🚀 go-pugleaf

>In article <1992Mar4.235405.17341@morrow.stanford.edu> GC.SUL@forsythe.stanford.edu (Sullivan) writes:
>>How do you get rural homeowners to think in terms of natives when
>>landscaping?  Anyone have any ideas?
>
>Karen Sullivan (happily propagating Lake Co. natives)

So, help me out.  I live in Cotati (that's north of Petaluma, south of
Santa Rosa) and while we are not in a *rural* area I would like to use
native plants.  Our lot is a large blank slate (actually blank adobe
fill - yuck!).  The fill is on top of what was once a meadow.  Drilling
post holes I found rich soil down not too many feet.  Unfortunately, the
exposure of the fill to rain and sun last year has created a hardpan
layer - after the recent rains it was difficult to dig more than 6"
deep.  Cotati has typical near-coastal CA weather, summer we often
have fog in the afternoon, strong winds not uncommon. 

I've got your list (thanks), and have been reading the big Sunset
Western Gardens book trying to figure out what will work.  I'm looking
for attractive native trees and shrubs for use in a wind barrier and
also for privacy.  The lot is surrounded by a 6' fence, then bordered
by a 6' planting strip, then sidewalk.  If possible I would like to
plant some trees in the planting strip.  I am also interested in a low
maintenance ground cover for the planting strip (not really too
interested in junipers). 

I'm prepared to put in a drip system if needed.
I'm prepared to drill, ala post hole, for planting.
I'm prepared to add soil amendments if needed.

Suggestions?

How are natives priced compared to exotics?

BTW: this weekend I'm planning on visiting Mostly Natives in Tomales,
     Western Hills Rare Plants near Occidental, and California Flora in
     Fulton.  All claim to have a good selection of natives.  What
     should I be looking for?  What questions should I ask?

Dave Manley