Organic Plant Nursery and Educational Center in Novato
Home Ground Habitats is located in Indian Valley, the ‘horse country’ area of Marin; large old ranchettes, open spaces, and networks of horseback and hiking trails all close by. On our nearly one acre we have gardens that are vibrantly alive and beautiful. Butterflies, bees, and birds abound, bringing the natural world to a landscape that also provides sustenance for humans. Our Education Center offers Plant Propagation Classes.
The demonstration gardens at Home Ground showcase a sustainable, organic approach to creating a truly California-friendly landscape using native plants and drought-tolerant Mediterranean species to increase the bio-diversity. Winding gravel pathways lead to hedgerows, wildflower meadows, a small fruit orchard, a vegetable garden, edible and medicinal California natives, pollinator plants, a ‘Monarch Way Station, and numerous larval host plants for other common garden butterflies. The whole property is a ‘pesticide free zone’. Our garden and nursery sells seeds and seedlings and is open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 1-4PM or by appointment.
Spring 2025 Plant Sale: April 12th, 2025
Creating Habitat
Why Habitat Matters
Plant Sourcing
Growing Plants from Seed
June 17th, 2023 Plant Sale
There is still time to plant for blooms this year! Our May plant sale was such a success that we have planned another one! Our next PLANT SALE will be: Saturday, June 17th, 2023, from 10:00am – 1:00 pm. Many of the plants and seedlings that weren’t quite ready in May,...
California Salvia Species
Exploring the Vibrant Diversity of Salvia Species in California There are many California native Salvias – and most of them have very fragrant foliage and flowers which can perfume a whole garden and also make the plants deer-proof! Salvias are hardy and very...
Girl Scouts visit Home Ground for school project
Home Ground Habitats recently hosted three local 5th grade Girl Scout troops where they learned about habitat restoration and the importance of pollinators from founder Charlotte Torgovitsky. Girl Scouts with Charlotte The girls took on a big project to refresh the...
Discovering the The charm of the Pink Flowering Currant
Ribes sanguineum var. Glutinoseum California native currants offer many resources for wildlife and are also beautiful specimens for the garden. The plants can grow to be large – up to about 9 feet tall and sometimes as wide – but they are easy to prune and can also be...
May 13 Eco-Friendly Garden Tour
Don't miss the 13th annual Eco-Friendly Garden Tour on May 13, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, now back in person. This year's tour will showcase gardens with a native focus and emphasize the importance of adaptable plants in changing climates. Events will include a...
Ceanothus species – California Lilac
There are many species and cultivars of this iconic California native plant which are evergreen, easy and fast-growing, and in all sizes and shapes for a cultivated garden. Flowers are usually blue to purple, but there are hybrids with white flowers also! These plants...
Our Mission
Our mission is to be the North Bay Area’s leading habitat-focused landscaping resource. We are a nonprofit, volunteer run growing grounds and educational center, committed to engaging, promoting, and supporting sustainable, California-appropriate landscaping.
