Happy Plants, Happy Gardeners
“
GOING NATIVE INYOUR LANDSCAPING
Local varieties of plants produce crops of flowers with nectar for birds, butterflies, and bees, as well as berries for deer and other wildlife
by Desi Aguirre
I
kill roses on a regular basis, but have a native wild rose in my garden that flourishes with very little help from me. The wild rose is fragrant and although the blossoms are small, they are abundant and glorious. While native plants aren’t always as showy as non-native species, they may be easier to take care of; and that’s just one reason to include them in your landscape plans. Interested in good stewardship of the natural environment? Gardening with native plants is a great way to create a beautiful yard, garden, or landscape that is healthy and sustainable. Native plants are beneficial to landscapes by adding plants that flourish in our temperature zone while providing natural habitats for birds, bees, and other wildlife. They generally require less water and no extra fertilizers and pesticides, thus saving time, money, and the environment as well, Karen Olson, landscape architect and co-owner of Aster Garden Design Center, said our local area has a rich variety of native plants that can benefit yards and gardens. But it’s important to understand any plant’s basic wants and needs. “If you want to be a happy gardener and never mourn the loss of a plant,” Olson said, “you need to plant the right plant in the right SandpointMagazine.com SANDPOINT M AG A Z I N E
|
127