When to Plant Natives

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In Southern California, the best time to plant native plants is during the cooler, wetter months of late fall and winter, typically from October through February. Planting during this period allows native species to establish strong root systems before the intense heat and dryness of summer. Winter rains reduce the need for supplemental irrigation, allowing plants to adapt naturally to their environment. Native species, such as California Lilac, Oaks, Sycamores, Manzanita, and Sages, thrive with this timing because it mirrors the region’s natural cycle. Summer planting is generally discouraged, as high temperatures and dry conditions increase water needs and stress plants. By choosing the cooler months for planting, gardeners set the stage for healthier, more resilient landscapes that require less maintenance and water over time. For Southern California’s native plants, fall and winter are nature’s signal to take root and prepare for a vibrant spring.

Start planning to plant!

Team Monarch

#hoalandscapeconsultant #commericallandscapeconsultant #watermanagment #nativeplants

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Water Management

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Evapotranspiration (ET) is the total water lost to the atmosphere through evaporation from soil and surfaces, and transpiration from plants. It’s a key factor in understanding how much water landscapes truly need.

Monarch Environmental manages ET by monitoring site-specific environmental conditions—like plant type, soil composition, and local weather—to ensure irrigation systems deliver the right amount of water at the right time. By aligning irrigation schedules with real ET data, we help our clients:

  • Reduce water waste

  • Improve plant health

  • Lower utility costs

  • Stay in compliance with water regulations

Our horticulture, biology, and water management expertise ensures your landscapes thrive sustainably without overwatering or stressing the environment.

#commerciallandscapeconsultant #certifiedwatermanager #hoairrigation #irrigationmanager

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What’s In Your Bucket?

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You reap what you sow — a simple truth with many names. Plant watermelon seeds, and you get watermelons. Plant tomatoes and get tomatoes. Sometimes it feels like we plant carrots and expect oranges.  Do you consider what you’re sowing? Most of us don’t, we just try to stay positive and get through it.

What if we paused to think differently? First, accept the principle of sowing and reaping. Second, decide what you want to harvest. Third, choose the seeds that will grow what you’re after.

Picture starting your day by loading up an imaginary spreader with what you want to sow. At first, it feels heavy and awkward, but as the day goes on, you’re cranking that spreader, broadcasting seeds everywhere — at home, work, the gym, with friends, strangers, even adversaries.

Eventually, the bucket empties, and the day ends. But now, you can reflect on what may sprout — and decide what to plant tomorrow.

What’s in your bucket?

Matt

#commerciallandscapeconsultant #hoaconsultant #arborist #hoaarborist #hoahorticultureconsultant #hoawatermanager

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