The document discusses fly pollinators and other beneficial insects in gardens and the wild. It notes colony collapse disorder as a wake up call about our food supply and loss of pollinators. The document then discusses flies, noting there are over 150,000 named fly species, accounting for 1 in 10 species globally. Many fly species benefit the environment. It provides some insect species numbers and discusses the diversity and evolution of fly families.
The document discusses integrated pest management strategies for controlling weeds in gardens. It emphasizes using preventive cultural practices and mechanical or physical controls before resorting to biological or chemical controls. Monitoring weeds and properly identifying them is key to developing an effective long-term weed management plan tailored to each unique garden environment. Simple preventive practices like cleaning equipment, using weed-free soil amendments, and promoting healthy desired plants can help avoid weed problems.
The document discusses food chains and webs. It explains that producers, like plants, capture energy from the sun which is then consumed by primary consumers or herbivores. Secondary consumers or carnivores then consume the primary consumers, passing the energy up the food chain. Tertiary and quaternary consumers consume multiple trophic levels, forming complex food webs as organisms have multiple food sources and predators. Decomposers then break down waste and dead organisms, recycling nutrients back into the environment.
1) Plants rely on animals for pollination and seed dispersal. Most plants (about 90%) use animals like insects, birds, and other animals to transfer pollen between flowers and disperse seeds.
2) Seed dispersal is important for plants to prevent overcrowding and allow for new plant colonies to form. Seeds are dispersed through fruits that enable transport by various vectors.
3) Many plants have evolved traits like colorful flowers, scents, and patterns to attract specific pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and bats to transfer pollen between flowers. This benefits both the plants and the pollinator animals.
This document provides information on several native plant species suitable for gardens in coastal Southern California, including the Coastal Woodfern, Western Ladyfern, Great Polemonium, California Sweet Cicely, Splendid Gilia, and Coastal Onion. It describes their growth characteristics, uses in gardens, requirements for sun, soil and water, and how to propagate and care for each plant. The plants attract birds and pollinators and make good alternatives to non-native species.
This document discusses designing container gardens with California native plants. It provides examples of suitable native fern and herbaceous perennial plants for shady container gardens, including western sword fern, coastal wood fern, western lady fern, and great polemonium. The document emphasizes choosing a unifying theme, using foliage as a background, and repeating plants to tie the design together in limited space container gardens.
The document discusses integrated pest management strategies for controlling weeds in gardens. It emphasizes using preventive cultural practices and mechanical or physical controls before resorting to biological or chemical controls. Monitoring weeds and properly identifying them is key to developing an effective long-term weed management plan tailored to each unique garden environment. Simple preventive practices like cleaning equipment, using weed-free soil amendments, and promoting healthy desired plants can help avoid weed problems.
The document discusses food chains and webs. It explains that producers, like plants, capture energy from the sun which is then consumed by primary consumers or herbivores. Secondary consumers or carnivores then consume the primary consumers, passing the energy up the food chain. Tertiary and quaternary consumers consume multiple trophic levels, forming complex food webs as organisms have multiple food sources and predators. Decomposers then break down waste and dead organisms, recycling nutrients back into the environment.
1) Plants rely on animals for pollination and seed dispersal. Most plants (about 90%) use animals like insects, birds, and other animals to transfer pollen between flowers and disperse seeds.
2) Seed dispersal is important for plants to prevent overcrowding and allow for new plant colonies to form. Seeds are dispersed through fruits that enable transport by various vectors.
3) Many plants have evolved traits like colorful flowers, scents, and patterns to attract specific pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and bats to transfer pollen between flowers. This benefits both the plants and the pollinator animals.
This document provides information on several native plant species suitable for gardens in coastal Southern California, including the Coastal Woodfern, Western Ladyfern, Great Polemonium, California Sweet Cicely, Splendid Gilia, and Coastal Onion. It describes their growth characteristics, uses in gardens, requirements for sun, soil and water, and how to propagate and care for each plant. The plants attract birds and pollinators and make good alternatives to non-native species.
This document discusses designing container gardens with California native plants. It provides examples of suitable native fern and herbaceous perennial plants for shady container gardens, including western sword fern, coastal wood fern, western lady fern, and great polemonium. The document emphasizes choosing a unifying theme, using foliage as a background, and repeating plants to tie the design together in limited space container gardens.
1) Native bees and honey bees are important pollinators for both natural ecosystems and agriculture. A diversity of pollinator species is needed to ensure reliable and abundant pollination.
2) While honey bees are valuable pollinators, many native bee species are more efficient pollinators on a per-bee basis for certain crops. Native bees have evolved close relationships with native plant species.
3) Conserving and restoring pollinator habitat, including providing nesting sites and food sources like nectar and pollen plants, benefits both agriculture and biodiversity. Even small urban gardens can help support local pollinator populations.
This document discusses pests that can affect garden plants and provides an overview of integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is a strategy that uses cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical practices to manage pests in a way that minimizes risks to health and environment. The document outlines IPM principles including setting thresholds, monitoring pests, using prevention first before resorting to least-toxic controls. Specific pests like aphids, whiteflies and their management are discussed.
This document discusses using California native perennial plants in gardens. It notes that perennials are plants that live more than two years and have soft above-ground foliage that dies back during dormant periods. The document distinguishes between herbaceous perennials and sub-shrubs, noting sub-shrubs are partially woody. When growing herbaceous perennials native to other regions in local Southern California gardens, the plants may not go dormant as expected since the drought or cold conditions that induce dormancy are absent. The document suggests native perennials could enhance maturing gardens but notes inspiration from other regions may not match the "New California Gardens" style.
1) The document discusses promoting pollinators and gardening with native plants. It notes that over 80% of crop plants depend on pollination.
2) Pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds are at risk due to factors like habitat loss and pesticide use. This threatens both ecosystems and food production.
3) The document recommends gardening with native plants that provide food for pollinators, leaving areas for their reproduction, and limiting pesticide use to protect pollinators.
The document discusses planning and creating pollinator gardens to support native pollinators. It provides information on different types of pollinators and their importance in ecosystems and agriculture. It outlines best practices for pollinator gardens, including planting native plants that provide food and habitat throughout the seasons. Specific plant recommendations are made, including California buckwheat. The document also describes how a small, urban garden was designed as a pollinator haven, using trees, shrubs and vertical space creatively. Toyon is highlighted for its pollinator value and adaptability to different garden uses.
This document discusses integrated pest management strategies for gardening with native plants. It defines what a pest is from a human perspective and explains predator/prey relationships in nature. When non-native plants are grown in monocultures with excessive water and fertilizer, they are more susceptible to pests. The document recommends using native plants adapted to the local environment, planting a variety of species, and implementing cultural practices like proper watering to prevent pest problems. Integrated pest management is presented as a strategy that uses biological, cultural and chemical controls, with the least hazardous methods employed first. Specific pests like aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs that affect native plants are described along with monitoring and control recommendations.
Garden warfare - How Plants Protect Themselvescvadheim
This document discusses plant defenses against pests and invaders. It begins by explaining why understanding plant defenses is interesting and may improve gardening. It then discusses how plants are primary producers but also protect themselves through physical barriers and defense chemicals. Many defense chemicals are phytochemicals that plants use for chemical warfare. The document focuses on the allelochemical juglone produced by walnut trees, which is toxic to many other plants and insects but stored in walnut trees in a non-toxic form. Understanding plant defenses can help gardeners deal with issues like allelopathy. The document concludes by mentioning some other native plants with allelopathic properties.
1) The document discusses how to attract birds to gardens by understanding their habitat needs and preferences. Different bird species have different diet and habitat preferences, from generalists to specialists.
2) Seed-eating birds are an important group for gardens. Their bills have adapted for cracking and eating seeds efficiently. Common seed sources for birds include annual wildflowers and grasses.
3) Everlasting plants like cudweed are good garden plants for birds because their seeds are a valuable food source in summer and fall. Their flowers also provide habitat and nectar for insects eaten by birds.
This document provides an overview of key botanic concepts for Southern California gardeners. It discusses plant taxonomy and scientific naming, describing plant anatomy and morphology. Specific topics covered include plant life stages, pollination, inflorescence types, and the pollinators of Hollyleaf redberry. Examples are given of scientific names and terminology for better identifying and understanding local native plants.
This document discusses using native plants for teas and beverages. It provides information on wild mint and its uses in tea and other drinks. Details are given on growing mint in gardens and harvesting it for drying or fresh use. Other plants mentioned that can be used for beverages include wild rose, pitcher sage, and hummingbird sage. The document discusses preparing and using dried leaves and other plant parts to make herbal teas and infusions. Medicinal properties and cultivation requirements are covered for some of the profiled plants.
This document discusses planning and designing gardens to attract and support pollinators. It explains that pollinators play a key role in ecosystems and agriculture, but many species are at risk. The document provides guidance on choosing plant species that provide pollen and nectar sources. Native plants that attract pollinators include California buckwheat and sage. Even small urban gardens can be made more pollinator-friendly by including flowering trees, shrubs, vines and climbers to provide resources throughout the seasons.
First Two Years in Water-wise Garden - Notescvadheim
1) The first two years of establishing native plants in a garden can be challenging as the plants adjust from nursery to garden conditions. During this establishment phase, plants need increased watering and care compared to their long term watering needs.
2) The document provides several tips for watering during the critical establishment phase, including watering as needed based on the plant's ideal "water zone", monitoring soil moisture, and using low-frequency, deep watering methods. Close attention is needed to ensure new plants have enough water to survive their first two summers with less developed root systems.
3) While watering needs vary between species and garden conditions, the document recommends treating all new plants as "water zone 3
The document describes the progression of a native garden called Mother Nature's Montrose Garden over several years from 2018-2022. It started with establishing native plants like a hedgerow in 2019. In subsequent years, more native shrubs, perennials and vegetables were planted, along with gravel paths. By 2022, the hedgerow had filled in and bare spots were left for ground-nesting animals, providing food and habitat for local wildlife.
1) Native bees and honey bees are important pollinators for both natural ecosystems and agriculture. A diversity of pollinator species is needed to ensure reliable and abundant pollination.
2) While honey bees are valuable pollinators, many native bee species are more efficient pollinators on a per-bee basis for certain crops. Native bees have evolved close relationships with native plant species.
3) Conserving and restoring pollinator habitat, including providing nesting sites and food sources like nectar and pollen plants, benefits both agriculture and biodiversity. Even small urban gardens can help support local pollinator populations.
This document discusses pests that can affect garden plants and provides an overview of integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is a strategy that uses cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical practices to manage pests in a way that minimizes risks to health and environment. The document outlines IPM principles including setting thresholds, monitoring pests, using prevention first before resorting to least-toxic controls. Specific pests like aphids, whiteflies and their management are discussed.
This document discusses using California native perennial plants in gardens. It notes that perennials are plants that live more than two years and have soft above-ground foliage that dies back during dormant periods. The document distinguishes between herbaceous perennials and sub-shrubs, noting sub-shrubs are partially woody. When growing herbaceous perennials native to other regions in local Southern California gardens, the plants may not go dormant as expected since the drought or cold conditions that induce dormancy are absent. The document suggests native perennials could enhance maturing gardens but notes inspiration from other regions may not match the "New California Gardens" style.
1) The document discusses promoting pollinators and gardening with native plants. It notes that over 80% of crop plants depend on pollination.
2) Pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds are at risk due to factors like habitat loss and pesticide use. This threatens both ecosystems and food production.
3) The document recommends gardening with native plants that provide food for pollinators, leaving areas for their reproduction, and limiting pesticide use to protect pollinators.
The document discusses planning and creating pollinator gardens to support native pollinators. It provides information on different types of pollinators and their importance in ecosystems and agriculture. It outlines best practices for pollinator gardens, including planting native plants that provide food and habitat throughout the seasons. Specific plant recommendations are made, including California buckwheat. The document also describes how a small, urban garden was designed as a pollinator haven, using trees, shrubs and vertical space creatively. Toyon is highlighted for its pollinator value and adaptability to different garden uses.
This document discusses integrated pest management strategies for gardening with native plants. It defines what a pest is from a human perspective and explains predator/prey relationships in nature. When non-native plants are grown in monocultures with excessive water and fertilizer, they are more susceptible to pests. The document recommends using native plants adapted to the local environment, planting a variety of species, and implementing cultural practices like proper watering to prevent pest problems. Integrated pest management is presented as a strategy that uses biological, cultural and chemical controls, with the least hazardous methods employed first. Specific pests like aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs that affect native plants are described along with monitoring and control recommendations.
Garden warfare - How Plants Protect Themselvescvadheim
This document discusses plant defenses against pests and invaders. It begins by explaining why understanding plant defenses is interesting and may improve gardening. It then discusses how plants are primary producers but also protect themselves through physical barriers and defense chemicals. Many defense chemicals are phytochemicals that plants use for chemical warfare. The document focuses on the allelochemical juglone produced by walnut trees, which is toxic to many other plants and insects but stored in walnut trees in a non-toxic form. Understanding plant defenses can help gardeners deal with issues like allelopathy. The document concludes by mentioning some other native plants with allelopathic properties.
1) The document discusses how to attract birds to gardens by understanding their habitat needs and preferences. Different bird species have different diet and habitat preferences, from generalists to specialists.
2) Seed-eating birds are an important group for gardens. Their bills have adapted for cracking and eating seeds efficiently. Common seed sources for birds include annual wildflowers and grasses.
3) Everlasting plants like cudweed are good garden plants for birds because their seeds are a valuable food source in summer and fall. Their flowers also provide habitat and nectar for insects eaten by birds.
This document provides an overview of key botanic concepts for Southern California gardeners. It discusses plant taxonomy and scientific naming, describing plant anatomy and morphology. Specific topics covered include plant life stages, pollination, inflorescence types, and the pollinators of Hollyleaf redberry. Examples are given of scientific names and terminology for better identifying and understanding local native plants.
This document discusses using native plants for teas and beverages. It provides information on wild mint and its uses in tea and other drinks. Details are given on growing mint in gardens and harvesting it for drying or fresh use. Other plants mentioned that can be used for beverages include wild rose, pitcher sage, and hummingbird sage. The document discusses preparing and using dried leaves and other plant parts to make herbal teas and infusions. Medicinal properties and cultivation requirements are covered for some of the profiled plants.
This document discusses planning and designing gardens to attract and support pollinators. It explains that pollinators play a key role in ecosystems and agriculture, but many species are at risk. The document provides guidance on choosing plant species that provide pollen and nectar sources. Native plants that attract pollinators include California buckwheat and sage. Even small urban gardens can be made more pollinator-friendly by including flowering trees, shrubs, vines and climbers to provide resources throughout the seasons.
First Two Years in Water-wise Garden - Notescvadheim
1) The first two years of establishing native plants in a garden can be challenging as the plants adjust from nursery to garden conditions. During this establishment phase, plants need increased watering and care compared to their long term watering needs.
2) The document provides several tips for watering during the critical establishment phase, including watering as needed based on the plant's ideal "water zone", monitoring soil moisture, and using low-frequency, deep watering methods. Close attention is needed to ensure new plants have enough water to survive their first two summers with less developed root systems.
3) While watering needs vary between species and garden conditions, the document recommends treating all new plants as "water zone 3
The document describes the progression of a native garden called Mother Nature's Montrose Garden over several years from 2018-2022. It started with establishing native plants like a hedgerow in 2019. In subsequent years, more native shrubs, perennials and vegetables were planted, along with gravel paths. By 2022, the hedgerow had filled in and bare spots were left for ground-nesting animals, providing food and habitat for local wildlife.
The garden is a showcase of plants that thrive during different seasons of the year. In spring, tulips and daffodils bloom while summer brings tomatoes, peppers and flowers like zinnias and marigolds. The garden allows visitors to observe how the landscape changes throughout the year as different flowers, vegetables and trees transition between seasons.
Lance-leaf Coreopsis is a herbaceous perennial wildflower native to eastern North America and the Midwest. It has bright green, lacy foliage and produces numerous flat yellow ray and disc flowers from May through the warm season. It is drought tolerant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Lance-leaf Coreopsis is often used in mixed flower beds, prairie plantings, and near paths or vegetable gardens where it provides cover and food for birds. It requires full sun to part shade and any well-drained soil in water zones 2-3.
Sulfur-flowered buckwheat is a perennial sub-shrub native to western North America. It has rounded evergreen leaves and produces bright sulfur yellow flowers from late spring to summer that attract pollinators. It is drought tolerant and well-suited for hot, dry conditions in gardens, making it a sensible substitute for non-native water-wise plants. As a habitat plant, it provides food and cover for birds and small animals. Sulfur-flowered buckwheat requires full sun, rocky soil, very occasional water, and little other maintenance once established.
Redosier dogwood is a native shrub that grows well along streams, lakes, and forest openings throughout much of northern North America. It has upright stems, oval green leaves that turn yellow to purple in fall, and attractive red bark on young stems. Small white or cream flowers in late spring attract pollinators and produce small blue or white fruits that persist through winter providing food for birds. Redosier dogwood is often used for its winter color and fruit, and makes a good choice for hedges, wildlife habitat, or areas needing moisture tolerance like pond edges. It requires full sun to part shade and tolerates a variety of soil and water conditions with little other maintenance needed.
This document discusses the seasonal characteristics of the plant Krascheninnikovia lanata, noting that it flowers in winter, produces seeds in summer as a summer plant, grows new leaves, and its fall foliage and seeds are also mentioned, with a late fall mention of it being seen alongside Purple Coneflower.
Winterfat is a perennial sub-shrub native to western North America that grows from 1-3 feet tall. It has small, narrow gray-green leaves with wooly hairs that provide foliage year-round and turn gold in color. Small wind-pollinated flowers bloom late spring through summer. Winterfat is drought tolerant and can grow in a variety of soils and elevations from 1000-9000 feet. It requires full sun and little water once established. Winterfat provides excellent habitat for birds and winter browse for animals.
Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as blue grama, is a warm season perennial grass native to North America. A cultivar of blue grama called 'Blond Ambition' was developed to have attractive blond-colored flowers and foliage throughout the growing season, making it a showier selection for ornamental grass gardens and drought-tolerant landscaping. 'Blond Ambition' remains a low-growing grass reaching only 6-12 inches in height.
Blue grama is a native perennial grass found throughout western North America. It grows 1-2 feet tall and wide, forming individual bunches or a turf-like sod. The fine-textured green leaves fade to tan during summer drought but green up again with rain. From May to August it produces red-purple flowers that form into seed-heads resembling tiny brushes. Blue grama can be used as an ornamental grass, in meadows, rock gardens, or as a low-maintenance native turf grass. It provides habitat and food for birds and butterflies.
This document discusses three cultivars of Philadelphus lewisii, or mock orange, that were planted and observed for one year in Montrose, Colorado. The cultivars discussed are 'Blizzard', which was planted and observed for one year, and 'Cheyenne', which was also planted and observed for one year.
This document discusses water zone (hydro-zone) gardening, which involves grouping plants together based on their water needs. This allows a gardener to save water by reducing irrigation in some areas while providing each plant with the water it requires. The document outlines four water zones based on annual precipitation: zone 1 for little to no irrigation (<10 inches/year), zone 2 for infrequent water (10-20 inches/year), zone 3 for occasional water (20-30 inches/year), and zone 4 for regular water (>30 inches/year). It provides examples of plant types and suitable irrigation methods for each zone. The document encourages gardeners to analyze their yard conditions and existing plant water needs to determine the best layout of
The document provides tips for planting native plants successfully. It recommends moistening the soil before planting. It also suggests digging a hole slightly wider than the plant's pot and not amending the soil. The tips include gently removing the plant from the pot, loosening its roots, ensuring the potting soil is level with the ground, firmly filling in the hole with soil, and watering in the new plant.
Epilobium canum is a species of flowering plant known as Hummingbird Trumpet. It is a perennial herb native to western North America that grows upright stems up to 3 feet tall. The plant produces tubular red flowers in summer that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Chocolate flower is a perennial herb native to parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It grows 1-2 feet tall and wide, with gray-green leaves and sunflower-like yellow flowers that open during cool parts of the day, emitting a scent of dark chocolate. It is drought tolerant, requiring full sun and well-drained soil, and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds. It makes a good choice for hot, dry gardens as a border plant, in rock gardens, or to attract wildlife.
Mentha arvensis, commonly known as wild mint or field mint, is a species of mint that grows wild in fields and other grassy areas in much of Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from a creeping rhizome system and produces pink or white flowers and aromatic leaves that have a minty scent similar to cultivated mint varieties. The leaves and flowering tops are sometimes used fresh or dried as a culinary herb to flavor foods and beverages.
Wild mint is a perennial herb that spreads via rhizomes to form large colonies. It has bright green, crinkled leaves with a strong mint scent and tiny white to pink bell-shaped flowers. Wild mint grows well in moist areas at higher elevations and spreads easily, so it is best grown in containers. It can be used to make tea or flavor cooking and repels insects. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its nectar and it provides good habitat for birds. Wild mint requires full sun, tolerates a range of soil pH, and regular watering.
Golden currant is a shrub in the gooseberry family that produces yellow flowers in early spring followed by small red berries. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Golden currant provides early nectar for pollinators and its fall foliage color ranges from yellow to orange.
Silver buffaloberry is a shrub native to western North America. It produces edible berries and its leaves are used medicinally by some Native American tribes. The document provides a one sentence description of the plant Shepherdia argentea and indicates it is from the year 2019.
10. 1/6/2013
Western Yarrow – Achilla millefolia Western Yarrow can be used in many ways!
Found in most of CA Slopes, hillsides
60-100 species of Achillia Mixtures
worldwide – northern
hemisphere Good garden plant for fresh or dry
floral arrangements
In CA, found in seasonally wet
places: Foliage is pleasantly fragrant when
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,615,616 crushed – used for tea, medicinals
Meadows and pastures
Along stream edges Can be mowed to form a highly
In sand dunes competitive ground cover to
control soil erosion.
Along alkali sinks
On coastal strand Flowers!!!
In coastal grasslands
In Coastal Sage Scrub and Good butterfly/insect plant
Chaparral
http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/di/astera/achil/achimilv.jpg J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Success with Yarrow Why Yarrow makes a good lawn substitute
is almost guaranteed
Spreads quickly, giving good
Yarrow can endure dry, cover
impoverished soil Super for banks and other areas
that can’t easily be mowed
Survives with little
maintenance – neglect Spreading habit inhibits weeds
Best in full sun; grows but less Can be mowed – occasionally and
flowering in shade on high setting w/ rotary mower
A true perennial taking two Companion plant – attracts
beneficial insects, repels others
years to become established
Does well on poor, dry, sandy
Included in most commercial soils where other plants grow
mixed ‘native lawn’ mixes poorly
http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/yarrow.JPG
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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