Where better to work with native plants and try your hand at Xeriscaping than in the blooming deserts of Southern California? This comprehensive, richly illustrated guide gives you the tools and information to tackle the challenge yourself. Renowned enviromental photojournalist George Oxford Miller describes the very best of the best for Southern California landscapes - plants suited to the unique needs and resources of this region. With sumptuous pictures and ample information this book covers wildflowers, shrubs, trees, vines, cacti, groundcovers, identifying the species that combine ornamental qualities, growth habitat, adaptability, and year-round beauty for the highest landscape value.Chapters with illustrations, maps, charts, and design samples provide guidelines for species selection and planting, ongoing maintenance, landscape design, and both water and energy conservation. The unique botanical heritage of Southern California affords a treasure chest of choices for home and commercial landscaping.