Conventional Horticulture Kills Native Plants! - Avoiding the Same Old Mistakes
Greg Rubin
Class Description
Traditional gardening often leads to the failure of native landscapes. In contrast, there are successful techniques that help ensure stability and beauty throughout the year. We'll explore significant differences between ornamental and ecological design, easy ways to capture native ecology in the home landscape, and designing for year-round beauty. There are important, yet lesser-known native plants that overcome many of the perceived drawbacks to these gardens, and unique (even controversial) maintenance techniques that address much of the incorrect conventional wisdom about natives. Finally, we will look at why native landscapes are such an essential part of a sustainable and responsible future for our planet.
Greg Rubin
Greg Rubin was named the 2018 Horticulturist of the Year by the San Diego Horticultural Society. He is the President and founder of California’s Own Native Landscape Design, Inc., and is a licensed design/build landscape contractor who has been working with California native plants since 1985. His company has designed over 800 residential, commercial, and institutional native landscapes in Southern California. Specialties include year-round appeal, low maintenance, water efficiency, rich habitat, and fire-resistance. Greg has been featured in many prominent publications and media outlets, and regularly gives presentations and workshops throughout California.
In 2021-22, Greg participated on an advisory panel to create a County Native Landscape Model Ordinance which was passed unanimously. He is also known for his expertise and success with fire-resistant native landscapes, and in 2014 Greg’s company was selected by the U.S. Navy to conduct a scientific research project studying the fire-resistant properties of properly designed native landscapes, with very positive results.
Greg is co-author, with Lucy Warren, of “The California Native Landscape: The Homeowner’s Design Guide to Restoring its Beauty and Balance” and “The Drought Defying California Garden” published by Timber Press. His website is: www.calown.com.