Business Details
23 Years
experience
Native Plants Nursery in Santa Barbara, CA
Founded in 2003, Santa Barbara Natives has established itself as a trusted provider of locally propagated California native plants. Our nursery, nestled in the Gaviota Coast canyon, serves restoration projects, landscape architects, and the public with over 100 species of native vegetation. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure genetic integrity and project-specific timelines while maintaining organic practices through integrated pest management and sustainable fertilizers.Our team combines decades of horticultural expertise with deep local knowledge, having contributed to major ecological restoration efforts across Santa Barbara County. We prioritize customer satisfaction through personalized service, site visits for qualified clients, and a commitment to environmental stewardship that aligns with our founders' lifelong connection to the region.
Services
Native Plant Nursery
Restoration Consulting
Habitat Restoration
Plant Propagation
Organic Landscaping
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in native plant propagation and restoration
- Our team partners directly with local environmental organizations and preserves
- We maintain organic practices through integrated pest management and sustainable methods
- Founders hold advanced degrees in environmental horticulture and sustainable economics
- We guarantee genetically local plant material sourced from Santa Barbara County watersheds
Associations and certifications
- Green Gardener Certification Program
Services
Native Plant Nursery
Our nursery cultivates over 100 species of California native plants using organic methods. We specialize in genetically local vegetation for ecological restoration and landscaping projects. All plants are propagated from materials collected within Santa Barbara County watersheds to ensure environmental compatibility and biodiversity preservation.
Habitat Restoration
We provide comprehensive habitat restoration services including wetland rehabilitation, invasive species removal, and native vegetation replanting. Our team collaborates with environmental organizations on large-scale projects like the Carpinteria Salt Marsh restoration. Services include project timeline development and genetic material sourcing tailored to specific ecosystem requirements.
Restoration Consulting
Our consulting services assist clients with project planning, genetic requirements analysis, and collection methodology development. We offer expertise in creating realistic timelines for habitat restoration projects and selecting appropriate native plant species. This service supports both public agencies and private landowners in Santa Barbara County.
Plant Propagation
Specializing in propagation of California native plants from locally sourced materials, we maintain genetic integrity through careful collection methods. Our propagation techniques support large-scale restoration projects and smaller landscaping needs. The process follows organic standards using sustainable fertilizers and integrated pest management practices.
Organic Landscaping
We supply native plants and expertise for sustainable landscaping projects that support local biodiversity. Our organic approach eliminates synthetic chemicals through natural pest control and soil enrichment methods. Services include plant selection guidance and implementation strategies that align with Santa Barbara County's ecological requirements.
People
John Warner
Co-Founder
Environmental horticulture expert with BS in Business Administration from Cal Poly. Former landscape technician at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and certified Green Gardener. Serves as Arroyo Hondo Preserve manager while maintaining nursery operations.
Jeff Nighman
Co-Founder
Holds BS in Conservation from UC Berkeley and MS in Sustainable Economics from Sonoma State. Former owner of Sustainable Landscapes of Santa Barbara and past president of Horticultural Consortium. Combines academic expertise with practical nursery experience.
Questions
What native plant species do you offer?
We maintain inventory of over 100 locally propagated California native plant species including grasses, shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants specifically adapted to Santa Barbara County ecosystems.
Do you serve residential customers?
Yes, we supply native plants to landscape architects, contractors, and individual homeowners seeking environmentally appropriate vegetation for Santa Barbara County properties.
How do you ensure plant genetic integrity?
All plants originate from materials collected within Santa Barbara County watersheds to maintain genetic local adaptation critical for successful restoration and landscaping outcomes.
Can I visit the nursery?
Site visits require appointment scheduling and minimum $100 plant purchase. The nursery is located 20 miles west of Santa Barbara on the Gaviota Coast private ranch property.
What restoration projects have you completed?
Major projects include Carpinteria Salt Marsh restoration, Arroyo Burro Estuary rehabilitation, and ongoing revegetation at Arroyo Hondo Preserve since 2003 with thousands of native plants installed.
