How to Use This Guide, & Garden Zone (down the page)

This brochure suggests native and non-invasive plants appropriate for three zones around a house: the Garden Zone, the Greenbelt Zone, and the Transition Zone. We have selected species for each zone to illustrate desirable fire safety characteristics, which are also met by many other noninvasive landscaping choices. Consult your local nursery for additional recommendations as well as more details on plant requirements and care.

Legend
Characteristics: Deciduous Deer resistant Forms a screen Native plant Erosion control	Water Needs: Greater than average Average Less than average Drought Tolerant  Grows in acidic soil	Supports Wildlife: Butterfly larvae Adult butterflies Nectar drinkers Seed, berry, and nut eaters
Sun needs:       Full sun      Partial shade      Shade

Garden Zone

Extending 30 feet out from the house, the Garden Zone should be “lean, clean, and green,” capable of withstanding the impacts of flying burning embers and intense heat. Plants here should have fleshy, moist, and broad leaves. Trees in this zone should not be conifers. To maintain the fire-retardant properties of these plants, remove all dead vegetation and irrigate in summer and early fall to keep plants moist. Keep in mind, though, that there is
no such thing as a fireproof landscape–all vegetation will burn under sufficiently hot and dry conditions.

Japanese Snowball Vibernum plicatum		Crepe Myrtle Lagerstromia indica
Coral Bells Heuchera sanguinea		Sword Fern Polystichum munitum

Geranium "Rozanne"   Polyantha rose (Rosa polyanthas)    Heartleaf bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)    Trumpet vine (Campsis spp.)