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 Wednesdays 1-4PM or by appointment.
Creating Habitat
Why Habitat Matters
Plant Sourcing
Growing Plants from Seed
June 2024 Home Ground Habitats + Marin Green Drinks
Charlotte Torgovitsky talk at Marin Green Drinks: June 11 You are invited to attend the next Marin Green Drinks mixer at Lotus Cuisine of India in downtown San Rafael on June 11, 2024 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Learn how native plants increase biodiversity with...
Plant Propagation Classes and NEW Workshop for Summer 2024
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” Hands-on classes are back this summer, with a new October Workshop*! *It is highly recommended that you have attended the series of all 3 propagation classes to gain the most from this New WORKSHOP....
2024 Eco-Friendly Garden Tour
Save the date: Saturday, May 18th, 2024 Home Ground Habitats will once again participate in the annual 2024 Eco-Friendly Garden Tour. The Eco-Friendly Garden Tour is a public outreach and education program that promotes sustainable landscaping practices by showcasing...
PLANT OF THE MONTH
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...
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...
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.