Key Takeaways

• What: Native Plant Extravaganza, with free one-on-one garden consults from Homegrown Habitats San Leandro volunteers

• When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (walk-up consults 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

• Where: Evergreen Nursery, 350 San Leandro Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577

• Cost: Free to attend, no RSVP needed. A percentage of every native plant sale that day supports the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour.

Maybe you’re tired of mowing a lawn that drinks water all summer and gives nothing back. Maybe you’ve watched a bee wander across your patio looking for something to land on. Either way, a California native garden might be the change you’ve been after.

Fall is the right time to start. Cooler temperatures and the rain on its way give new plants time to build roots before the dry season. On Saturday, October 17, Evergreen Nursery is hosting a full day of native plant shopping and free expert advice to help you get going.

Why Plant a California Native Garden?

California natives evolved here. They’re suited to our dry summers, our soils, and our wet winters, and the local wildlife knows them well. Once established, many natives need far less water than a typical lawn or a bed of thirsty ornamentals. They also feed and shelter pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects year after year.

A native garden also doesn’t have to look wild or messy. You can plant a tidy, intentional border, fill a few containers on a balcony, or replace a whole front yard. What matters is matching the right plant to the right spot.

Free California Native Garden Consults with Homegrown Habitats San Leandro

From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, volunteers from Homegrown Habitats San Leandro will be at the nursery for walk-up, one-on-one conversations. The volunteer-led project is sponsored by the City of San Leandro, and it helps residents turn yards, patios, and balconies into habitat for pollinators and birds. We’ve partnered with them on native plant education for three years, and their free consults were a big hit at our April Extravaganza.

Come with questions about plant selection, garden planning, or designing a front yard California native garden that supports birds, bees, and butterflies. These volunteers also know the local details. They can tell you about the monarch butterflies that overwinter in the eucalyptus at Monarch Bay Golf Course, which is a good reminder that your yard can be part of a bigger neighborhood habitat.

Consults are first come, first served, so there’s nothing to book.

Make your consult count. Bring a few photos of your yard and a note about how many hours of sun each area gets. If you can, include a rough idea of the space (a strip along the fence, a parkway, a few pots by the door). That gives the volunteers enough to give you specific advice instead of general tips.

Milkweed for Monarch Butterfly Gardens

We’ll have mature California narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) on hand while supplies last. Milkweed is the host plant monarch caterpillars depend on, so adding it to your yard gives monarchs a place to raise their young, not just a place to stop for a snack.

Pair milkweed with nectar plants so adult butterflies have food too. Our Attracts Pollinators collection is a good place to start. Planting a mix of blooming plants means something is in flower for more of the year.

Shop Native Plants and Support the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour

Here’s another reason to shop on October 17. A percentage of every native plant sale made at Evergreen that day goes to the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. The free annual tour opens East Bay native gardens to the public each May, so you can see mature, real-life examples before you plant your own. We’re one of several East Bay nurseries taking part in this year’s regional Extravaganza.

Want a head start? Browse our California Natives online before you visit. A short list makes the day easier, especially if you’re planning more than a few plants.

Tips for Planting Your First California Native Garden

New to natives? A few basics will help your garden settle in well.

Start with sun and space. Check how much sun each spot gets, then choose plants labeled for those conditions. This one step prevents most early problems.

Go easy on the extras. Many natives prefer lean soil, so skip heavy fertilizer and rich amendments. Ask us or the Homegrown Habitats volunteers what your specific plants like.

Mulch well. A layer of mulch keeps roots cooler, holds in moisture, and helps suppress weeds while your new plants fill in. Our bulk yard has organic compost and soil and wood chip mulch, so you can pick up supplies when you pick up plants.

Water deeply while plants establish. Even drought-adapted natives need regular water their first year, while roots are growing. The goal is to taper off gradually as the plants mature. Fall rain helps, but check the soil rather than assuming nature has it covered.

Group plants by water needs. Put thirstier plants together and drought-tolerant ones together. It’s easier to water correctly, and the plants stay healthier.

Be patient. Natives often spend their first season building roots. The payoff comes in year two and beyond, when they fill out and need less care.

Read More: Native Plant Extravaganza at Evergreen Nursery in San Leandro

Event FAQ

Do I need to book a consult ahead of time?

No. Consults are walk-up, first come, first served, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Does it cost anything to attend?

No. The event and the consults are free. You only pay for the plants and supplies you take home.

What if it rains?

The Native Plant Extravaganza happens rain or shine. A wet day is a good reminder of why fall is such a good time to plant.

What should I bring?

Photos of your yard, a note about sun exposure, and a rough sense of the space you want to plant. A box or wagon for your plants helps too.

Come Grow Native With Us

Whether you’re planting your first pot or planning a whole front yard, the Native Plant Extravaganza is a friendly, low-pressure way to start your California native garden. Meet the Homegrown Habitats team, pick up a few plants, and help fund next spring’s garden tour while you’re at it.

Our plant-loving staff are always happy to help you find the right plant for your space. Questions before you visit? Call us at (510) 632-1522.