How to Grow Native Plants in California
The state of California includes a variety of diverse ecosystems, from deserts to temperate forests to sunny seashores. The variety of ecosystems found in California means that more than 6,000 plants -- 1/4 of the plant species found in the United States -- call California a native home, according to the California Native Plant Society. These native species form a fundamental basis to California's ecosystems, providing food and shelter for wildlife, building soil and controlling erosion. Nearly 1/4 of California's native plants, however, are at risk of extinction, placing California's ecosystems in jeopardy. Planting native species in their gardens is one way for California residents to encourage and protect these valuable plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Evaluate the garden site you intend to plant. Consider the amount of sun exposure and the time of day plants receive sun and shade, as well as high and low temperatures, wind direction and exposure, elevation, air pollution and the availability of water. Consider proximity to structures such as buildings, sidewalks, power lines or underground wells that may affect what you can plant.
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Collect and submit a soil sample for testing to a soil-testing lab. Soil test results provide information on soil pH, nutrient content and soil texture.
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Visit a park or botanical garden in your area where you can find native plants. Observe what plants grow on sites similar to your garden. Because California has such a broad range of ecosystems, all California natives aren't suitable for all sites. Notice what plants tend to grow together and attempt to replicate these groupings in your garden when possible, since plants that grow naturally together tend to have similar needs, making maintenance easier.
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Contact a nursery that sells native plants. Provide them with information about your site to determine if the plants you've selected will thrive in your garden's conditions, such as soil and climate.
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Begin with woody plants, such as trees, shrubs and vines that provide a foundation for your garden. Consider the depth and spread of roots and the plant's final size, as woody plants become a permanent part of your landscape.
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Fill in with groundcovers, perennials and annual flowers.
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Tips & Warnings
Nancy Heuler of the California Native Plant Society recommends considering several factors when planning your native plant garden. Use woody plants to draw the viewer's eye, and select plants based on foliage and bark color, foliage texture and seasonal interest. Rather than including one of everything, grow groups of plants from the same species.
Unless you're growing plants in a container or wetland plants found on very wet sites, native plants require less water, and automated watering systems usually aren't necessary.
Choose plants to suit the site rather than adjusting the site to suit plants. Your plants will grow better, and you'll spend less time and effort on maintenance.
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