The changes include a drought-resistant demonstration garden in Novato and increased incentives for lawn replacements.

Oregon botanist Suzie Savoie uses wildflowers to transform home gardens into water-wise, fire-resistant pollinator havens.

Some weeds, such as violets, plantains, and goldenrod, help loosen soil, prevent erosion, and support beneficial insects.

Yarrow grows one to three feet tall with delicate, wispy, fern-like foliage. The summer blooms (June to September) can be white, cream, yellow, pink, or red. Yarrow is tolerant to drought, so you ...

Yarrow’s been bred for ornamental varieties, but not necessarily for turf quality traits. “It excites me just because no one else has really done anything with this,” Hadish said.