Why Should You Grow Native Plants?

This doesn’t mean that you only grow creosotes and brittle bushes though they are lovely and you should have some. It does mean that you should have plants that are native to our local desert mixed in with your desert-appropriate landscape. But why do YOU want to grow natives? Water conservation? Less maintenance? Beauty? Wildlife? Sense of place? Do you want your landscape to look natural? All of the above?

When you plant what is native to the environment it is going to take less work to keep those plants happy. Which means lower maintenance for you. Native plants are not meant to be pruned in geometric shapes that need continuous upkeep. Most natives only need occasional pruning once every couple of years if at all. Native plants are better adapted to the environment making them able to tolerate our temperature extremes. You aren’t going to lose your plants when we have frost in the winter or 120 degree days in the summer as we do with say the frost-tender Mediterranean plants. Native plants are your lowest water users, saving both the environment and your wallet. They have healthier functioning ecosystems that don’t require artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. And most importantly the wildlife. If you want to attract native wildlife, they are attracted to native plants. I read once that growing native plants creates a strong sense of place and helps you connect more deeply to the natural world. For me, the more native plants I have in my landscape, the more connected I feel to our desert and the more I want to learn about its history and inhabitants.

 

What's Happening at DesertStrawHouse

Starting in March we will be offering free garden tours

Friday mornings at 10:00 AM

Reservations are required

NEW HOURS!

Thursday-Sunday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Monday-Wednesday: by appointment

WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

March is one of the most beautiful times in our desert. This is the time to go on hikes or leisurely drives. Look around and see how nature designs her landscapes. Pay attention to things like how the flowers are tucked into the rocks. The boulders and rocks act as natural nurseries for young plants. Seeds are blown into the base where debris has gathered making the soil more fertile and able to hold moisture. The soil is insulated keeping the plant's roots warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Recreate this in your own gardens!

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Spring is also when you can find local garden tours. Take advantage to get ideas for your own garden and see plants you might not have thought about before.

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With our winter rain, the wildflowers will be blooming!

Warm mild weather promotes rapid growth. You should be seeing a significant difference in your garden in both the plants and wildlife. This is a generalized statement - today it is raining and COLD with much of the next 10 days forecast to be below normal temperatures. This will slow the growth but with the rain and longer days, it shouldn't have a significant impact.

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Topics covered: Planting, Pruning, Flowering, Vegetables, Irrigation, Pests, Weeds, and Fertilizer

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