Best Drought-Tolerant Fruit Trees for Coastal California: How to Grow Abundance with Less Water
Discover the best drought-tolerant fruit trees for coastal California gardens—figs, olives, pomegranates, citrus, and more. A guide for Zones 10b–11a by Montecito Valley Home.
The Importance of Native Landscape in California (and How to Tastefully Rewild Your Property)
Learn how to rewild your California property with native plants that honor the land, conserve water, and create timeless beauty—guided by Montecito Valley Home.
Santa Barbara Garden Design Principles: Designing for Climate, Beauty, and a Slower Way of Living
Learn how to design a Santa Barbara garden that reflects beauty, sustainability, and slow living—guided by Montecito Valley’s expert coastal design principles.
Finding Your Gardening Zone: Why 10b and 11a Make Montecito a Dream to Call Home
Discover what USDA Zones 10b and 11a mean for your Montecito garden. Learn what to plant, when, and how to thrive in coastal California’s unique climate.
California Coastal Citrus Almanac
From Montecito’s citrus valleys and lemon-packing days, from where we anchor our identity, to the courtyards and terraces shaded by orange trees, citrus has always symbolized the good life in California.
Our Favorite Chickens for Multi-Colored Eggs
Curious about which chickens lay blue, green, and speckled eggs? Here’s our list of the best multi-colored egg layers for California’s climate—perfect for backyard coops and coastal flocks alike.