Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens
Healthy Gardens. Healthy Planet
Definitions of native plants abound. None is entirely satisfactory in all circumstances but each may serve a specific function. Some strive for scientific accuracy; others serve practical purposes. Moreover, in some instances the nativity of a plant may not matter to the native-plant gardener. None of us is about to give up growing tomatoes regardless [...]
Most Californians understand that swelling populations in the southwest are and will continue to outpace water supply both from the California State Water Project sources and the Colorado River. Additionally, Golden state residents are learning that water-wise habits in our landscape and gardens can save up to 60 percent of this precious resource. But something [...]
Stop, Thief! That is no way to gather nectar from a flower, mister Bumble Bee! You slashed the tip of the nectar filled spur of that jewelweed and helped yourself to the reward without paying for it (fig. 1). Take a lesson from your sister (fig. 2). She is entering the flower the legitimate way, [...]
In my prior post I wrote about the importance of familiarizing ourselves with the flora and fauna of our local native ecosystems. With regard to our native flora, trees make up one of the most important components of any ecosystem. They literally form the foundation of most plant communities and contribute greatly to local animal [...]
Being a resident of Southern California has its perks. World-class beaches, soaring mountain peaks, and living in one of the worlds five Mediterranean climates are a few of the obvious. One of the lesser appreciated aspects is the relative abundance of natural areas and open spaces. I’m specifically talking about an area near and dear [...]
A type of wildlife friendly landscape that is attracting a lot of attention these days is the meadow garden. Even though this style of garden is considered one of the most beneficial and informal there are key points one should take into account before jumping in with both feet. One of the main considerations is [...]
It could be said that the most important component of what we as native plant gardeners/designers do is educate people. We feel an inherent value, Joy, and necessity to set an example for others; to provide for wildlife in our suburban landscapes. Historically some claim the idea of the native plant wildlife garden began in [...]
When people think of creating a native garden the first thing that typically comes to mind is plant material. Images of specific varieties pop up in the mind’s eye along with characteristic flower color, aroma, foliage texture and ability to attract one’s favorite garden-friendly wildlife. Rounding out the general idea is how said plants will [...]
As a child growing up I had a father that advocated the virtues of the natural food movement popularized by the 1960’s/70′s generation. Even though at the time I didn’t appreciate the benefits of eating a healthy diet, that soon changed as my palate began to mature with the onset of adult hood. During those [...]
Over the past ten years I have been on a bit of a mission, a crusader for reducing monoculture lawn, eliminating pesticides, decreasing landscape water usage and restoring native habitat. My focus has been directed at the typical urban and suburban “occupied” property. I work with homeowners to help them understand important ecosystem services that [...]
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