Australian Native Plants for Fire Resistance and Garden Design

Please join us to hear Jo O’Connell, the owner of Australian Native Plants nursery, describe her experience with the devastating effects of the Thomas Fire and what she has learned first-hand about fire-resistant plants and design.

Jo lost her home and several structures at her growing grounds, which are located in Casitas Springs, as well as nursery stock and plants in the surrounding landscape, in the December 2017 wildfire.

She will share images of plant survivors, discuss the features of fire-retardant plants, and suggest maintenance and landscape design techniques to reduce the threat of wildfire.

Jo has more than 35 years experience growing Australian plants both in Australia and Southern California, and founded Australian Native Plants nursery in the early 1990s. Her background is in zoo horticulture, habitat design, re-vegetation projects and the cut flower industry. At her nursery, she specializes in plants from subtropical, arid and Mediterranean areas of Australia and South Africa.

Australian Native Plants is open by appointment only, with plants also available via mail-order.

However, as a special treat for attendees, Jo will bring a broad selection of plants from her nursery to sell after her talk, with cash the preferred payment.