The Foothill Cottage Gardens retail nursery is closed.

Proven Deer Resistance

All plants in our gardens are open to the local deer herd! 28 years' experience with a large number of perennials has resulted in a wealth of information about more than 500 perennials. Plants have also been tested by other gardeners with deer problems. Buy our book!: "Deer in My Garden, Vol. 1: Perennials & Subshrubs", ISBN 0-9774251-0-X.

About Our Soil & Climate

The soil in our garden is clay loam. Native foothill soil is clay with lots of rocks in most areas.

Our Sierra foothill summers are hot and dry, with only a rare rain from May through October. The sun is intense, and cloudy days seldom give us a break from its drying influence during the summer. Summer days may be mild or over 100 degrees, with nights that are 50 to 60 degrees. Winter temperatures may be as low as 8 degrees and as high as 80! Rarely do we have a snow cover to protect the perennials from winter cold or winds. Rainfall from November through April averages 60 inches, but has been as high as 110 inches and as low as 30. Recommendations for exposure and irrigation on the plant lists are based on these climate conditions.