GROWING NATIVE PLANTS: Getting Started
Like most good things in life, seeing a native garden or landscaping project to fruition requires some patience, diligence, and foresight. And there is a learning curve associated with growing plants, whether they are native or not, but don't be intimidated! That's the fun part: learning how to grow natives means you get to know a lot more about the place where you live and what its made. The following is a quick To-Do list for newbies.
1) Connect with CANPS
Go to our open public meetings; make friends with other members; and take advantage of our many online resources such as the CANPS Discussion Forum on Facebook, our mailing list, quarterly meeting and hikes. Come to one or more of our monthly propagation workdays and get your hands dirty! The books on our reading list will be invaluable to you.
2) Observe Native Plants in the Wild
Learning about native plants in their natural habitats is a great way to understand how they would best thrive in your yard. Take note of the light conditions, associated plants, soil moisture, and type when observing wild plants. Find your nearest natural area and make a trip! Bring a field guide, take pictures, enjoy yourself. Before you do this, you can read up on the historic vegetation types found in our area HERE.
Visit natural areas within a short distance of your home where you can begin observing plants that might thrive on your soils. Use CANPS resources, like the CANPS Natural Area Registry, to guide you on your adventures.
Visit natural areas within a short distance of your home where you can begin observing plants that might thrive on your soils. Use CANPS resources, like the CANPS Natural Area Registry, to guide you on your adventures.
3) Get Plants
FREE: If you are looking you will find them everywhere. Many native plant enthusiasts are happy to share seed and native volunteers from their yards, so go to meetings and mingle. Also, as you explore new areas and notice interesting things flowering along roads and sidewalks throughout the year, you may find healthy populations where seeds and seedlings can be collected. Always get permission before collecting in public parks or nature preserves and use ethical practices. Check our Seed Exchange page for our policy on the ethics and method of seed collection.
$$$: There are many plant sales throughout our region. Hilltop Arboretum is one of many groups that host regular plant sales where you can purchase natives. Visit our section "Where to Get Plants" for a list of Plant Sales.
$$$: There are many plant sales throughout our region. Hilltop Arboretum is one of many groups that host regular plant sales where you can purchase natives. Visit our section "Where to Get Plants" for a list of Plant Sales.
4) Get to Know your SOIL and Light Conditions
Use free software such as Google Earth and The Web Soil Survey to get information about the soil, hydrology and aspect of your site. These are critical for providing the best home where your plants can survive and thrive.
5) Plant with Vision and Patience
Every soil is unique and creating that peaceful, wild place in your yard may take a little time and planning, but it's worth the investment. Be prepared to adjust and modify practices as you learn and discover new things about he place where you live.
