Ventura County has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cool and wet. This climate supports a wide variety of plants.

Many plants grow well in this region. However, once established, Mediterranean-type plants typically require less water and tolerate low humidity. Both California native plants and Mediterranean species from other parts of the world are well-suited for this environment. Other plant types may need more water to survive the long, dry summers.

Explore the Water Wise Gardening Website

The Water Wise Gardening in Ventura County website offers a large selection of California native and Mediterranean plants. Features include:

• A searchable plant database
• Plant photos
• Tools to create and print a customized plant list
• Information on plants that use low amounts of water
• Virtual tours of real water wise gardens located in Ventura County

All plants listed are selected to thrive in Ventura County's climate while conserving water. 

Why Water Wise Gardening Matters 

Water is one of our most valuable resources. In many homes, lawns and gardens account for more than half of total water use. Research shows that irrigation systems are often inefficient due to poor design, improper scheduling, or lack of maintenance.

What You Will Learn

On the website, you can find guidance on:

• Design and installing a water-wise garden
• Choosing efficient irrigation methods and equipment
• Maintaining your garden effectively and easily

Benefits

Using these tips can help you:

• Save water
• Reduce maintenance time
• Lower costs
• Create a beautiful, sustainable landscape