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Usefulness of Native Species in Landscaping By Abby Schreiber, Horticulturist, Aurora Division of Water Conservation If one were to choose a shift in perception, away from emerald green lawns and yucca and colored gravel and focus with squinted eyes, one might behold a casual, intelligent beauty. The plethora of benefits that comes from ecological gardening, or gardening in conjunction with nature, is hard to ignore. In fact, it needs to be promoted. The major underpinning of natural gardening is using native plants. Species which are native to our region were here prior to European presence. Because native plants have been living in an area for a very long period of time, they are uniquely adapted to their environment. Our region's native plants have survival techniques for cycles of drought. They live comfortably in our soil types, with local insects and pathogens and have an understanding with the region's pollinators and animal browsers. What does this mean to the homeowner, professional landscaper, and irrigation installer? And for that matter, what does this mean for our community, region, and planet? Let's start small and move toward the macrocosm. If native plants are naturally adapted to local conditions, it follows that they do not need much supplemental water from our irrigation systems. Natives do not need pesticides and fertilizers for optimal health because they are well suited to the nutrients in our soil and their defense mechanisms serve them well with regard to insect pests. Too much water and nutrition can make them unhealthy and unsightly. Native plants can be a financial boon for residential, commercial and government pocketbooks. Money is saved from not purchasing chemicals or wasting water. As a result of not using chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, there is less runoff into our storm drains and waterways. This brings us to the macro view. 40 Prairie winecups are native to Colorado. As a result of natural gardening, we are actively embracing an environmental ethic. As members of our community, we are improving our water quality and lessening our energy use. Water in our semi -arid state is a precious, limited resource. We are choosing water conservation. As citizens we can promote habitat creation and sustainability. Native plants did not evolve in a vacuum. Using a multitude of native species encourages biodiversity, allowing birds, butterflies, insects and mammals to find food and shelter in a healthy environment. On a grand scale we are preserving a regional identity by using our native plants in our cities and towns. We are also helping take some of the burden off the natural systems of the planet to detoxify. Another added benefit of gardening with natives is that it may be seen as a counterbalance to the spread of alien invasives. Invasive plants "alter and often reduce the amount of space, water, light and nutrients available to native flora and fauna. They disrupt native plant pollination and seed dispersal relationships. Non - native plants pose a significant threat to the natural ecosystems of our country and are destroying part of America's natural Seeking Support for CSU Shrub and Turfgrass Study The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University is in the second year of a study of water needs of two turf grass species and eight shrub species. CSU is looking for additional financial support for the study. Funds would be used to support a half -time research assistantship along with purchasing necessary equipment to expand data collection. Funding to date has been from donations from green industry organizations and foundations, the Garden and Home show, as well as from the Colorado WaterWise Council. The CWWC Board invites readers to support this important study with your donations for 2006 and plan to do so again in 2007. For 2006, please make out your check to Colorado State University, and write on the check, "For Unrestricted Research." Mail your check to Dr. James E. Klett, CSU, Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Ft. Collins, CO 80523 -1406. If you have questions, e-mail Dr. Klett at jim.klett@colostate.edu or research assistant J. Matthew Ounsworth at j ames.ounsworth @co lostate. edu. For next year, CWWC will have a new box on the membership forms that invites new and renewing members to add dollars to their regular dues, and those extra funds will be sent to the CSU Shrub and Turfgrass Study. history and identity".' Using native plants in our landscapes means we are not taking risks with non- natives that may turn out to be invasive. Water conservation through landscaping can be broadened to encompass an environmental ethic quite naturally. 'Handbook of Water Use and Conservation, Amy Viekers,Waterplow Press, Copyright 2001