Gardens By Type
Central Sierra: The Enduring Appeal of Lavender
Tips and tricks for dealing with the wide variety of lavender
There is a plant that could be in your garden right now that has endured the test of time -- the lovely Lavender, Lavandula spp. It dates back 2500 years to the time of the ancient Egyptians and has been celebrated for its healing and relaxing properties, its contributions to the cosmetic and perfume industries, and its many culinary uses. It is a standout in the garden that does well in our area, with beautiful grey-green foliage displayed on a compact plant covered with stunning spikes of aromatic flowers. Lavender has a long bloom time from spring through fall and is a favorite of pollinators. It is pest free, drought tolerant, deer resistant, and very easy to grow. What’s not to love?
Growing conditions for lavender
While lavenders need relatively little care after planting, the right growing conditions are very important. Select a planting spot with six or more hours of sun per day; too little sun limits flower production and causes leggy growth. Soil should be gritty and drain well to avoid fungal root and crown rot problems. Amend soil used for backfilling with sand or organic matter to improve drainage. Planting high, one inch above the soil line, will help water drain away from the plant’s center. In areas with heavy soil, consider creating planting mounds above the soil line.
Lavender also grows well in raised planters and containers. Proper spacing based on plant size allows good air circulation and helps prevent fungal problems. Always consult plant tags for best recommendations. Apply two-three inches of mulch such as pea gravel or decomposed granite, leaving several inches of bare ground around the plant’s stems.
Take care not to overwater. Use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry and allow the soil to dry before watering. Lavender is very drought tolerant once established, but new plants need regular watering during the first year. Apply a balanced fertilizer to new plantings at half strength; established plants do not need fertilizing.
Pruning lavender is required to help maintain a compact plant shape and discourage woody growth. Remove faded flowers as the bloom cycle ends to encourage reblooming and pinch foliage to encourage branching. In the fall, cut the green plant material back one-third to two-thirds, depending on variety, leaving a tidy mound of foliage to overwinter. Do not prune into the wood below the green plant material. This dry wood will not generate new growth.
Lavenders vary greatly in plant size, flower color and shape, foliage color and leaf shape/texture. English lavenders, Lavandula angustifolia, are generally under two feet tall and known for their beautiful flowers, sweet fragrance, and narrow leaf shape. The newer lavender hybrids, Lavandula x. intermedia, are crosses between English lavender and broader leafed varieties, with large highly fragrant flowers on plants that are up to three feet tall. Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas, blooms early on plants 18-24’ tall and is known for its showy flower bracts.
The biggest problem may be which beauties to plant in your garden. Lavender has enduring appeal and is worthy of your time, effort, and affection.
This article by UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County Donna Marshall originally appeared in the Mountain Democrat in May 2026.
Trying to decide which lavender to plant in your garden? Direct any El Dorado County garden question to the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County!
Central Sierra: Benefits of Gardening with California Native Plants | El Dorado County
Native plants are adapted to the dry climate, support ecosystem's biodiversity.
Spring is a good time to evaluate your landscape and make potential changes to decrease your water use in 2026. A good starting point is to incorporate a California native plant or two into the garden. Many native plants can survive with minimal supplemental water once they have become established.
California includes many different native plant communities.
Native plants come from across the state and are adapted to varying habitat conditions that include coastal, inland, foothill, and desert. The natives for ornamental plantings in El Dorado County are best if of local origin that have adapted to our soil and microclimate conditions.
Native plants from appropriate plant communities can mix with other plants from similar climates with like water requirements. Natives should not be planted near a lawn, or with plants that have high water needs. Very good drainage and careful watering the first year, along with planting a bit above grade so water percolates away from the crown of the plant help ensure success. Native plants should go in native soil, be watered deeply and infrequently once they are established.
Using natives that are adapted to our area will also attract local wildlife.
The local native plants are food sources for wildlife as well as shelter from weather and predators and offer nesting sites. At the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County's Sherwood Demonstration Garden, home to sixteen different types of gardens, the winter native garden is home to a variety of resident and migrating bird species. Winter blooming plants provide nectar and pollen for residents like hummingbirds and native bees. Two native shrubs that offer berries for birds are Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia, and Oregon Grape, Berberis aquifolium. Western Redbud, Cercis occidentalis, offers seeds and spectacular spring flowers. Native oaks provide acorns and host a wide variety of insects eaten by birds. Hummingbirds are drawn to the red flowers of California Fuchsia, Epilobium canum, and the lovely blooms of the Red Flowering Currant, Ribes sanguineum.
Another excellent Natives Garden can be found within the U.C. Davis Arboretum. The Mary Wattis Brown Garden of California Natives features an extensive collection of native plants, a natives meadow and native grass landscapes.
Look for inspiration in native gardens around you, and then make some additions to your own landscape.
This article, by UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County Debbie Hagar, originally appeared in the Mountain Democrat in April, 2026
Visit the Natives Garden at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Dr. Placerville, CA. Open hours are season-dependent, and can be found on this page of our website.
If you would like to speak with a UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County, please reach out!
