May 6th, 2011 
Photo by Nature Hills Nursery
Ever wonder why, no matter what you do, it seems the weeds won’t go away? Well the reason for that is because weeds are not really weeds. They are native plantings, indigenous to our region. They stay around because their roots grow very deep in the ground and actually tap the ‘water table’. A water table is the line below ground that is saturated with water. In times of drought, the water table drops and is unreachable for flowers and shrubs with short root systems. Native plantings have decades of evolution to adapt to the seasons and still thrive. Native plantings require little maintenance and watering once established. Native plantings are also perennials or self seeding biennials, so you won’t have to replant every year. These indigenous plants will attract wildlife and birds, as well as attract insects that prey upon pests and reduce the need for pesticides.
Planting a native landscape will improve water quality due to the fact that pesticides are not necessary. In addition, because they do not require watering, not only is water use decreased, they will reduce run off contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides that mix into ground water. Having a native garden will also improve air quality is improved since it doesn’t have to be mowed and the plants take in and store more CO2 than grass lawns.
Having a lawn with native plantings is not for everyone, although for those looking to go ‘green’ , save money and reduce your impact on the earth, get rid of the sod and go native. Black-Eyed Susan’s attract butterflies, so plant them all around. Just remember that butterflies only fly when the sun is out. You won’t see them on cloudy days. . For song birds, plant Sunflowers or Blazing Stars. If you love Hummingbirds, plant a hummer garden with Azalea bushes, Morning glory vines, Four-o-clocks, and impatiens.
