NEWPORT BEACH : Conference Planned on Indigenous Plants

While sunny California skies and warm weather are perfect for growing lush green lawns and colorful strips of jasmine and agapanthus, drying reservoirs and scarce rain are forcing gardeners to rely more on indigenous plants.

With native flora and fauna such as eucalyptus, bougainvillea and pittosporum gaining popularity in local gardens, the Newport Beach Public Library has planned a conference on xeriscaping--gardening that uses drought-resistant local plants and shrubs--for Saturday at its branch at 856 San Clemente Drive.

Scheduled speakers for the conference, which begins at 8:30 a.m., include Mike Evans, co-owner of the Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano; Tom Ash, garden director of the Western Municipal Water District, and horticulturist Kathy Sommer.

“I’m going to be comparing the native plants to the types of plants we’re used to all around us, and proving the native plants are every bit as satisfactory for garden use,” Evans said.

He added that the growing interest in native plants reflects not only the state’s water conservation efforts because of the drought, but also a worldwide awareness of ecological issues, such as preservation of wildlife habitats and natural resources.

Preregistration for the conference is required. For more information, call (714) 644-3181.