Bay Area Climate-Wise Keystone (B.A.C.K.) Garden

Looking for a beautiful, low-water landscape solution? The B.A.C.K. Garden at Martial Cottle Park showcases climate-resilient plants suited for the Bay Area. This planting features:

• California native plants adapted to our local conditions.
• Selections from UC Davis “Arboretum All-Stars” and “Future Favorites”—plants tested for performance in a changing climate.

These plants are chosen for their ability to thrive with minimal water, support local ecosystems, and remain reliable under future climate conditions.

Explore our full list of B.A.C.K. plants and get inspired to create your own climate-wise garden at home!

What is a “Keystone” Garden?

A keystone garden uses plants that play an essential role in supporting pollinators, wildlife, and overall ecosystem health—just like the keystone species in nature.

Arboretum "All Stars"

Developed by the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, Arboretum All-Stars are a curated selection of plants tested over decades for success in California’s climate. These plants are chosen for being reliable, low-water, and easy to grow, while also providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Updated for today’s changing conditions, the program now highlights plants that can thrive in hotter, drier summers and extreme weather, helping gardeners create resilient, climate-ready landscapes.

UC Davis “Future Favorites”

Part of the work led by the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, “Future Favorites” are new and emerging plants currently being evaluated for their performance in California’s changing climate.

These trial plants are selected for their potential to be heat-tolerant, water-wise, and resilient under future conditions, while still offering strong ornamental value and habitat benefits. As they prove successful, many may become the next generation of climate-ready plants for Bay Area landscapes.