Plan Now for Native Plant Landscaping

In a small plot just behind the MK Nature Center in Boise, Susan Ziebarth has begun the annual spring ritual of bringing the Nature Center landscape back to life. The Nature Center's native plant garden receives much of her attention this time of year. This small garden is a showcase for the beauty of Idaho's native plants and the benefits of native landscaping practices. Our native landscape is beautiful, diverse and perfect wildlife habitat. These hardy desert plants require little if any irrigation. In a couple of weeks people from all over the Treasure Valley will have the opportunity to add some of these plants to their landscaping courtesy of the MK Nature Center and the Pahove Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society. Ziebarth, who is one of Fish and Game's native plant experts, will be one of the many people helping Idahoans beautify their outdoor living space, as a part of "Spring Fling" activities the Nature Center will host on Saturday, April 26. "Now is the time to start thinking about what plants to add to your own landscaping" said Dave Cannamela, Nature Center Superintendent. By determining how much sun and how much water nature provides to certain parts of your property, you can figure out which native plants will fare best in certain locations. Cannamela has an impressive landscape surrounding his own home, planted with native plants which require varying amounts of sun and water. That being said, very few, if any of them require more water than Mother Nature provides. "If you landscape your entire property with native plants you could easily cut your irrigation needs by at least 50 percent" says Cannamela "Furthermore, native plants require little or no fertilizer because they are adapted to local soils." This keeps runoff water cleaner for fish and wildlife dependent on local water sources. In addition, if you plan correctly and plant a wide variety of plants, you will have beautiful blossoms throughout the growing season. Cannamela's home is surrounded by bright shades of yellow, blue, white, pink and purple from early spring to late autumn, and his landscaping has become virtually self-sustaining. The native plants attract an amazing array of birds and insects in search of food or cover. These welcome guests serve as pollinators and seed dispersers. Certain species, like native flax, spread quickly, decreasing the need to add features each year. In addition, the absence of grass lawns reduces the impact of wintering geese, whose droppings can become a problem for people living where grass is the dominant flora. If you take the time to assess where there is space in your landscape, and how much sun and water that space receives, members of the Idaho Native Plant Society and MK Nature Center staff will help you determine exactly which native plants will accentuate the space around your home. But you might want to get there early; Cannamela anticipates a sellout by early Saturday afternoon. There is an Idaho Native Plant Society "Members-Only Sale" on Friday, April 25, from 5 to 7 pm. If you are not already an INPS member, you may join at the Friday sale. On Saturday, April 26th, the sale is open to all from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information on Idaho native plants, visit idahonativeplants.org, where an availability list will be posted prior to the sale.