From the numerous private gardens found throughout Ojai to outdoor Ojai destinations to over a million acres of national forest, The Ojai Garden is the greater Ojai Valley as a giant natural garden to explore, cultivate and learn from.
Summer-Blooming Natives
Content with little or no water, even in the heat of summer, these native plants put on a nice display in summer and early fall. Island Snapdragon (Galvezia) is an attractive plant with vibrantly colored leaves and blooms that beckon hummingbirds to the garden. 
California fuchsia (Zauschneria californica) a.k.a. (Epilobium californica) is another favorite of hummingbirds. 
Long-blooming California buckwheat (Eriogonum) attracts butterflies and many other beneficial insects.
Photos by Les Dublin.
In this time of drought, cacti are especially appreciated in the summer garden for their ability to withstand the heat and thrive with little water. The City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden has two striking cactus and succulent beds that line the entry from the parking lot.
Photos by Les Dublin. 
White English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Alba') is one variety displayed in a multi-hued lavender garden that is all abuzz.
You can catch a tour this Saturday at 11:00, 1:00 or 3:00 in the garden at 401 South Ventura Street, just about 2 blocks from Libby Park.
Photos by Les Dublin.
This drought tolerant California native plant makes a great replacement for thirsty lawns. Yarrow can be kept mowed and can even handle some light foot traffic, but unlike lawns, yarrow only requires occasional mowing. 
If you decide to let it flower, yarrow will attract beneficial insects like hover flies and ladybugs to your yard, helping to keep your other plants pest-free. 
Yarrow also works beautifully in a mixed border, or it can be planted at the edge of a vegetable garden. But since we are in the middle of an extended heat wave and drought, why not consider losing the lawn? Photos by Les Dublin.
There are two kinds of local poppies in this picture; orange California poppies can be seen in the foreground growing among native irises, blue-eyed grass, ceanothus, and island snapdragons.
Photos by Les Dublin.