(click here to see the layout of the garden)

Back Dune Scrub

As you walk along the sides of the Nature Center you would be able to see the plants which historically would have been found in the area around the Madrona Marsh 50 or more years ago. Sharing plants with Beach Lupine, Bladderpod, Mock Heather, Beach Primrose, Deerweed and dune wallflower are some of the typical plants of this habitat.

Coastal Sage Scrub

The primary native habitat of the Palos Verdes Peninsula is also known as Soft Chaparral. This is a low growing plant community of pastel hues and many aromatic species. Common plants include Californian Sagebrush, Black and Purple Sage, Coyote Bush, Lemonadeberry, Monkeyflower and Coast Goldenbush.

Chaparral

Found in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains above 3,000 feet elevation, this fire adapted habitat grows generally taller and more dense than Back Dune Scrub or Coastal Sage Scrub. Plants include Ceanothus, Manzanita, Chamise, and White Sage.

Channel Island

Although not a habitat type, this planting uses plants from the Islands off the caost of Southern California that are very useful in landscaping such as St. Catherine's Lace, Catalina Snapdragon, Red Buckwheat and Dudleya.

Desert

Several desert plants have been included since they have many similarities to our local natives and can be useful in landscaping. Plants include Indian Mallow, Chuparosa and Fairy Duster.

Riparian/Woodland

A combined planting of these somewhat overlapping habitats is planted alongside the south wall of the garden. These plants may be found in canyons, under tree canopies and on noth facing slopes in many areas of Southern California. Plants included are Mugwort, Mulefat, Hummingbird Sage and Gooseberry.