Plants produce compounds called “phyto-nutrients” that help them combat germs, fungi, pests, too much sun and other threats. Many of these plant-based chemicals are good for humans, too, and have been used for thousands of years as medicines. Native plants can provide more of these healthful nutrients than plants which have been bred for sweetness and commercial production. Find out more about this intriguing subject and which native species you can plant and eat.

Sherri Osaka is a licensed Landscape Architect, Bay- Friendly Qualified designer, and member of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Landscape Advisory Committee. She started the landscape architecture company, Sustainable Landscape Designs, over 20 years ago. Since then she has been building and lecturing on ecological landscapes, including drought-tolerant and edible native gardens. These utilize graywater or rainwater for irrigation systems and pervious paving along with non-toxic and reusable materials.