Growing native

By Robin Campbell Reader Contributor

Whether you lean green, are into buying local and living sustainably, or you’re just a little allergic to hard work, landscaping with native plant species has a lot to offer.

So, what’s a “native”? Natives are plants that thrived here before the arrival of Europeans — plants that Lewis and Clark would have encountered on their travels west. They grow in a location naturally, and have not been hybridized, selectively bred or genetically modified by man.

Why are natives good in your garden? Since they evolved in our area, native plants are an integral part of the local soil, climate and wildlife ecosystem. They get it! They have adapted to the highs and lows of local temperatures, and to the amount and seasonality of available moisture.

Native plants have developed synergistic relationships with native animals and insects. They provide food, such as seeds for birds and squirrels and browse for deer, and shelter for a variety of critters. They attract pollinating insects and have many ingenious ways of protecting themselves from harmful ones.

In your garden, natives require less watering and that means less hose dragging. Because they have deep root systems (up to 16 feet), natives increase the soil’s capacity to store water. And planting native ground cover species, like kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) or wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), also conserves moisture, prevents soil erosion and discourages weed growth. No need for purchasing and spreading traditional mulches!

With natives in the garden there’s no hurry with fall cleanup. Let annual and perennial flowers go to seed. The Nootka rose