🚀 go-pugleaf

      manley@optilink.UUCP (Dave Manley)  writes:
         Re: landscaping with California Natives

>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

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Natives often do quite well in poor soil.  I planted a California
fuchsia (Zauschineria californica Bowmans 2) in a hole dug in rolled
bluerock and clay. It had been a parking area.  The plant thrived
and even spread a little from the roots.  Very drought tolerant and
cold hardy, etc.  Also quite ornamental

I don't think there is much difference in price between natives and
exotics-enogh people are propagating them now.  YOu will go wild at
Western HIlls.  They are very knowledgeable and also extremely busy.
 You can buy their plant list which has information for the plants.
 The last time I talked with someone at Cal Flora they weren't as
enthusiastic as I thought they might be.  Haven't been to Mostly
Natives in 4 years.

It might be well worth a drive to Yerba Buena in Woodside.  They
will spend a lot to time answering questions and finding the right
plants for you.  Also a beautiful setting with a really extensive
demo garden where you can see the plants in bloom and see final
size.

As for questions, narrow it down to if you want:
Perennials or shrubs or both
long bloom time?
Trees how tall.
Is it important to have flowers that attract hummingbirds,
butterflies or other birds?
Do you like scented foliage or flowers?

Zauschinerias make good ground covers, also low manzanitas,
ceanothus and some penstemons.  My main objection to ceanothus is
that it doesn't bloom very long.  We just found a Ceanothus MOth by
out from door and it is well worth growing Ceanothus as the moth is
very beautiful.

I favor for perennials : native iris, Penstemons, Salvias,
Zauschinerias, monardellas as they all attract hummingbirds

For shrubs by far I think the most beautiful is Trichostemma lanatum
(Wooly Blue Curls) as it smells wonderful, is showy and dislikes
summer water.  Also, Ribes, Fremontodendrom, Cercis occidentalis,
are neat.  Manzanitas may be too large for your lot-check on smaller
ones.  They are excellent for birds.

I am tired and probably missing a lot of plants.  The more you study
them and familiarize yourself with them the more you will come to
appreciate their qualities.

Hope this helps-will be happy to try more questions

Karen