APRIL 15 & 16, 2023
Spring of Life
As lawns go dry across Southern California, opportunity is knocking. Life can spring from our cities while we reduce our outdoor water consumption and strengthen our communities. Find out what this looks like on the 20th annual Native Plant Garden Tour on April 15th and 16th, 2023. This year we are pulling out all the stops, highlighting visionary native plant landscapes across the city, and the cast of characters—people, plant and animal alike—who make them what they are. Join us as we reorient towards an ancient, ever-changing spring—the overflowing abundance of nature.
Featured Gardens
This year we were honored to collaborate with three gardens to take a deep dive into a range of subjects dear to the heart of our mission: Elements of a Garden (water, earth, wind, fire, heart), Lawn Removal, and Rare Plants.
Dive into a five-episode podcast hosted by TPF Executive Director Evan Meyer with guest Dr. Alex Hall, UCLA Climate Scientist and designer/caretaker of Garden 06.
Learn how to remove your lawn with Sophie Pennes of Urban Farms LA. This video documents the transformation process from grass to a drought-tolerant habitat garden.
Meet artists and designers Karen Bonfigli and Andreas Hessing to learn more about their garden of rare and mature native plant specimens.
A Container Garden for Wildlife
Barbara Chung shares her secrets on how to create an amazing wildlife habitat on a shoestring budget in the heart of the city.
Spring of Life Art & Gallery Show

To capture this year’s theme, artist Kelly Malka has created a graphic novel style representation of the life that persists despite the ongoing drought, and how less can be more when it comes to saving water and restoring habitats in Southern California.
Gallery Show | Kelly Malka
April 8 – September 9, 2023
Spring of Life is a visual exploration of how we as humans learn to coexist and adapt to our ever-changing natural surroundings.
Theodore Payne Gallery
8:30 AM– 4:30 PM
Tuesday – Saturday
Closed Sunday & Monday
10459 Tuxford Street
Sun Valley, California 91352
Gear Up for the Tour!
How many years does your Native Plant Garden Tour t-shirt collection go back? Celebrate the tour’s 20th Anniversary with these limited edition, collectible pieces featuring original graphic novel-style artwork by Kelly Malka.
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Local agencies, businesses, and organizations make the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour possible. We encourage you to follow the links below to learn more about our sponsors, and the great work they do. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, click the button below.
REDBUD SPONSOR
SAGE SPONSORS
BUCKWHEAT SPONSORS
FUCHSIA SPONSORS
POPPY SPONSORS
Theodore Payne Foundation inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plant landscapes. The Native Plant Garden Tour is our premier outreach event, showcasing the region’s most spectacular gardens.