, owner of Tranquilli Gardens and a water-wise specialist. “This is the best time of year to see native gardens in Sacramento.”

Refreshed by winter rains, plants native to our Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills look their best in early spring. That’s how nature intended; the better to attract bees. Their flowers provide needed nectar and pollen to dozens of native bee species.

Once established, these cast-iron perennials and shrubs can tolerate the driest conditions. Even in years with normal rainfall, they save water compared to traditional lawn-based landscaping because they naturally need less moisture year-round to look their best. That adaptability is a huge asset.

“Native plants and low water-use plants will be more climate change resilient in the future as well,” Tranquilli says. “When you plant natives, you use way less water,” Tranquilli adds. “You also spend way less time managing your garden. They are less expensive, too; there’s no need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It makes it better for us when we make it better for nature.”

Need another reason? Rebates from your water provider may be available for lawn removal and landscape makeovers. Learn more at https://bewatersmart.info/rebates-services/.

You can view local examples at the Fair Oaks Horticulture in Fair Oaks Park or by visiting the WEL (Water-Efficient Landscape) Demonstration Garden created by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Sacramento County. The garden is open free daily, dawn to dusk. Details: http://sacmg.ucanr.edu/Fair_Oaks_Horticulture_Center/Water_Efficient_Landscape_Garden/

Online, find extensive galleries of local landscapes featured on Gardens Gone Native garden tours. Hosted by the Sacramento Valley chapter of the California Native Plant Society, these tours showcase gardens using at least 25 percent natives. Visit: https://www.sacvalleycnps.org/photo-gallery.