Living in a fire-prone area means balancing the beauty and ecology of your garden with the practical need to keep your home safe. Fall is a critical time for gardening—and preparation—as the leaves pile up and temperatures drop, but fire danger can still loom large. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. With a little care and strategy, you can protect your home while still supporting local wildlife and maintaining an eco-friendly landscape.

Native plants that thrive in extreme heat have developed unique features over time that make them particularly suited for harsh, dry climates. These features help them conserve water, tolerate drought, and withstand high temperatures.

This guide will take you step-by-step through the essentials of creating a native plant garden, from understanding your environment to choosing the perfect plants, getting your soil ready, and keeping your garden thriving.