Marin Master Gardener Plant Guide

This site is under development. Check back often during 2009 to see all the exciting updates and developments.

UC Marin Master Gardener Water-Wise Plant Selector Guide

This Plant Selector Guide provides an accessible and simple tool to help homeowners select water-wise plants for their Marin County landscapes. Marin County enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by wet winters and long dry summer seasons with little if any rainfall. Plants suited or adapted to local conditions not only use less water, but generally grow more successfully and robustly, with fewer insect and disease problems. They ultimately create a healthier, more beautiful and more sustainable landscape. Some of the plants in this guide are California natives while others are native to other Mediterranean climates around the world. All are growing successfully in Marin Master Gardeners' gardens and flourish here in Marin County.

How to use this guide:

Find your Marin County microclimate.
Find the microclimates in your garden (garden site evaluation).
Go to the plant selector tool.
Select the type or specific characteristic of plant you are looking for.

Also In this guide:

Fire-prone plants to avoid
Invasive plants
Planting methods and practices
Irrigation tips
Amendments and soil health
Mulching
Good bugs/bad bugs in the garden
UC Pest notes and other useful tools (UC IPM Online)
Plant Information Sources

This project is jointly sponsored by Marin Municipal Water District, UC Marin Master Gardeners, and StopWaste.org's Bay-Friendly Landscaping.

If you are a person with a disability and require this document in an alternate format (example: Braille, Large Print, Audiotape, CD-ROM), you may request an alternate format document by using the contact information below. If you require an accommodation (example: ASL Interpreter, reader, note taker) to participate in any county program, service or activity, you may request an accommodation by calling 415-499-4204 (or CRS dial 711) not less than four work days in advance of the event.