California Native Plant Myths 2014

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Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. County Project SOUND – 2014 (our 10th year)

2014: Bringing Nature Home - Lessons

from Gardening Traditions Worldwide

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Many cultures, same message: the best gardens are both

beautiful and sustainable

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Myths, Magic & Madness:

common myths about CA native

plants and gardening

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

December 6 & 11, 2014

© Project SOUND http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Hype-Cycle-General.png

Myths about California native plants

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Myth 1 : ‘California natives are invasive

‘weeds’ that will take over the garden’

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Co-myth: ‘Roadside ditches and vacant

fields/lots usually contain native plants’

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Origins of the myth?

Mistaking invasive non-native ‘weeds’ or garden escapees for native plants

Observation of some natives: some grasses & other native naturalizers and spreaders

© Project SOUND http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Arundo.donax2web.jpg

The ‘reality’ (for S. CA/sustainable gardening)

Some grasses (needlegrasses in particular) do spread via seed; others spread by runners – this is true whether native or not

Annual native wildflowers, some Salvias, buckwheats and other plants ‘naturalize’ – but is that necessarily bad?

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Re-seeding plants: sign of garden health

and a boon to busy gardeners

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Naturalizing plants are a natural

part of garden succession

Practical ecology: fill ‘empty’ spaces in a new

garden with annuals & short-lived grasses

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‘Spreader’: just another word for ground

cover

Some plants (native or non-native) spread via rhizomes

Use them as ground covers - they do just what you want

In general, native groundcovers will be limited by some resource: shade; water; etc.

The most invasive ground cover plants are common garden non-natives: the ivies, asian honeysuckles, iceplant, Vincas

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http://www.make-my-own-house.com/images/ivy.jpg

Myth 2 : ‘Native plants attract vermin and

undesirable insects’

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Where did the myth

originate?

? Observation of more insects (including native pollinators) on native plants

? Observation of lizards, snakes and other reptiles/ amphibians associated with native plants in the wilds (or possibly gardens)

Association with the word ‘wild’

? The horticulture industry (which wants you to plant their ‘garden’ plants)

© Project SOUND

The ‘reality’ (for S. CA/ sustainable gardening)

Native plants do attract more native insects, birds, lizards and possibly snakes & other small critters (depending on how close you live to a wild area).

The majority of these visitors (particularly the native ones) do not harm the plants – they ‘grew up together’ and hence ‘play nicely’

Many native plants attract beneficial insects, birds – those that keep harmful insects in check (IPM)

Less water = fewer snails, slugs, mosquitoes

© Project SOUND

Plants that often provide habitat for flea-

carriers in S. CA gardens include:

Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis)

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

California and Mexican fan palms (Washingtonia filifera, W. robusta)

Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) Creeping fig vine (Ficus pumila [= F. repens])

Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa [= C. grandiflora])

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia)

Yucca (Yucca spp.)

Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis)

Non-native fruit trees & their fruits

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Non-native – many invasive

Other things that attract ‘undesirables’

Rotting fruit on the ground

Uncovered or overflowing compost or trash bins, particularly with meat or dairy products (don’t use these in compost bin)

Pet food/uneaten bird food

Buildings with easy access – seal gaps, openings

Trash/utility piles (wooden pallets; furniture; firewood; pipes; etc.)

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Myth 3 : ‘Native plants will spontaneously

combust – they are a serious garden hazard’

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Vegetation fires need a spark

Lightning

Sparks from wildfires

Open fires that ‘get away’ or aren’t extinguished

Downed power lines

Tossed matches & cigarettes

Sparks from brush-clearing equipment (including chainsaws)

Deliberately set (human)

Prescribed burns that ‘get away’

Sparks from bullets hitting rocks

Fireworks

© Project SOUND

How many garden fires have you heard of? How many

home kitchen fires?

Dry plants will burn – native or not

If you live in a fire-prone area:

Plan a ‘defensible zone’ and keep it green (native or non-native)

Don’t do mechanized brush clearing in hot, dry times

Urban/suburban gardens

Consider keeping ‘public’ areas relatively green: areas near streets & sidewalks, alleys

Don’t plant trees that spread flames from house to house: Eucalyptus

Palms

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Consider the likely spark sources in your

neighborhood – if serious problem, plan

ahead

Conclusion: Myth partly correct

Native plants don’t spontaneously combust

However, some native plants make great fuel, particularly when dry

Fire is not an important threat in many urban/suburban home gardens

Consider the real threats in your neighborhood. If you need to:

Choose plants that are evergreen – and keep them so

Consider preventive pruning and watering during high risk times

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http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/nancy-wenningers-

garden?gid=148&idx=35

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Myth 4 : ‘Native plants are hallucinogenic,

poisonous or otherwise downright

dangerous’

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/09/first-timers-face-fears-for-halloween-horror-nights-2013-as-universal-studios-hollywood-debuts-more-of-the-walking-dead/


Some plants (native or not) have thorns, prickles, sharp edges, etc.

Some plants (native or otherwise) are poisonous – they are often the basis for effective medicines

© Project SOUND http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Nerium_oleander_Ouarzazate_wild2.jpg

http://www.gardeningwithtomleroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Delphinium-Larkspur-Mix2.jpg

Rose

Oleander Larkspur/Delphinium


Some plants (native or not) can cause skin or other allergic reactions in sensitive people

And yes, some plants are hallucinogenic – and can kill you if don’t take the correct dose

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©2002 Charles E. Jones

http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/i_and_i/flowers/datura/datura.html

Bottom line: need to consider the properties

of any plant before you choose it

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Whether it’s native or not –

really makes no difference

Conclusion: myth equally correct for

native and non-native plants

Myth 5 : ‘Everyone should plant native

plants in most of their garden’

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Where did the myth originate?

Native plant enthusiasts

Native plant nurseries (who of course want to sell more plants

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The reality: native plants do poorly in

some situations

There are urban areas where many native plants don’t survive (or do so only with substantial maintenance).

Such areas can include parking strips, traffic circles, and parking lots: in short, areas with limited soil area and lots of environmental stress.

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Characteristics of sites that may be

challenging or unsuitable for native plants

Significant compaction and other physical disturbances as a result of continuing animal, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic

Alkaline pH due to leaching of lime from surrounding concrete

Lack of adequate water in summer months

Increased heat load from asphalt/ concrete reflectance and absorption

High air pollution exposure

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Site considerations

should always dictate

plant selection.

For sites with limited, alkaline,

and/or poorly drained soils, choose species from environments with similar soils. Consider especially those species that tolerate clay soils.

For sites exposed to increased heat load, choose species adapted to hot, dry climates that can also tolerate cool, wet winters.

© Project SOUND http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/images/forestry/Urbanforests.jpg

Myth 5 : ‘Everyone should plant native

plants in most of their garden’

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Myths about gardening with

California native plants

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Myth 6 : ‘Always double-dig/rototill and

amend the soil prior to planting’

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http://www.creswelldoescher.com/urbanfarm/Urbanfarm%20Blog/EEF5817A-1429-43FB-BAFE-

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Agriculture: ‘plow the fields’ before planting

Emphasis on high productivity

Climates with cold, heavy, damp soils (think PA; Great Britain)

Some plants (often those from very different climates than ours) have special needs

The horticulture industry: selling products – Big $$$$$$$$ © Project SOUND

http://www.mylifeinthedirt.com/garden-soil-amendments/my-7-most-important-organic-soil-

amendments/ http://www.growbiointensive.org/Self_Teaching_2.html

The ‘reality’ (for sustainable gardening)

Some plants do need ‘special growth medium’ (if you choose to grow them):

Vegetable garden plants: high productivity requires high nutrient levels, friable soils

Acid-loving plants (including some N. CA natives)

If the medium is very different from your native soil it’s often easiest to containerize: Raised beds

Containers

Planters

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http://www.planetnatural.com/vegetable-gardening-guru/


Best in the long run to choose plants suitable for your soil conditions, rather than the other way around.

Most locally-native California natives don’t need a lot of soil prep if well-chosen

Goal: sustainability not high productivity

Downsides to moving soil:

Brings up buried weed seeds

Disrupts soil structure and soil ecosystem (yes, there’s a whole ecosystem down there)

© Project SOUND

Sub-Myth: ‘Add sand to soils to improve

drainage’

Reality: add sand to clay soil and you get concrete

Better options:

Choose plants that like clays

Add some micro-topography to increase drainage

Container garden for plants requiring ‘excellent drainage’

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Sub-myth: ‘You have ‘terrible soil’ - you

need to add some mycorrhyzae’

The myth: all plants need mycorrhyzae to grow well

The reality: Mycorrhyzae are often

site/plant specific – ‘generics’ won’t help

Your soil likely already has some natural species

Many plants from dry, alkali places (like ours) don’t have mycorrhyzal partners

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Myth 6 : ‘Always double-dig/rototill and

amend the soil prior to planting’

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http://www.creswelldoescher.com/urbanfarm/Urbanfarm%20Blog/EEF5817A-1429-43FB-BAFE-

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Myth 7 : ‘California native plants need less

water than their non-native counterparts’

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Alternate myth 7: ‘Native plants need no

supplemental water – plant & ignore’

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Alternate myth 7 : ‘Puppies need no

supplemental water – bring home & ignore’

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That sounds like puppy endangerment to me!

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/16000000/Cute-Puppies-puppies-16094619-1280-800.jpg


Northern California native plant nurseries/gardeners

The Water districts and others that promote ‘water-wise’ gardening

The ‘we live in a desert’ myth

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In western L.A. County we do not (and

probably never will) ‘live in a desert’

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We do not (and hopefully never will) ‘live in a

desert’

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http://www.english-online.at/geography/deserts/deserts.htm

• breezes from the ocean

• mountain ranges to east

• temperature moderation by ocean

• vegetation

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Sunset Climate Zones

ZONE 11. Medium to High Desert of California and Southern Nevada Growing season: early April to late Oct. Summers are sizzling, with 110 days above 90 degrees F/32 degrees C. Balancing this is a 3 1/2-month winter, with 85 nights below freezing and lows from 11 degrees to 0 degrees F/-12 degrees to -18 degrees C. Scant rainfall comes in winter.

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ZONE 13. Low or Subtropical Desert Growing season: mid-Feb. through Nov., interrupted by nearly 3 months of incandescent, growth-stopping summer heat. Most frosts are light (record lows run from 19 degrees to 13 degrees F/-17 degrees to -11 degrees C); scant rain comes in summer and winter.

http://img1.sunset.timeinc.net/sites/default/

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In western L.A. County we do not (and

probably never will) ‘live in a desert’

CA Desert

Precipitation: Generally < 5 inches

Rain + snow

Precipitation pattern: winter/spring except Sonoran

Soils: mostly very well-drained; alkali

Temperatures: Winter: lows 0-20° F

Summer: highs usually > 100

Our mediterranean climate

Precipitation: Generally 10-14 inches (up to

20+ in wet years

Rain

Precipitation pattern: winter/spring

Soils: variable, including poorly draining clays

Temperatures: Winter: lows in 40’s

Summer: mostly 80’s-low 90’s

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The reality: using CA/Baja Desert plants

in local gardens can present a challenge

Mojave Desert plants Dry conditions for the most part (3

to 10 inches) except for desert riparian

Need summer dry

Need well-drained

Sonoran Desert plants Very dry conditions (2 to 6 inches )

but variable

Summer monsoons

Great Basin Desert plants Many need colder winters

Some need summer monsoons

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http://www.mbgnet.net/sets/desert/desert.gif

Of course, as more plants are

replaced with hardscape, the

more desert-like we become –

that’s why we need plants

The ‘reality’ (for S. CA sustainable gardening)

California native plants are as water-wise as their native habitat: desert to rain-forest

Know where a plant hails from – then follow the rain patterns for that geographical place

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http://www.laspilitas.com/images/grid24_24/3213/s/images/plants/242/Dipl

acus_aurantiacus-1.jpg

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How to we know what plants will be most

water-efficient for our area?

Consequences of water-wise choices

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Compromise: some

green/some not

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Most of us need some green

Aesthetics

Necessity – curb appeal; covenants/regulations; etc.

Using a combination of evergreen and seasonally dormant plants:

Can be done with CA native plants

Makes Water Zone gardening a necessity

What will our future climate be like?

© Project SOUND

My recommendations for plant choices

At least 1 tree

Several evergreen shrubs as evergreen backdrop: S. CA chaparral species best Evergreen; provide height,

habitat, interest

Hardy: take drought, heat, water

Plants from Zone-spanner list: tolerances from water zone 1-2 to 2-3

Zone 1 to 1-2: many of the local natives – may have more tolerance to wet years than we think!

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The time to prepare is now:

climate change is here

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Myth 8 : ‘Never use drip irrigation or

overhead watering with native plants’


Native plant nurseries – particularly those from Central and Northern CA (where over-watering is more of a problem)

Gardener’s experiences, particularly with older technologies – killing plants by over- or under-watering

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Most gardens need some supplemental water, at least in drought years and while they are becoming established

Whether ‘no overhead water’ is an option depends on the garden

Rain water is overhead water – what makes it different (in S. CA) is that it comes in the cold months

Overhead watering: done prudently:

Only when needed, based on soil conditions, Water Zone requirements

In conditions that mimic natural ‘wet days’ – cool days; late afternoon/early morning

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Drip irrigation (or buried soaker hoses) can be a godsend in some situations:

Water Zone 3 areas (vegetable garden; tropical ornamentals; etc.)

Pots on a patio

Newly planted gardens – provide supplemental water until established

This type of irrigation requires regular monitoring and maintenance:

Water only when the soil indicates a need

Check for breaks/malfunctions

Reposition as root systems develop

In many cases, view as a temporary measure

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

Myth 8 : ‘Never use drip irrigation or

overhead watering with native plants’

S. CA is drier – use these with caution

Myth 9 : ‘California native plants are difficult to

grow’ or ‘California natives are easy to grow’

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Sub-myth 9 : ‘Native plants are not as

tough/vigorous as exotic plants’

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Gardeners experiences with native plants (particularly those new to gardening with native plants)

Horticulture industry (growers, sellers & designers) – who have cherry-picked the easiest to grow & install plants from around the world

Native plant enthusiasts/ nurseries, who want to promote native plant gardening

© Project SOUND

http://www.junglemusic.net/The%20Queen%20Palm.html

Queen palm – way over-used in

S. CA gardens


We think that tropical plants are ‘vigorous’ because we water and feed them all the time (we baby them)

Tropical plants with too little water (i.e., drought) are just as dead as native plants with too much water.

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Current U.S. Drought

Monitor

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/RegionalDroughtMonitor.aspx?west

80% of CA in ‘extreme’

or ‘exceptional’ drought

Which looks more like S. California?

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Many local native plants need less water, fertilizers, etc. than traditional garden plants; that can take some getting used to.

© Project SOUND

http://washington.uwex.edu/agriculture/horticulture/master-gardener/

Conclusion: both myths are partly correct

California natives are no more difficult to grow than any other plant with proper selection, installation and maintenance.

You do need to choose plants appropriate for your conditions: plant choice and placement is more important than in a conventional garden

And you do need to know more about each plant group to know how to maintain them

© Project SOUND

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Most gardening services currently do not employ persons with native plant experience

We need to encourage the development of training opportunities for local ‘gardeners’ - to turn the ‘mow & blow guys’ into the true gardeners of the future

© Project SOUND http://www.lucygardens.com/images/gardening-coloring-page-8.gif

Some native plant gardeners would like to

use a landscape service

Myth 10 : ‘Natives belong here so they

won't need any care’

© Project SOUND http://realmoneynoscams.com/how-to-sell-snake-oil-in-five-easy-steps/

‘Common sense’: if they grow here naturally then they’ll just grow

Wishful thinking

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You likely want your garden plants to look a bit more garden-like than the same plants in the wild; gardens are transitions between the wild and the tamed

Your garden and the wilds are different in some important ways:

No/few animals to do the pruning

Extra heat from urban hardscape

Other (supplemental irrigation, etc.)

You are trying to create an ecosystem (mature garden) much faster than Mother Nature does – and that has consequences for maintenance

© Project SOUND

The maintenance is different…

More weeding (in the beginning)

Yearly mulch renewal – where appropriate

Summer pruning (chaparral shrubs)

Fall/winter pruning

© Project SOUND

http://www.yellcrew.com/how-to-mow-a-lawn-with-a-rotary-mower/how-

to-mow-your-lawn/

The first few years (of any garden)

require more work. Once the

garden is established, many native

plants require less maintenance

than conventional garden plants

Sub-myth 10 : ‘Native plants generate less

garden waste’

The waste is certainly different

The waste (clippings/prunings) tends to be concentrated at certain times of the year

Much of the ‘waste’ can be used? Use as mulch or compost

Use for garden crafts

Use for edibles

© Project SOUND

But do native plants actually

generate less waste? http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZSsTT2LIxE/UW-

CtrvpfVI/AAAAAAAAAZw/2g94RlO5Hws/s1600/Bag+grass+clippings.jp

g

Garden/Garden

— A Comparison

in Santa Monica

In 2004, the city of Santa Monica constructed two 1,900-square-feet demonstration gardens on two adjacent front yards.

The “Traditional Garden” incorporates commonly used exotic species/lawn.

The sustainable “Native Garden” uses exclusively native California plants.

© Project SOUND

http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/gardengarden.html

Garden/Garden — A Comparison in Santa Monica

© Project SOUND

http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/gardengarden.html

Maintenance is required – but the tasks and timing are different. Established native plant gardens likely require less maintenance

© Project SOUND

Conclusion: myth partly correct

Myth 11 : ‘Leaves should always be raked up’

© Project SOUND


Concern about fire danger

Concern about spreading leaf-attacking diseases, particularly fungal diseases

Appearance: ‘fallen leaves look untidy’

© Project SOUND

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=270

Rose black spot

The ‘reality’ (sustainable gardening)

Gardens that are drier have less disease than those that are watered more regularly

Diseased leaves (from native and non-native plants) should be raked up and disposed of.

Leaf litter provides food for lots of soil critters and returns soil nutrients (more in February, 2015)

Leaf raking is an important task in very formal gardens (remember the formal Japanese gardens)

© Project SOUND

Myth 11 : ‘Leaves should always be raked up’

© Project SOUND

Conclusion: myth partly correct;

situational

Myths about garden design

related to California native plants

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Myth 12 : ‘Native plants are not as showy

or ornamental as exotic plants’

© Project SOUND

Alternate myth 12 : ‘California native

plants look scrawny, scraggly, and ratty’

In truth, there are also plenty of non-native plants that look pretty bad

© Project SOUND

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/wp-content/gallery/bbtn/turner/turner-1.jpg http://www.estately.com/listings/info/21122-new-hampshire-avenue

Alternate myth 12: ‘Plant a native landscape

and you will be scorned by your neighbors’

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Observation of native plants in the dormant season

The horticultural industry, including traditional designers

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

The reality: many showy CA native plants

Why else would people around the world go to great lengths to grow them?

© Project SOUND


You are likely to get to know more of your neighbors

Some will like the flowers

Many will like the butterflies and birds

Some will just be curious

© Project SOUND

The importance of signage: what you’re

doing is different, so think ‘educate’

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California Native Plant Society has a great new sign

http://store.cnps.org/collections/frontpage/products/native-plant-garden-sign

The ‘reality’ (S. CA sustainable gardening)

Some CA natives are pretty year-round (evergreen and other) ; others are seasonal stars

You can choose the mix that’s right for your garden

© Project SOUND

http://www.gardenideaspicture.us/2013/08/native-garden-ideas.html

The dormant season has magical beauty

© Project SOUND

We need to cultivate our taste

for the subtle beauties of life

California natives: plants for the sophisticated

palate

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http://bethelinn.com/site/dining-choices/nik_0242

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Myth 12 : busted – CA has some of the

prettiest plants around

Myth 13 : ‘California native plants/gardens

are too expensive’

© Project SOUND http://www.laspilitas.com/stores/escondido


Good non-native plants really aren’t that cheap any more, even at the big box stores – $15-$40+ for shrubs, trees

Native plants can be obtained inexpensively Plant sales & featured plants

End of season (May/June)

Grow your own from seed

Many of the more expensive natives are long-lived

Long-term costs of natives are often less than non-natives

© Project SOUND

http://www.growswitch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Home-

Depot-Garden-Centers-stop-neonics.jpg

http://mytutorlist.blogspot.com/2010/06/gardening-adventures-with-cheap-plants.html

Garden/Garden — A Comparison in Santa Monica

© Project SOUND http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/gardengarden.html

The native garden cost $16,700 to install compared $12,400 for the

traditional garden.

Conclusion: Myth 13 mostly busted

Native plants can be obtained at prices comparable to non-natives

You need to figure total costs over the life of the plant(s) for a true comparison © Project SOUND

Myth 14 : ‘Native plants grow too slowly’

© Project SOUND

The myth’s origins?

Observation of native plants and non-native, tropical plants and annuals (by just about everyone)

The horticultural trade

Cultural: need for instant gratification; ‘time is money’

© Project SOUND http://www.metro.us/local/shofuso-japanese-garden-gets-a-traditional-style-makeover/tmWmhn---

c7x5dLWrpWHA/phl_garden-614x443.jpg

http://cohesion.rice.edu/NaturalSciences/Arboretum/emplibrary/HPIM1195.JPG

http://www.rushindustries.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/Garden%20Butterfly%20

Mat%20Instant%20Flower%20Garden.jpeg

Instant Butterfly Garden!!!!!

‘Slow Gardening’ movement

Gardens develop like nature, taking

their time


Many locally native shrubs and sub-shrubs grow remarkably fast (even in the past two record drought years)

© Project SOUND

2012

2013 2014


Larger shrubs/trees take longer to establish (2-4) years – hence the saying ‘first they sleep, then they creep and then they leap!’

5-8 years for large hedgerow; 2-4 years for smaller hedge

© Project SOUND

2008

2012 2014

Espalier wall

© Project SOUND

One year

Two years

Three years

Plants grow at their own speed, whether native or non-native


Slow growth = long life (seems to be a basic principle of life)

Some things are worth waiting for

We all should be planting water-wise trees right now

© Project SOUND

Sub-myth 14 : ‘Bigger is better – buy the

5- or 15-gallon instead of the 1-gallon’

Most large plants have their own growth schedule (pre-programmed growth rate)

Some reasons not to buy large:

$$$$ Cost $$$$

Exposure to bad habits in the nursery setting (too much water, fertilizer, etc.)

Smaller sizes develop better root systems – they have room to grow naturally (in the ground) when young

Younger plants are more adaptable; become better acclimated to your microclimate

© Project SOUND

http://m1.i.pbase.com/o4/62/480162/1/91715821.svXuslMD.DS

CF3269.jpg

Reality: in several years the 1-gallon will likely outperform the

larger size native shrub/tree

Myth 15 : ‘All California native plants

require full sun’

© Project SOUND

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/jean-halfords-garden?gid=175&idx=3


Many people think Coastal Sage Scrub or Chaparral when they think ‘native’

Many local native plant gardens feature these plants

This is what ‘drought tolerant’ plants are ‘supposed to like’, right

© Project SOUND

http://www.gardenideaspicture.us/2013/08/native-garden-ideas.html http://img1.myhomeideas.timeinc.net/sites/default/files/image/legacy/designassistant/06

06_sunset_outdoorroom4_l.jpg

We need to plant shade trees: how can I

use native plants?

© Project SOUND

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/wp-content/gallery/2010/bairdharper/harper-106.jpg


Several local Native Plant Communities feature many plants that thrive in shade:

Southern Oak Woodland (dry shade)

Yellow Pine and Mixed Evergreen Forest (medium moisture shade)

Riparian Forest

Even the sunnier communities have plants that like a little shade

Those that grow in canyons

Those that grow on North-facing slopes

© Project SOUND

Gardens with a little shade are so much

more interesting

© Project SOUND

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/wp-content/gallery/bbtn/habets/habets-9.jpg

They are cooler and often more water-wise

© Project SOUND

http://chanceofrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Emily-Green-Garden-34.jpg

You can grow natives under existing trees

– even oaks, eucalyptus and citrus

© Project SOUND

Don’t rip out a good

‘heritage’ shade tree just

because it’s not native

Conclusion: myth busted

Not all shade is dense shade; many native plants do very well in part-shade

There are plenty of native choices available for dry shade, moist shade and everything in between

Review last month’s talk (container plants for shade) and the Aug. 2010 talk (woodland wonders)

Look at the ‘Dry Shade’ plant list.

© Project SOUND http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/nancy-wenningers-garden?gid=148&idx=35

© Project SOUND

Design a little shade in

your garden – for

health and beauty

Myth 16 : ‘Nursery tags are an accurate

indicator of final plant size’

© Project SOUND

http://paintingtruth.typepad.com/.a/6a0133f5b5ed56970b014e881c535a970d-800wi

Many factors affect final plant size

Plant’s genetic makeup

Soil structure

Soil nutrients

Water

Light

Other plants

Pruning

Gophers

Dog pee

Etc.

© Project SOUND

Add 10-20% to largest size on plant

label – it’s better to choose a plant

that’s a little too small than too big

Myth 17 : ‘You can’t plant native and non-

native plants together’

© Project SOUND

http://the-gist.org/2012/09/allelopathy-when-plants-attack/


Native plant enthusiasts – who think native plants are the only thing anyone would ever want to plant

Native plant nurseries, who want to sell you their plants

The idea that CA native plants are somehow different from other plants in their basic biology

© Project SOUND


There’s no law – biological or otherwise – that says that native and non-native plants can’t be grown together

The plants do need to be compatible (light; soil; water requirements; etc.)

© Project SOUND

http://www.tierraseca.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/atherton_new.jpg http://marvistamom.com/wp-content/uploads/3930-keeshen-001.jpg

http://www.garden-view.com/NewsletterIMG/califnatives.jpg

Conclusion: myth busted Combine or not – the choice is yours, as long as plants have compatible requirements

Some needs cannot be filled by native plants alone

If choosing non-native species, be sure they are life-friendly: Not invasive, disease-prone

Provide added value: food etc.

Provide habitat

Some good plants to combine with CA natives: Mediterranean plants, herbs

Citrus, olives, dry climate fruits

Plants from surrounding states

© Project SOUND

Myth 18 : ‘Native plants cannot be used

formally’ or ‘MUST be naturalistically arranged’

© Project SOUND

http://www.westadamsheritage.org/read/548

Sub-myth: ‘Native yards and gardens look

like the forest, or are too wild and messy’

© Project SOUND http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/examples/small-los-angeles-native-garden.htm

http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/gardens.aspx

Garden featuring CSS plants

Garden featuring Coastal Prairie

plants


Many current native plant gardens are naturalistic:

Designed by homeowners – designers are late to the table in terms of using CA natives

They’ve been designed by nature lovers – having a garden that looks like nature is fabulous!

© Project SOUND

http://www.katherine-greenberg.com/resources/wholegarden.jpg.opt776x518o0,0s776x518.jpg

http://www.atwatervillagenow.com/2012/04/12/for-garden-lovers-atwater-village-

garden-in-weekend-long-tour/

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/jennifer-becker-and-dean-mayers-

garden?gid=176&idx=9


Many public gardens with native plants have a naturalistic appearance because they’ve been designed to teach people about native plants or about nature

© Project SOUND

Garden of Dreams – CSUDH

Designed to introduce children to a locally

native ecosystem - in a ‘safe’ , discovery

garden environment.

Maintained more naturally to give kids a

sense the seasons, experience wildlife, etc.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Formal garden - traditional

© Project SOUND

http://www.houzz.com/photos/1292178/Formal-Garden-Design-traditional-landscape-chicago

This was the type of garden that classy/wealthy

folks had; a source of inspiration and

something to aspire to

It was also a style for much wetter places than S. CA

The formal-informal continuum: contemporary

© Project SOUND http://caplants.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/gardena1.jpg

http://www.trbimg.com/img-51423a6d/turbine/la-lh-spring-garden-tours-2013-

20130314-001/600/600x399

http://www.lastormwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/0402-Native-

Garden-600x383.jpg

http://www.nutrisespas.org/inspirational-designs-to-create-fascinating-

outdoor-spaces/

The ‘reality’ (for

sustainable gardening)

You can use native plants in very formal plantings (after all, our natives are so used in English gardens) IF

Plants are chosen carefully for their formal appearance (this is true whether plants are native or not) – shape, density, growth speed and habit, evergreen (at least backbone plants)

You are willing to take the time to maintain the plants/garden; regular pruning, sweeping, etc.

You spend a little water (usually)

© Project SOUND

http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Marnee1.jpg

© Project SOUND

No reason to use non-native plants

http://www.ygpshow.com/images/AspenCreek_Formal_l.jpg

Apparently no one told European

gardeners that native plants cannot be

used formally

Native American plants are used

frequently in formal European gardens.

They are also used in American gardens such as the Centennial Flower Garden in Denver, which is a replica of the gardens of Versailles.

‘On a recent trip to the Netherlands to look at gardens, I was repeatedly surprised how well and how often Europeans use our native plants.’

© Project SOUND

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus

ledifolius) hedge

http://habhero.org/an-unsung-hero-of-the-winter-dry-garden/

Secrets to making a garden look more formal:

Use formal hardscape and/or planting design

Limit plant choices

Mass plantings/ repetition

Plan contrasts carefully

© Project SOUND

http://www.archdaily.com/158403/fran-and-ray-stark-sculpture-garden-j-paul-

getty-center-olin/ http://www.wildsidegardentour.com/school-guide

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/wp-content/gallery/bbtn/turner/turner-1.jpg

http://www.archdaily.com/158403/fran-and-ray-stark-sculpture-garden-j-paul-getty-center-olin/fran-and-ray-sculpture-garden_2/

Sub-myth 18: ‘Native plants can’t be massed

(or any other design principle)’

Why not ?????????

© Project SOUND http://edenmakersblog.com/?p=953#sthash.hjqJb7UV.dpbs http://www.gardenista.com/posts/dry-garden-roundup-best-drought-tolerant-low-water-designs-

from-the-gardenista-gallery

© Project SOUND

http://rwa.watersavingplants.com/GWTours.php?index=4

Conclusion: myth 18 busted

You can use native plants to create a formal garden. It may take extra planning and maintenance, but the choice is yours.

© Project SOUND

Centennial Gardens, Denver – modeled after Versaille gardens

Myth busted: native plants are not an excuse

for ignoring the principles of good design

© Project SOUND

Myth 19 : ‘I’m just one person. Why garden

responsibly when my neighbors don’t?’

© Project SOUND

http://cmsimg.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=J4&Date=20140305&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=303050011&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&

Border=0&Visalia-City-Council-plans-vote-more-stringent-water-use-rules

The myth origins?

The chronic nay-sayers

The horticulture industry

Discouraged water-wise and life-friendly gardeners

© Project SOUND


We’ve all seen it: build it (habitat) and they will come

Habitat destruction & climate change make gardens even more important: home, school, church and business landscapes

© Project SOUND


Giving up doesn’t get the job done

We need to work smarter – using all the ‘tricks’ of marketing

© Project SOUND

And here’s where the magic comes in…

© Project SOUND

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed

citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing

that ever has. - Margaret Mead

© Project SOUND

http://www.matilijanursery.com/articles/full-living-color-all-year-just-about/

© Project SOUND

Keep on truckin’ – blue skies ahead

2014: Bringing Nature Home - Lessons

from Gardening Traditions Worldwide

© Project SOUND

2015: Sustainable Living with California Native Plants

© Project SOUND

Date post:	06-Jul-2015
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California Native Plant Myths 2014

Education