Hello Westside Gardeners!
Most recently, I was asked to come up with some ideas for a hedge line. This site was on a local suburban farm. The location for the hedge ran from the back of a barn to the neighbor’s fence line. I thought that this would be an ideal site to use California native shrubs.
Native plants provide essential habitats for a diverse range of wildlife, supporting various species such as birds, insects and mammals. The plants I chose are uniquely adapted to our local conditions, promoting a healthy ecosystem through their interactions with other organisms.
The root systems of native plants help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. This protection is crucial for maintaining the integrity of soil, especially when planting between a cultivated field and a maintained lawn.
Native plants are suited to our local climate and require less water, compared to non-native species once they are established. They help maintain the natural water cycle by reducing the need for irrigation, thus conserving water resources and promoting sustainable water use.
Native plants play a key role in pollination by providing food sources for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds. They also contribute to the dispersal of seeds, allowing for natural regeneration and the continuation of plant species within the ecosystem.
Mark Koehler of Los Banos is an arborist and master gardener, who has degrees in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Horticulture from UC Berkeley and Northeastern University. Please send any questions or comments to markgardenguru@gmail.com.
