Natural History Wanderings

Today (May 2, 2010) I went to eleven gardens on the “Bring Back  the Natives” garden tour. It was a range of gardens large and small, 100 % natives to barely 50% natives, and gardens that were over 50 years old to one that looked like it was just planted.  I know the English wouldn’t consider a fifty year garden that old, but as California native gardens go,  its ancient.  There were gardens that emphasized  butterfly and bee habitats.

Why plant natives?

• Native plants are good choices because they are the plants that grow here naturally.  If you haven’t been to Pt. Reyes or Mt Diablo go.  These are two good examples of native habitats that have many different types of plants that grow well in the Bay Area.  Native plants that grow in local or similar habitats will do best.
• Many native plants are drought resistant.  If they weren’t they wouldn’t have survived.
• Native plants help create habitat for native birds, bees, butterflies, and animals.  It has a wealth of info on gardening, native plant nurseries and garden designers, who are experienced at working with natives.

For a wealth of information on native plant gardening,  native plant nurseries, photos and information on this year’s tour and to get on the mailing list for next year go to the Bring Back the Natives website http://bringingbackthenatives.net/