Theodore Payne Foundation plant nursery

…provides a literal and figurative breath of fresh air at the edge of the city as it pushes against the mountains to the north, in the wild foothills of Sunland/Shadow Hills just a 20 minute drive northwest from me – surprising proximity from the city to be teleported into a landscape that parts of the original city must have originally looked like – and today I come here hoping to return parts my yard to that landscape, with some native plants, trees, and wildflower seeds. (website)

Founded in 1960, the Theodore Payne Foundation operates a year-round California native plant nursery and education center with classes and field trips for all ages. Our mission is to preserve, propagate and promote California native plants and wild flowers because they provide beauty, habitat for wildlife and water savings. Our grounds are a great place to visit. Located in Sun Valley, we have a bookstore, art gallery, picnic area and hiking trail, plus a friendly staff to answer your questions about native plants. We also sell California native plant seeds and books online