Exploring Native Plant Gardening Benefits

Aug 18, 2024

Lecture on Native Plant Gardening

Introduction

  • Presenter shares excitement about discussing native gardening.
  • Kathy Kramer's resources were instrumental in their gardening journey.
  • Mention of Doug Tallamy's talk on native plants and ecosystem support.
    • Native plants critical for bird and insect survival.
    • Non-native plants create ecological dead zones.

Importance of Native Plants

  • Native plants support lifecycle of birds and insects.
  • Comparison between native (California Oaks, Native Cherry) and imported plants (Acacia, Eucalyptus).
  • Importance of keystone species in boosting ecosystems.

Personal Gardening Journey

  • Inspired by Doug Tallamy's talk in 2020.
  • Removed lawn and non-native plants (e.g., Heavenly Bamboo, Japanese Maples).
  • Focus on planting shade-tolerant natives under oak trees.
    • Examples: Coffee Berry, Ribes (Currant), Gooseberry.

Native Plant Benefits

  • Coffee Berry: Supports 33 species of butterflies and moths.
  • Ribes (Currant): Attracts hummingbirds; supports 122 species.
  • Gooseberry: Attracts hummingbirds; supports 122 species.

Additional Native Plants

  • Ground Cover: Provides lush foliage and small strawberries for wildlife.
  • Thimbleberry: Edible fruits; supports 94 species.
  • Goldenrod: Blooms late, supports 55 species.
  • Pink Honeysuckle: Excellent for vertical gardening; supports 30 species.
  • Ocean Spray: Thrives in shade; supports 38 species.
  • Native Rose: Supports 95 species.
  • Asters: Beautiful and attracts bees; supports 53 species.
  • Hummingbird Sage: Thrives in shade; supports 65 species.
  • Holly Leaf Cherry: Attracts insects; supports Western tiger swallowtails.

Significance of Oaks

  • Host to 270 species of butterflies and moths.
  • Essential for California sister butterflies.

Encouraging Native Planting

  • Benefit of native plants over ornamental non-natives (e.g., marigolds, daisies).
  • Native plants provide essential food for caterpillars and, consequently, birds.

Personal Garden Transformation

  • Removed non-native lawns and hedges.
  • Planted a diverse array of native species.
  • Maintaining leaf litter for ecological benefits.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

  • Reduced water consumption with native plants.
  • Warning against non-native "drought-tolerant" plants.
  • Importance of avoiding pesticides and herbicides.

Community Engagement

  • Keystone plant signs and resources available for public inspiration.
  • Taking action through seed sharing and community involvement.
  • Encouragement to join social media groups and partnerships.

Conclusion

  • Promote growing keystone species for ecosystem health.
  • Engage in community efforts to support native gardening.
  • Invitation to a garden tour and additional resources available online.

Additional Resources

  • Keystone Plant Signs: Available for download and public use.
  • Garden Tours: May 6th and 7th highlighting native plant gardens.
  • Community Groups: Engage on platforms like Nextdoor for seed sharing and information exchange.

Closing Remarks

  • Importance of donations to support native gardening initiatives.
  • Encourage participation in community efforts and educational events.