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California Native Plant Gardens
If you live in the Southwest, you may be thinking of redoing the Landscaping at his home. With water shortages and the possibility that some communities may actually limit the amount of water that a family can use each month, he begins to make sense to substitute lawn thirsty and change your Landscaping to drought-tolerant plants.
About 70% of typical household use of water goes to landscaping and a little of what is in the second round. Replace lawn with native plants that are more suited to our drier climate here in Southern California is not difficult.
Choosing native plants on those who are not native is a realistic option. English-style gardens that are filled with flowers are beautiful and lush tropical gardens are beautiful but very practical in our Mediterranean climate, when you consider the amount of water they need to stay alive and beautiful.
Replacement your present landscape with plants that require less water is not so difficult. And the best part of doing this, not only will you save money on water, but the native plants do not require pesticides, fertilizer or a large amount of food.
Most people are unaware of the wide variety of plants that are native of our region and visit a native plant nursery is the best way to get to know these "stars". The options are limitless and can be too large for a beginner, when you see all the different types of plants and your mind starts spinning with the possibilities.
Giving the more traditional or eastern landscape is not a sacrifice. At first it may seem difficult, but with the help of an expert, you can create a new garden that will have something blooming in that throughout the year and you'll never be disappointed with your new landscaping.
(If you want to know about some of the methods for removal of a lawn, please read my post on the subject in May 2007, as I wrote about this after attending a class that is shared different methods on how to eliminate a lawn before making his move to the natives).
It seems to me that last year, the media begin to pick up the seriousness of our water shortages and various communities are now promoting methods to cut back on water usage. Changing our lifestyles part of this process, but necessary to save water, if we're running out of it.
Los Angeles has begun water rationing in some parts of the city and it seems like other communities to follow some kind of plan for water conservation as well. It could be a very difficult summer in Southern California this year, unless they adapt and change how we live. A big part of the solution is to use less water for landscaping.
Your timing is excellent if you're interested in moving to use native plants and want to redesign your landscape. Summer is the best time to remove a lawn because it is a lengthy process and wants the space is ready for your new plant at the end of the year. If you are not up to the project, hire someone who can do for you, plus it will be faster than you're putting labor market and time.
Fall and winter in the Southwest are prime times with the natives of the plant, so you will want to get started in your project as soon as possible if you are considering making this change. If you do not start now, you may end up losing the "window" to plant and then have to wait another year.
If you're thinking of hiring a landscape contractor to do your project, look for one that is experienced and skilled with the creation of landscapes with native plants. But remember that in most cases they have no experience with them. Then you have to be careful and do your own research to make sure you purchase plants that are best suited to the environment of your garden and not rely on the landscape contractor, unless who are very familiar with native plants and their needs.
It is not difficult to find nurseries that specialize in native plants, but you will have to use the internet to find them, or go to my resource "page on my blog. There are also some very informative books also available and can usually be found at your local bookstore.
When it's time to plant their choices, there is little preparation needed. Do not shake or drop the root ball and not put the changes in soil and fertilization, either. Make sure that the area where you are placing your plants is conducive to growth. And do not forget to give them enough room to grow. Place at least 3-4 feet away but you find yourself with a backdrop filled with many a year.
supplemental watering will be necessary in the first 2-3 years, but not very often. Again, depending on where you live, can only be once a month or even less. You'll be very surprised at how quickly they fill and grow, because if you did everything correctly, they will take off at a time very short.
But even that is dictated by the seasons. A good book about native plant gardening will help you through your learning curve as they grow more confident in caring for plants.
The benefits of having a garden are numerous natural. You will have more birds and butterflies and depending on where you live lizards, too. You will enjoy the fragrance, flowers, colors, and textures of your garden that will provide habitat for wildlife, too!
He will entertain endlessly and you will not be wasting water or the use of pesticides and fertilizers and give back to nature at the same time. Its new environment and charming natives can only inspire their neighbors to think about your landscaping, too.
About the Author
Lorraine Du Bridge is not a professional landscaper or gardener but is passionate about using native plants at her home. Her blog is about her learning experience as she created her new landscape and the joy of nature.
http://www.GardenOfNativePlants.com
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