We think flowers are nice, but growing plants is even better. Whether they be in pots or in your outdoor garden, planting varieties specific to your region is becoming more important in light of California's water needs. The LA Times has a great little piece about a variety of plants from climate regions very similar to Los Angeles', including plants from Australia, Chile, South Africa, France, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Turkey....

[images: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times]

Considering water needs of our state, it might be a smart long term investment to transition to native and native-like plant choices for our garden. As George Brumder, chairman of the Southern California branch of the Mediterranean Garden Society, clearly puts it, "Our water availability is declining, we have more periods of drought, our population is increasing and we need to garden in a water-wise way."

Choices recommended include agave, New Zealand flax, aloe and cordyline, salvia, cistus, flannel bush, Jerusalem sage, rosemary, lavender and sage. Just take a look at some of the examples showcased and you'll understand you won't have to compromise a beautiful and lush garden by making a conscious effort to tend a garden of water conserving plants.