Meeting:

November 13, 2008

Guest Presenter:

Greg Rubin

Owner of California’s Own Native Landscape Design

Program:

Native Plant Horticulture: Myths and Legends

Many gardeners are hesitant to include California native plants in their landscapes even though they’re ecologically appropriate, water conserving, low maintenance and wildlife attracting. In his presentation, Greg Rubin dispelled many popular misconceptions about California natives while revealing how to succeed with them. He discussed designing by plant community and zoning to bring year-round beauty and a sense of place to your California garden.

Greg Rubin was a successful aerospace engineer when his fascination with California native plants redirected his life. This fascination, begun in 1985 while renovating his parent’s garden in Chatsworth, soon grew into a thriving new business. His firm, California’s Own Native Landscape Design, has been responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of over 500 native landscapes in San Diego County. With a primary emphasis on residential and institutional clients, they’ve also been involved in a number of native restoration projects.

Greg Rubin is a passionate advocate for California native plant communities. His work has been featured in newspapers and magazines including the Los Angeles Times, Union Tribune, Sunset, Pacific Horticulture, Kiplinger’s and California Gardener. He has been a frequent guest on radio and television programs and regularly speaks on native plants to groups throughout Southern California.

Opportunity Drawing

Plants for the Opportunity Drawing were provided by Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont.