So you've just moved to Idaho, and have purchased a new home. But with a job transfer and a toddler in tow, you're looking to landscape utilizing garden plants that give you the most ease of care. I have a solution! Why not consider natives? There are many benefits to landscaping with them, some of which include:
- They are low maintenance once established
- They require less water
- They require a minimal use of pesticides
- They are easy to grow
- They're adapted to our dry environment
- Many are beneficial to pollinators like birds, bees and butterflies
What is a native plant? Basically, they're those plants that grew before the land was cultivated or worked over for construction. Plants that reside in our region. For us that means plants found within the Intermountain West.
Many are drought tolerant, but do remember you must give them time to establish first. This can take up to two - three years. So do prepare to invest time in a regular watering schedule.
Wondering which ones to choose? Look at your local surroundings. What do you see growing on the hillsides? Need some suggestions? Here are some great ones. I have placed an asterisk by those that are recommended for encouraging wildlife:
 |
| Acer Glabrum |
Trees:
- Pinus Ponderosa
- Betula Occidentalis
 |
| Philadelphus Lewisii. It's our state flower! |
Shrubs:
- Ribes Aureum
- Mahonia Aquifolium
 |
| *Penstemon Strictus |
Perennials:
- Achillea Millefolium
- Aquilegia Coerulea
- Asclepias
- Erysimum Capitatum
- Monarda
Grasses:
- Festuca Idahoensis
- Deschampsia Cespitosa
So now you're getting excited! And you see that planting natives in your new yard is a wonderful idea for lots of reasons (and lots of seasons). Where can you find them? Here is an excellent local resource:
Draggin' Wing High Desert Nursery
Diane Jones
208-345-4199
Waterthriftyplants.com
What are you waiting for? Let's plant some natives!
Sources:
Cals.uidaho.edu
Plantnative.org
Idahonativeplants.org
