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Gardening with Native Plants
By Sheri McGregor
Recent rains helped green up our lawns, but San
Diego’s water supply comes from other sources, meaning tough
conservation efforts will be imposed again this year. With native
plants, homeowners can turn off the water issue, and still enjoy a
beautiful garden.
One of the best ways to find native plants you like is
to visit local preserves and open space parks. In my book, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Diego (60 Hikes - Menasha Ridge) , I’ve
pointed out and described plants you’ll see along the trails, which can
help you identify and find ones you might like to use in your yard.
In San Diego County’s mild climate, many native plants
begin to bloom in late winter, so even before the traditional spring
season, hit the trail for a head-start on garden planning.
As a San Diego native familiar with the terrain, here are
my tips to get started on a water-conscious dream garden:
- Take advantage of abundant natural flora by
hiking trails to see what plants you’d like for your garden. A good
trail guide will help by identifying plants for you.
While enjoying a nature hike, scope
out nearby plants. Also look at insects and birds to see what’s
attracted to them. California Fuchsia, for instance, has red flowers
hummingbirds love.
Take along your digital camera and
snap plant photos for later comparison and identification.
Identify plant names using reference
books such as my title, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Diego,
and plant guide San Diego County Native Plants , by James Lightner.
Visit cultivated native plant
gardens such as those at Los Jilgueros Preserve in Fallbrook. The
preserve contains a firescape demonstration garden, providing an
example of fire-resistant plants and landscaping (important, as last
year’s firestorm proved).
With an eye toward fitting the
plants into your own yard’s size and layout, study the size and
growing style of wild varieties you find attractive, and do
research. The California Fuchsia, for instance, may be wonderful for
attracting hummingbirds, but the native also sends out shooter roots
and can spread like wildfire - - - perhaps not good for a small
area. Also consider your yard’s sun exposure and moisture levels.
Many natives need dry summer periods to thrive.
Talk to a local nursery that
specializes in native plants, such as Las Pilitas Nursery in
Escondido, which carries 20 types of sage (for beauty and
fragrance). Ask your nursery about hybrid varieties of native
plants that might best fit your domestic growing needs.
Remember the “no-collection” rule
for San Diego’s open space areas. Some natives are rare and
endangered, such as the delicate Chocolate Lily growing in County
grassland areas including Wright’s Field in Alpine. This native and
many others won’t survive transplantation - - - you don’t want to
contribute to its disappearance.
Some of San Diego County’s best native plant trails
are short, so don’t require much physical exertion. Try the Elfin Forest
Botanical Loop, for instance. A factual pamphlet provided there offers
information. Another great trail, this one with a cultivated native
garden, is the Los Jilgueros Preserve Trail in Fallbrook.
Native plants are surprisingly beautiful. My favorite
is the matilija poppy with its big, fried-egg looking flowers on a bushy
7-8 foot plant.
--
Sheri McGregor is available for speaking engagements, TV, radio, and
author events. Contact Tricia Parks, Director of Marketing for Menasha
Ridge Press, 205-322-0439 ext. 102, or
email Sheri directly.
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