NATIVE PLANTS OF OREGON

Living conditions for native plants

Most of us take nature for granted. We see the spectacular oceanic beauty when on a drive to the sea shore and not the native vegatation that helps hold soil and slow erosion. Near the shore Ocean Spray, wild nootka roses, salal and the Red Flowering Currant bloom beneath Madrone trees.

In a old growth forest we might see the trees and admire the shade they provide but not notice the ferns, mosses and lichens that reign in the understory of ancient native trees. A hike through a bog can be a discovery of the Western Crabapple or the cobalt blue Gentians. Up near the timber line in the mountains the alpine plants make a brief but astonishing show. Mother Nature has a native plant for every condition and arranges them most spectacularily in their own 'flowerbeds'. We do take them for granted because they are so 'common'--we see them everywhere.

But common, as in ordinary, they are not. They maintain the environment in such a natural way that we don't notice the interaction of plantlife, wildlife and mankind. Since time began, people have developed an intimate knowledge of plants and their uses. Wildlife has survived by the plants that has provided them food and habitat. The whole scheme of things is 'natural', and that is why native plants have become a hobby of mine. I can create my own little environment. Native plants will complete a space in such a way that it nearly becomes trouble-free.

The first thing you need to do when planning a native plant garden is to study your garden area first. Find out how much sun each little area has each day, does the soil drain easily or is it boggy most of the year. Is it sloping, rocky, or has high elevations? The object is to work with whatever conditions you have. There are native plants available for whatever conditions you have. Most natives have companion plants. They tend to grow in a group and compliment each other. Many even compliment hybridized plants so you don't have to forgo not having some favorites that you might see at the nurseries or that you remember your mother growing.

Once you have learned what your growing conditions are, go to the nurseries that specialize in native plants and buy the plants that will be happy with your growing conditions. Most nurseries will be able to assist you. There is no need to feel daunted in getting started. Native plants are survivors. As long as you plant them in an area that is reasonably within their perimeter of growing requirements, they will most likely grow and thrive. If you did make a mistake and a plant isn't happy where you planted it try to determine what condition was wrong and move it. Maybe it wants more sun or that it's to close to a sprinkler and is getting to much water. They won't give up without a fight!