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Gardening with Native Plants - Victoria, British Columbia

This guide provides information on creating gardens using native plants that attract birds and butterflies on Vancouver Island. It lists the top 10 native plant picks that are beautiful, hardy and readily available including oceanspray, tall Oregon grape, broad-leaved stonecrop, and woolly sunflower. The guide also includes a plant table with information on 40 native species, their characteristics, compatible plants and suggested uses.

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Create beautiful, easy-to-maintain naturescapes that attract birds and butterflies by Gardening with Native Plants Inside... • Top Ten Plants • Controlling Weeds • Attracting Birds & Butterflies • Create Habitat for Wildlife • Garden Design Tips • How to Save Water & Money 316-620 View St. | Victoria, B.C. | 250.995.2428 | www.hat.bc.ca | Volume 9 Issue 2
30 17 What is a Naturescape? Many Vancouver Island residents want attractive, easy to maintain, drought tolerant gardens that attract birds and butterflies. The best plant 25 choices for gardens are often the native plants that thrive naturally in our 35 region. A native plant includes those species that were here prior to European settlement. Rewarding and dynamic, “naturescapes” are functional gardens that reflect the native richness and beauty of our unique region. This guide will help you improve your garden: the best plants, design tips, recommended nurseries, and other expert recommendations are inside. Why are native plants great for gardens? 7 South-eastern Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s top nature hot spots, but our rare native ecosystems like the Garry Oak meadows and older Coastal Douglas Fir forests are now gone from over 95 percent of their former range due to urban development. Invasive introduced plants escaping from gardens are quickly changing natural habitats for the worse. Creating a naturescape (native plant garden) on your land is part of the solution to habitat loss. The actions of many individual landowners can make a big difference for wildlife in our region. A changing climate and booming population growth are forcing communities to rethink our prolific outdoor water 13 use. Using showy native plants in your garden can also save you time and money; forget about watering, artificial fertilizers, and toxic pesticides. Because native plants have evolved in this climate for countless generations, they attract local song birds and insect pollinators. The various plants in this guide fit into any type of garden setting. How to use this guide 5 Numbers on photos refer to information in the Plant Table (centrefold). The table provides information on plant characteristics, uses, and suggested species combinations. Look for the insert page that lists gardening resources including plant suppliers, demonstration sites, and websites. Bring this guide to your favorite nursery and show them what species you want. Avoid cultivated varieties or introduced plants with similar names to be sure local wildlife can use them. Find a native species to replace invaders and thirsty plants in your garden. 6 24 39 11
Top Ten Naturescape Plants Just getting started? HAT’s Top Ten plant picks are beautiful, hardy, and readily available. Start small: Establish your garden with these plants during the fall rains to get a jump on the summer dry season. Oceanspray Tall Oregon Grape This beautiful shrub thrives in poor Blue edible berries, big yellow soils, drought, and salt spray. Plant blooms, and shiny leaves in one it on a dry slope to prevent ero- drought tolerant perennial! Plant sion and attract seed eating birds. several behind low shrubs, around Lorquin’s admiral loves the creamy foundations, and in thickets. Spiny flower tufts that become orange- leaves, creeping rhizomes and up- 14 brown seed heads in winter. 19 right habit creates a people barrier or evergreen hedge. Broad-leaved Stonecrop Rocky Mountain Juniper A low groundcover for hot & sunny Tough evergreen shrub or tree rock gardens, containers & garden replaces a thirsty cedar hedge and borders. Edible, succulent leaves can be planted on top of berms. range from sage green to red. A Excellent year-round privacy screen, hardy perennial, this plant’s showy food and cover for birds. Long-lived yellow flowers are a magnet for and aromatic, native junipers also 33 pollinators and hummingbirds. 8 come in creeping forms. Sword Fern Nodding Onion Attractive copper colored fiddle- A drift of this long-lasting lily lures heads in spring unfurl into tough, pollinators and butterflies for waist-high evergreen fronds. This months. Handles salt spray, wind, hardy perennial complements finer drought & poor, gravelly soils. Best foliage of groundcovers in partial for dry open woods, exposed sandy sun to shade. Other good native meadows & rock gardens where it 23 fern choices include Deer Fern and 26 spreads quickly. Licorice Fern. Red Flowering Currant Woolly Sunflower Hummingbirds feed from brilliant Bees and butterflies will party pink to red blooms in the spring, around showy drifts of intense yel- and other birds enjoy currants in low that lasts all summer. Perennial the fall. A showy specimen plant with light green, velvety foliage en- or massed in the back border, this joys dry shallow soils and looks great shrub is a gardeners favorite. in banks, rockeries, and borders. 12 32 False Lily of the Valley Kinnikinnick Low, shade loving groundcover fea- An early blooming, trailing ever- tures small white perfumed flowers green ground cover with red berries and creeping rhizomes. Greenish in winter for birds. Best for pave- berries turn red in winter. Drifts ment edges & dry, sunny slopes. of shiny spade shaped leaves look Creeping branches cover walls and great with strawberry, sword fern tolerate foot traffic. A caterpillar 40 and bleeding heart. Grows under 29 host and hummingbird feeder, this cedar too. plant dresses up any site. Habitat Acquisition Trust • Creating Conservation Legacies • 250.995.2428 • www.hat.bc.ca
38 2 20 37 4 1 10 15 3 21 31 9 18 Plant Table Ref Common Name Ref Common Name Botanical Name Botanical Name Goes Well With Goes Well With Max Height Max Height Soil: Dry • Moist • Soil: Dry • Moist • Light: Shade • Sun • Light: Shade • Sun • Bloom Bloom Characteristics Characteristics Plant descriptions, suggested uses, and additional species Plant descriptions, suggested uses, and additional species # # (Ref #) (Ref #) 100cm = 1m = 3.3 ft Well Drained 100cm = 1m = 3.3 ft Well Drained Partial Sun Partial Sun Period Period 1 Garry Oak Garry Oak Quercus garryana Quercus garryana 2, 3, 6, 14 2, 3, 6, 14 15 -- 30m 15 30m D, M, WD D, M, WD S, PS S, PS n/a n/a Slow-growing, can be a large tree or shrubby bush, leathery dark glossy leaves, acorns attract many species Slow-growing, can be a large tree or shrubby bush, leathery dark glossy leaves, acorns attract many species 2 Arbutus Arbutus Arbutus menziesii Arbutus menziesii 1, 3, 29, 32 1, 3, 29, 32 15 -- 20m 15 20m D, WD D, WD S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Fragrant showy white flower clusters, red berries, beautiful red and green peeling bark on smooth, curvy branches Fragrant showy white flower clusters, red berries, beautiful red and green peeling bark on smooth, curvy branches 3 Shore Pine Shore Pine Pinus contorta Pinus contorta 1, 2, 26, 29, 32 1, 2, 26, 29, 32 10 -- 15m 10 15m D, WD D, WD SS n/a n/a A seaside favorite! Handles salt, wind & poor soil, grows straight in average soil, bonzai in poor, acid soil A seaside favorite! Handles salt, wind & poor soil, grows straight in average soil, bonzai in poor, acid soil 4 Pacific Willow Pacific Willow Salix lucida Salix lucida 15, 17, 20, 24 15, 17, 20, 24 6 -- 15m 6 15m MM SS Apr-May Apr-May Create thickets near water, shade out weeds, and grow from cuttings. Also try: S. scouleriana, S. hookeriana Create thickets near water, shade out weeds, and grow from cuttings. Also try: S. scouleriana, S. hookeriana 5 Vine Maple Vine Maple Acer circinatum Acer circinatum 11, 16, 22, 38 11, 16, 22, 38 3 -- 7m 3 7m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Apr Apr Red flowers in spring, red leaves in autumn, resprouts from roots. Forms tree in open, more shrubby in shade Red flowers in spring, red leaves in autumn, resprouts from roots. Forms tree in open, more shrubby in shade 6 Cascara Cascara Rhamnus purshiana Rhamnus purshiana 2, 11, 22, 23 2, 11, 22, 23 8 -- 10m 8 10m MM PS PS May-Jun May-Jun Grows well on wet, disturbed sites, inconspicuous flowers produce blue-black berries. Bark is powerful laxative Grows well on wet, disturbed sites, inconspicuous flowers produce blue-black berries. Bark is powerful laxative 7 Black Hawthorn Black Hawthorn Crataegus douglasii Crataegus douglasii 13,16, 23, 24 13,16, 23, 24 6 -- 8m 6 8m MM S, PS S, PS May May Copious thorns resist beavers. White flowers, black berries, small tree or broad shrub likes organic soil. scarlet in autumn Copious thorns resist beavers. White flowers, black berries, small tree or broad shrub likes organic soil. scarlet in autumn trees 8 Rocky Mountain Juniper Rocky Mountain Juniper Juniperus scopulorum Juniperus scopulorum 10, 19, 32, 40 10, 19, 32, 40 6 -- 15m 6 15m D, M D, M SS n/a n/a Great for poor, rocky or sandy soils, tolerate salt spray, replace cedar hedge. Try J. communis for groundcover Great for poor, rocky or sandy soils, tolerate salt spray, replace cedar hedge. Try J. communis for groundcover 9 Sitka Mountain Ash Sitka Mountain Ash Sorbus sitchensis Sorbus sitchensis 7, 20, 35, 39 7, 20, 35, 39 1 -- 4m 1 4m MM S, PS S, PS Jun Jun White flower clusters, showy red fruit, red fall leaves, small tree or shrub with leaflets that don’t need raking up! White flower clusters, showy red fruit, red fall leaves, small tree or shrub with leaflets that don’t need raking up! 10 Saskatoon Saskatoon Amelanchier alnifolia Amelanchier alnifolia 12, 14, 16, 29 12, 14, 16, 29 1 -- 5m 1 5m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Showy white flowers, delicious fruit, spreading rhizomes. Drought, salt and clay tolerant. Deer browse leaves Showy white flowers, delicious fruit, spreading rhizomes. Drought, salt and clay tolerant. Deer browse leaves 11 Indian Plum Indian Plum Oemleria cerasiformis Oemleria cerasiformis 17,15, 20, 24 17,15, 20, 24 1.5 -- 5m 1.5 5m D, M D, M Sh, PS Sh, PS Mar Mar Hedge or borders, very early flowering, cucumber-tasting plums in May; use male & female plants to ensure fruiting Hedge or borders, very early flowering, cucumber-tasting plums in May; use male & female plants to ensure fruiting 12 Red-flowering Currant Red-flowering Currant Ribes sanguineum Ribes sanguineum 10, 11, 16, 29 10, 11, 16, 29 1 -- 3m 1 3m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Very showy with early blooms, no thorns, crinkly maple-like leaves on a compact shrub. Dark fruits eaten by birds Very showy with early blooms, no thorns, crinkly maple-like leaves on a compact shrub. Dark fruits eaten by birds 13 Nootka Rose Nootka Rose Rosa nutkana Rosa nutkana 7, 19, 20 7, 19, 20 0.5 -- 3m 0.5 3m M, WD M, WD S, PS S, PS May-Jul May-Jul Large, fragrant, lilac-pink flowers, large rose hips are reddish-orange, stabilizes stream banks, keeps people at bay Large, fragrant, lilac-pink flowers, large rose hips are reddish-orange, stabilizes stream banks, keeps people at bay 14 Oceanspray Oceanspray Holodiscus discolor Holodiscus discolor 16, 19, 23, 34 16, 19, 23, 34 1 -- 4m 1 4m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Jul-Aug Jul-Aug Big, showy flower clusters become puffball orange-brown seed heads. Grows taller in shade. Top ten pick! Big, showy flower clusters become puffball orange-brown seed heads. Grows taller in shade. Top ten pick! 15 Red Elderberry Red Elderberry Sambucus racemosa Sambucus racemosa 17, 18, 20, 24 17, 18, 20, 24 2 -- 4m 2 4m MM PS PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Fast growing shrub, showy white flower clusters attract hummingbirds, shiny red berry clusters and big leaves Fast growing shrub, showy white flower clusters attract hummingbirds, shiny red berry clusters and big leaves 16 Mock Orange Mock Orange Philadelphus lewisii Philadelphus lewisii 11, 14, 22, 29 11, 14, 22, 29 3m 3m D, WD D, WD S, PS S, PS May-Jun May-Jun Early fragrant white flowers, fast-growing, adaptable, broad upright shrub. Dense seasonal screening Early fragrant white flowers, fast-growing, adaptable, broad upright shrub. Dense seasonal screening 17 Red-osier Dogwood Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea Cornus sericea 13, 15, 19, 20 13, 15, 19, 20 1 -- 5m 1 5m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS May-Jun May-Jun Hardy, fast-growing, white flowers, showy red twigs, brilliant red fall leaves, fruit is white to bluish Hardy, fast-growing, white flowers, showy red twigs, brilliant red fall leaves, fruit is white to bluish 18 Thimbleberry Thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus Rubus parviflorus 11, 15, 20, 24 11, 15, 20, 24 1.5 -- 3m 1.5 3m MM Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Jun-Jul Jun-Jul Large, fragrant pink flower produces sweet berries. Spreading streamside shrub forms thickets with snowberry Large, fragrant pink flower produces sweet berries. Spreading streamside shrub forms thickets with snowberry 19 Tall Oregon Grape Tall Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium Mahonia aquifolium 12, 13 ,23, 24 12, 13 ,23, 24 1 -- 2m 1 2m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Highly recommended! Tough holly-like leaves, yellow flower clusters, edible blue-black berries, dry slope stabilizer Highly recommended! Tough holly-like leaves, yellow flower clusters, edible blue-black berries, dry slope stabilizer shrubs 20 Pacific Ninebark Pacific Ninebark Physocarpus capitatus Physocarpus capitatus 11, 15, 17, 18 11, 15, 17, 18 3 -- 4m 3 4m MM Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Jun Jun “Snowball bush” likes wet, open places like streams and lake shores, excellent for securing slopes. Attractive bark “Snowball bush” likes wet, open places like streams and lake shores, excellent for securing slopes. Attractive bark 21 Evergreen Huckleberry Evergreen Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum Vaccinium ovatum 19, 23, 34, 39 19, 23, 34, 39 1 -- 2m 1 2m D, M D, M Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr-May Apr-May Bushy with leathery, shiny, leaves, pink, bell-shaped flowers, sweet, glossy edible purple berries -- harvest after frost Bushy with leathery, shiny, leaves, pink, bell-shaped flowers, sweet, glossy edible purple berries harvest after frost 22 Trumpet Honeysuckle Trumpet Honeysuckle Lonicera ciliosa Lonicera ciliosa 5, 6 ,, 10, 16 5, 6 10, 16 up to 10m up to 10m D, WD D, WD Sh, PS Sh, PS May-Jul May-Jul A vigorous vine with orange tubular flowers followed by clusters of red berries in the fall. Climbs decks and trees A vigorous vine with orange tubular flowers followed by clusters of red berries in the fall. Climbs decks and trees 23 Sword Fern Sword Fern Polystichum munitum Polystichum munitum 5, 24, 38, 39 5, 24, 38, 39 0.3 -- 1.2m 0.3 1.2m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS n/a n/a Grows fast, protects shady slopes, adapts to sun, glossy leathery dense fronds provide cover for amphibians Grows fast, protects shady slopes, adapts to sun, glossy leathery dense fronds provide cover for amphibians 24 Salal Salal Gaultheria shallon Gaultheria shallon 19, 23, 38, 39 19, 23, 38, 39 1 -- 1.5m 1 1.5m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Mar-Jul Mar-Jul Excellent cover for shade and sandy soils, Berries make delicious jelly. Tough, shiny leaves can be pruned back. Excellent cover for shade and sandy soils, Berries make delicious jelly. Tough, shiny leaves can be pruned back. 25 Aster Aster Aster conspicuus Aster conspicuus 12, 30, 31, 32 12, 30, 31, 32 35 -- 80cm 35 80cm D, M D, M SS Jul -Aug Jul -Aug Bumblebees love the violet blooms with yellow centers, creeping rhizome fills perennial beds Bumblebees love the violet blooms with yellow centers, creeping rhizome fills perennial beds 26 Nodding Onion Nodding Onion Allium cernuum Allium cernuum 27, 28, 29, 30 27, 28, 29, 30 20 -- 40cm 20 40cm D D SS Jun-Aug Jun-Aug Pollinators’ delight! Bulbs multiply quickly in sandy soil & rockeries, showy long season bloomer. Easy transplant Pollinators’ delight! Bulbs multiply quickly in sandy soil & rockeries, showy long season bloomer. Easy transplant 27 Great Camas & other lilies Great Camas & other lilies Camassia leichtlinii Camassia leichtlinii 1, ,2, 28, 30, 32 1, ,2, 28, 30, 32 30 -- 70cm 30 70cm D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Edible bulbs multiply quickly, attractive seed heads for meadows, mix with Common Camas, Fawn lily, Tiger Lily, etc Edible bulbs multiply quickly, attractive seed heads for meadows, mix with Common Camas, Fawn lily, Tiger Lily, etc 28 Coastal Strawberry Coastal Strawberry Fragaria chiloensis Fragaria chiloensis 26, 29, 31, 32 26, 29, 31, 32 5 -- 15cm 5 15cm D WD D WD S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Tasty groundcover with white flowers and sweet berries. Try F. virginiana or F. vesca for shade. Transplant runners Tasty groundcover with white flowers and sweet berries. Try F. virginiana or F. vesca for shade. Transplant runners 29 Kinnikinnick Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 3, 26, 28, 33 3, 26, 28, 33 5 -- 15cm 5 15cm D, WD D, WD S, PS S, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Salt tolerant groundcover forms large mats, takes trampling & gravelly soils. Covers walls, rockeries. Red berries Salt tolerant groundcover forms large mats, takes trampling & gravelly soils. Covers walls, rockeries. Red berries 30 Pearly Everlasting Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea Anaphalis margaritacea 25, 27, 31 25, 27, 31 30 -- 60cm 30 60cm D D S PS S PS Jul-Sept Jul-Sept Crisp papery flowers, long bloomer provides late season interest with yarrow and woolly sunflower Crisp papery flowers, long bloomer provides late season interest with yarrow and woolly sunflower 31 Yarrow Yarrow Achillea millefolium Achillea millefolium 26, 27, 31, 32 26, 27, 31, 32 30 -- 50cm 30 50cm D D S, PS S, PS Jun-Aug Jun-Aug Tough perennial, large, white, long lasting flower heads, low, feathery foliage Tough perennial, large, white, long lasting flower heads, low, feathery foliage 32 Woolly Sunflower Woolly Sunflower Eriophyllum lanatum Eriophyllum lanatum 3, 25, 27, 30 3, 25, 27, 30 10 -- 60cm 10 60cm D, WD D, WD SS May-Jul May-Jul Long blooming rockery plant with silver-green leaves. Drought tolerant & self-sowing when established. Excellent choice! Long blooming rockery plant with silver-green leaves. Drought tolerant & self-sowing when established. Excellent choice! 33 Broad-leaved Stonecrop Broad-leaved Stonecrop Sedum spathulifolium Sedum spathulifolium 26, 28, 29, 30 26, 28, 29, 30 15cm 15cm D, WD D, WD SS Jun-Jul Jun-Jul Showy bright yellow flowers, succulent edible leaves, place in rock outcrops, on concrete. Salt tolerant Showy bright yellow flowers, succulent edible leaves, place in rock outcrops, on concrete. Salt tolerant 34 Low Oregon Grape Low Oregon Grape Mahonia nervosa Mahonia nervosa 12, 36, 37, 40 12, 36, 37, 40 40 -- 80cm 40 80cm D, M D, M Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr Apr Perennial creeping and low in full sun, erect and tall in semi-shade with larger leaves. Early flowers, tart berries Perennial creeping and low in full sun, erect and tall in semi-shade with larger leaves. Early flowers, tart berries 35 Fringecup Fringecup Tellima grandiflora Tellima grandiflora 23, 21, 24, 37 23, 21, 24, 37 40 -- 80cm 40 80cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Fragrant white flower spires rise from fuzzy, heart shaped leaves. spreading habit, resists slugs Fragrant white flower spires rise from fuzzy, heart shaped leaves. spreading habit, resists slugs ground cover 36 Red Columbine Red Columbine Aquilegia formosa Aquilegia formosa 24, 35, 38, 40 24, 35, 38, 40 40 -- 80cm 40 80cm WD WD Sh Sh May-Jun May-Jun Perennial adapts to rocky soils and can be used on steep banks, front of border plantings and streamsides Perennial adapts to rocky soils and can be used on steep banks, front of border plantings and streamsides 37 False Solomon’s Seal False Solomon’s Seal Smilacina racemosa Smilacina racemosa 23, 24, 39, 40 23, 24, 39, 40 30 -- 100cm 30 100cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Showy white flowers and red berries, ornamental foliage, shade-tolerant, easy to transplant Showy white flowers and red berries, ornamental foliage, shade-tolerant, easy to transplant 38 Pacific Bleeding Heart Pacific Bleeding Heart Dicentra formosa Dicentra formosa 21, 24, 27, 39 21, 24, 27, 39 25 -- 45cm 25 45cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Feb-Jul Feb-Jul Rose pink flowers extend above mounds of grey-green lacy foliage that spreads well in shady moist soils Rose pink flowers extend above mounds of grey-green lacy foliage that spreads well in shady moist soils 39 Wood Sorrel Wood Sorrel Oxalis oregana Oxalis oregana 23, 35, 38, 40 23, 35, 38, 40 5 -- 20cm 5 20cm MM Sh Sh May-Jul May-Jul Perennial with spreading rhizomes and dainty white flowers enjoyed by gnomes in drifts of soft clover leaves Perennial with spreading rhizomes and dainty white flowers enjoyed by gnomes in drifts of soft clover leaves 40 False Lily of the Valley False Lily of the Valley Maianthemum dilatatum Maianthemum dilatatum 23, 35, 36, 39 23, 35, 36, 39 15 -- 25cm 15 25cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Delicate white flowers followed by berries turning red in winter with glossy foliagepreads well in conifer mulch Delicate white flowers followed by berries turning red in winter with glossy foliagepreads well in conifer mulch attract butterflies attract hummingbirds shelter for wildlife food for wildlife food for people fall colour fall colour prevent erosion pollinators birds deer resistant hedge/privacy evergreen winter food Bring this guide to your nursery and ask for native plants Habitat Acquisition Trust • Creating Conservation Legacies • 250.995.2428 • www.hat.bc.ca
Gardening tips for the nature lover The three essentials: food, shelter and water. Seed and berry producing shrubs feed and shelter birds. Provide a variety of food sources through the seasons by leaving seed heads on plants. A water feature (protected from cats and hawks) will attract many types of birds and animals. Butterflies boycott pesticides. Feeding adults prefer certain plant species, but missing plants for caterpillars often restricts butterfly abundance. Plant poplar and willow, maintain areas of natural meadow, create a mud puddle, and tolerate some chewed leaves. Swallowtail caterpillars eat herbs with umbrella-like flowers including Spring Gold, Lomatiums, & Cow Parsnip. Some butterflies overwinter in the leaf litter that renews the soil. Plant tall sticks in sunny quiet spots for butterflies and dragonflies to rest. Don’t feed the deer. Choose aromatic plants with spiny foliage to control deer browsing. Our region’s very high deer population will eat the following only as a last resort: Salal, Oregon Grape, Sword Fern, Woolly Sunflower, and Kinnikinnick. Deer avoid sheltered pots of bloodmeal, but fencing is a sure solution. Let it Rot for wildlife. Keep some dead tree trunks and dead branches on living trees for woodpeckers, allow logs to rot in place for salamanders, and build a brush pile for squirrels. Rock piles, patches of long grass, and leaf litter are good habitat elements too. Downed wood holds valuable summer moisture and becomes organic soil that lets groundcovers thrive. Mulch from leaves is the best soil protection and fertilizer for native plants. Make a large wire leaf bin in the fall and then spread composted leaves around plants in the spring. Keep the pile moist and sprinkle with lime to speed composting. Fir cone mulch discourages digging cats, wood chips protect soil from compac- tion, and conifer needles make excellent pathway mulch. Fallen leaves and twigs are what fungi convert to soil; let nutrients recycle back to the plants that made them. Avoid peat moss: It is mined from bogs. Lawns consume the most effort, chemicals, and water of any landscape treatment. Reduce lawn area and top dress remaining turf with sifted compost in the early spring to promote healthy, spongy, drought tolerant soil. Compacted soil favours weeds and prevents water infiltration. Never drive vehicles on lawns or gardens during wet months. Easily convert lawns to garden beds by covering grass with 3 layers of re-used cardboard under 10 cm (4 in) of mulch (leaf mould, wood chip, bark bits, etc.). Raid the cardboard bin of a local appliance/bicycle retailer and cover up your weed patches too. Plant right through the cardboard in late winter to maximize drought hardiness of new plants. Never use unbiodegradable black plastic cloth as a weed barrier. Wildflower meadows can be mowed only after seed set (July) to encourage blooms. Light mulching in late winter can help lily species (camas, onions, etc) compete with introduced grasses. Control weeds during the summer drought for maximum effect. Avoid weeding from Jan to July in Camas meadows (below). continued p.7 27 Landowners play an important role in habitat conservation - naturescape for wildlife!
Garden design Choose the right plant for the right spot. Your site may have sunny dry areas, shady moist places, or a 22 combination of both. Watch how water flows and how the sun moves across the sky, during all seasons. Choose plants that will grow only to the height you require, and make sure there is room to grow. Taller plants and soil mounds can enhance your site by creating a diversity of living conditions or microclimates. Whether you’re screening scenes, holding slopes, shading promenades, frocking rocks, or coordinating borders, there is a hardy and charming native plant for the job. Most plants like a sunny moist site, but a shady dry site may require heavy mulching or irrigation to grow plants. Think in vertical layers to maximize your naturescape’s appeal for people and wildlife. Place ground covers beside lawn and hard surfaces, fol- lowed behind by herbs, ferns and bushes. Create shrub thickets with small trees for vertical layers of shelter. 34 Shady Moist Site Sunny Dry Site If a space receives little or no direct sun, If a spot is hot and dry with plenty of direct choose plants that prefer those conditions. sun, choose only dry soil plants. In this A shiny groundcover of False Lily of the example, clumping Fescue grass is com- Valley looks great under bold Sword Ferns bined with Oregon grape and nodding and lacy Bleeding Heart. Columbine and onion to create a soft and color- Camas add some heat to cool greens. Avoid ful ground cover under Shore Pine. planting under roof lines as they are too dry. 36 Coastal Strawberry and Kinnikinnick will 28 thrive in harsh conditions if you mulch in spring.. Are You Harbouring Aliens? Some introduced plants escape from gardens, grow into natural areas, and overwhelm native ecosystems. Avoid dumping garden waste in the woods. “Wildflower mix” contains many invasive weed species. Steer clear of known weedy species like English Holly and replace invaders (below) with similar native alternatives. lamium butterfly bush daphne st john’s wort english ivy periwinkle english holly Habitat Acquisition Trust • Creating Conservation Legacies • 250.995.2428 • www.hat.bc.ca
Gardening with Native Plants Gardening tips for the nature lover continued Get nursery-grown stock - plants in the wild already have a job. Container grown plants transplant well and grow faster. Your naturescape project will support the growing interest among residents and nurseries alike. Ask for plants sourced from Vancouver Island seed to ensure vigour and adaptability. Reputable nurseries are listed on the insert page. The Saanich Native Plant Salvage Program is a way for gardeners to rescue native plants from develop- ment sites. Lilies and ferns are easy to recover through authorized salvage opportunities. See insert for registration. When planting shrubs, make the hole larger than the root ball but keep the same depth as in the pot. To promote healthy growth, cut any roots that wrap around the root ball, and do not add soil amendments. Compact the soil around roots and mulch heavily without covering plant stems. Fish and frogs will thank you for cleaning up pet waste and preventing chemical fertilizer runoff from entering freshwater streams and wetlands. Green scum on ponds in summer is a sign of nutrient pollution. Shade ponds with trees to keep water cool and oxygen rich. Native shrub buffers protect stream banks and water quality while providing fish with insect food. Kids dig gardens! Naturescapes are fun places for children to learn through play and observation. Children enjoy edible berries and fragrant flowers, hiding spots in thickets, high perches, forts, catwalks, and tunnels. Share with them the wonders of spider webs and birds eggs. Nature is the best teacher; foster childrens’ curiosity through experiences that enrich their lives with meaning. Create a Conservation Legacy! Habitat Acquisition Trust P.O. Box 8552, Victoria, B.C. V8W 3S2 HAT is a strong voice for conservation in our unique region. Please consider joining HAT’s membership. We accept donations Phone: (250) 995-2428 to support our efforts to protect the community’s natural spaces. Fax: (250) 920-7975 email: hatmail@hat.bc.ca Habitat Acquisition Trust is a non-profit regional land trust and registered charitable society established in 1996. HAT’s mandate www.hat.bc.ca is to secure significant natural lands on southern Vancouver HAT’s office is located in Suite 316 at 620 View Street Island and the southern Gulf Islands through acquisition, conservation covenants, research, and community education. Habitat Acquisition Trust is incorporated under the Society Act of BC and is a Registered Charity BN 88962 6545 RR0001 Funding provided by The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Naturescape concept from Naturescape BC. Visit www.naturescapebc.ca for province-wide Naturescaping ideas. All photographs by Todd Carnahan Design: www.rippledesign.info 16 Printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper.

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Gardening with Native Plants - Victoria, British Columbia

  • 1.
    Create beautiful, easy-to-maintainnaturescapes that attract birds and butterflies by Gardening with Native Plants Inside... • Top Ten Plants • Controlling Weeds • Attracting Birds & Butterflies • Create Habitat for Wildlife • Garden Design Tips • How to Save Water & Money 316-620 View St. | Victoria, B.C. | 250.995.2428 | www.hat.bc.ca | Volume 9 Issue 2
  • 2.
    30 17 What is a Naturescape? Many Vancouver Island residents want attractive, easy to maintain, drought tolerant gardens that attract birds and butterflies. The best plant 25 choices for gardens are often the native plants that thrive naturally in our 35 region. A native plant includes those species that were here prior to European settlement. Rewarding and dynamic, “naturescapes” are functional gardens that reflect the native richness and beauty of our unique region. This guide will help you improve your garden: the best plants, design tips, recommended nurseries, and other expert recommendations are inside. Why are native plants great for gardens? 7 South-eastern Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s top nature hot spots, but our rare native ecosystems like the Garry Oak meadows and older Coastal Douglas Fir forests are now gone from over 95 percent of their former range due to urban development. Invasive introduced plants escaping from gardens are quickly changing natural habitats for the worse. Creating a naturescape (native plant garden) on your land is part of the solution to habitat loss. The actions of many individual landowners can make a big difference for wildlife in our region. A changing climate and booming population growth are forcing communities to rethink our prolific outdoor water 13 use. Using showy native plants in your garden can also save you time and money; forget about watering, artificial fertilizers, and toxic pesticides. Because native plants have evolved in this climate for countless generations, they attract local song birds and insect pollinators. The various plants in this guide fit into any type of garden setting. How to use this guide 5 Numbers on photos refer to information in the Plant Table (centrefold). The table provides information on plant characteristics, uses, and suggested species combinations. Look for the insert page that lists gardening resources including plant suppliers, demonstration sites, and websites. Bring this guide to your favorite nursery and show them what species you want. Avoid cultivated varieties or introduced plants with similar names to be sure local wildlife can use them. Find a native species to replace invaders and thirsty plants in your garden. 6 24 39 11
  • 3.
    Top Ten NaturescapePlants Just getting started? HAT’s Top Ten plant picks are beautiful, hardy, and readily available. Start small: Establish your garden with these plants during the fall rains to get a jump on the summer dry season. Oceanspray Tall Oregon Grape This beautiful shrub thrives in poor Blue edible berries, big yellow soils, drought, and salt spray. Plant blooms, and shiny leaves in one it on a dry slope to prevent ero- drought tolerant perennial! Plant sion and attract seed eating birds. several behind low shrubs, around Lorquin’s admiral loves the creamy foundations, and in thickets. Spiny flower tufts that become orange- leaves, creeping rhizomes and up- 14 brown seed heads in winter. 19 right habit creates a people barrier or evergreen hedge. Broad-leaved Stonecrop Rocky Mountain Juniper A low groundcover for hot & sunny Tough evergreen shrub or tree rock gardens, containers & garden replaces a thirsty cedar hedge and borders. Edible, succulent leaves can be planted on top of berms. range from sage green to red. A Excellent year-round privacy screen, hardy perennial, this plant’s showy food and cover for birds. Long-lived yellow flowers are a magnet for and aromatic, native junipers also 33 pollinators and hummingbirds. 8 come in creeping forms. Sword Fern Nodding Onion Attractive copper colored fiddle- A drift of this long-lasting lily lures heads in spring unfurl into tough, pollinators and butterflies for waist-high evergreen fronds. This months. Handles salt spray, wind, hardy perennial complements finer drought & poor, gravelly soils. Best foliage of groundcovers in partial for dry open woods, exposed sandy sun to shade. Other good native meadows & rock gardens where it 23 fern choices include Deer Fern and 26 spreads quickly. Licorice Fern. Red Flowering Currant Woolly Sunflower Hummingbirds feed from brilliant Bees and butterflies will party pink to red blooms in the spring, around showy drifts of intense yel- and other birds enjoy currants in low that lasts all summer. Perennial the fall. A showy specimen plant with light green, velvety foliage en- or massed in the back border, this joys dry shallow soils and looks great shrub is a gardeners favorite. in banks, rockeries, and borders. 12 32 False Lily of the Valley Kinnikinnick Low, shade loving groundcover fea- An early blooming, trailing ever- tures small white perfumed flowers green ground cover with red berries and creeping rhizomes. Greenish in winter for birds. Best for pave- berries turn red in winter. Drifts ment edges & dry, sunny slopes. of shiny spade shaped leaves look Creeping branches cover walls and great with strawberry, sword fern tolerate foot traffic. A caterpillar 40 and bleeding heart. Grows under 29 host and hummingbird feeder, this cedar too. plant dresses up any site. Habitat Acquisition Trust • Creating Conservation Legacies • 250.995.2428 • www.hat.bc.ca
  • 4.
    38 2 20 37 4 1 10 15 3 21 31 9 18 Plant Table Ref Common Name Ref Common Name Botanical Name Botanical Name Goes Well With Goes Well With Max Height Max Height Soil: Dry • Moist • Soil: Dry • Moist • Light: Shade • Sun • Light: Shade • Sun • Bloom Bloom Characteristics Characteristics Plant descriptions, suggested uses, and additional species Plant descriptions, suggested uses, and additional species # # (Ref #) (Ref #) 100cm = 1m = 3.3 ft Well Drained 100cm = 1m = 3.3 ft Well Drained Partial Sun Partial Sun Period Period 1 Garry Oak Garry Oak Quercus garryana Quercus garryana 2, 3, 6, 14 2, 3, 6, 14 15 -- 30m 15 30m D, M, WD D, M, WD S, PS S, PS n/a n/a Slow-growing, can be a large tree or shrubby bush, leathery dark glossy leaves, acorns attract many species Slow-growing, can be a large tree or shrubby bush, leathery dark glossy leaves, acorns attract many species 2 Arbutus Arbutus Arbutus menziesii Arbutus menziesii 1, 3, 29, 32 1, 3, 29, 32 15 -- 20m 15 20m D, WD D, WD S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Fragrant showy white flower clusters, red berries, beautiful red and green peeling bark on smooth, curvy branches Fragrant showy white flower clusters, red berries, beautiful red and green peeling bark on smooth, curvy branches 3 Shore Pine Shore Pine Pinus contorta Pinus contorta 1, 2, 26, 29, 32 1, 2, 26, 29, 32 10 -- 15m 10 15m D, WD D, WD SS n/a n/a A seaside favorite! Handles salt, wind & poor soil, grows straight in average soil, bonzai in poor, acid soil A seaside favorite! Handles salt, wind & poor soil, grows straight in average soil, bonzai in poor, acid soil 4 Pacific Willow Pacific Willow Salix lucida Salix lucida 15, 17, 20, 24 15, 17, 20, 24 6 -- 15m 6 15m MM SS Apr-May Apr-May Create thickets near water, shade out weeds, and grow from cuttings. Also try: S. scouleriana, S. hookeriana Create thickets near water, shade out weeds, and grow from cuttings. Also try: S. scouleriana, S. hookeriana 5 Vine Maple Vine Maple Acer circinatum Acer circinatum 11, 16, 22, 38 11, 16, 22, 38 3 -- 7m 3 7m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Apr Apr Red flowers in spring, red leaves in autumn, resprouts from roots. Forms tree in open, more shrubby in shade Red flowers in spring, red leaves in autumn, resprouts from roots. Forms tree in open, more shrubby in shade 6 Cascara Cascara Rhamnus purshiana Rhamnus purshiana 2, 11, 22, 23 2, 11, 22, 23 8 -- 10m 8 10m MM PS PS May-Jun May-Jun Grows well on wet, disturbed sites, inconspicuous flowers produce blue-black berries. Bark is powerful laxative Grows well on wet, disturbed sites, inconspicuous flowers produce blue-black berries. Bark is powerful laxative 7 Black Hawthorn Black Hawthorn Crataegus douglasii Crataegus douglasii 13,16, 23, 24 13,16, 23, 24 6 -- 8m 6 8m MM S, PS S, PS May May Copious thorns resist beavers. White flowers, black berries, small tree or broad shrub likes organic soil. scarlet in autumn Copious thorns resist beavers. White flowers, black berries, small tree or broad shrub likes organic soil. scarlet in autumn trees 8 Rocky Mountain Juniper Rocky Mountain Juniper Juniperus scopulorum Juniperus scopulorum 10, 19, 32, 40 10, 19, 32, 40 6 -- 15m 6 15m D, M D, M SS n/a n/a Great for poor, rocky or sandy soils, tolerate salt spray, replace cedar hedge. Try J. communis for groundcover Great for poor, rocky or sandy soils, tolerate salt spray, replace cedar hedge. Try J. communis for groundcover 9 Sitka Mountain Ash Sitka Mountain Ash Sorbus sitchensis Sorbus sitchensis 7, 20, 35, 39 7, 20, 35, 39 1 -- 4m 1 4m MM S, PS S, PS Jun Jun White flower clusters, showy red fruit, red fall leaves, small tree or shrub with leaflets that don’t need raking up! White flower clusters, showy red fruit, red fall leaves, small tree or shrub with leaflets that don’t need raking up! 10 Saskatoon Saskatoon Amelanchier alnifolia Amelanchier alnifolia 12, 14, 16, 29 12, 14, 16, 29 1 -- 5m 1 5m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Showy white flowers, delicious fruit, spreading rhizomes. Drought, salt and clay tolerant. Deer browse leaves Showy white flowers, delicious fruit, spreading rhizomes. Drought, salt and clay tolerant. Deer browse leaves 11 Indian Plum Indian Plum Oemleria cerasiformis Oemleria cerasiformis 17,15, 20, 24 17,15, 20, 24 1.5 -- 5m 1.5 5m D, M D, M Sh, PS Sh, PS Mar Mar Hedge or borders, very early flowering, cucumber-tasting plums in May; use male & female plants to ensure fruiting Hedge or borders, very early flowering, cucumber-tasting plums in May; use male & female plants to ensure fruiting 12 Red-flowering Currant Red-flowering Currant Ribes sanguineum Ribes sanguineum 10, 11, 16, 29 10, 11, 16, 29 1 -- 3m 1 3m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Very showy with early blooms, no thorns, crinkly maple-like leaves on a compact shrub. Dark fruits eaten by birds Very showy with early blooms, no thorns, crinkly maple-like leaves on a compact shrub. Dark fruits eaten by birds 13 Nootka Rose Nootka Rose Rosa nutkana Rosa nutkana 7, 19, 20 7, 19, 20 0.5 -- 3m 0.5 3m M, WD M, WD S, PS S, PS May-Jul May-Jul Large, fragrant, lilac-pink flowers, large rose hips are reddish-orange, stabilizes stream banks, keeps people at bay Large, fragrant, lilac-pink flowers, large rose hips are reddish-orange, stabilizes stream banks, keeps people at bay 14 Oceanspray Oceanspray Holodiscus discolor Holodiscus discolor 16, 19, 23, 34 16, 19, 23, 34 1 -- 4m 1 4m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Jul-Aug Jul-Aug Big, showy flower clusters become puffball orange-brown seed heads. Grows taller in shade. Top ten pick! Big, showy flower clusters become puffball orange-brown seed heads. Grows taller in shade. Top ten pick! 15 Red Elderberry Red Elderberry Sambucus racemosa Sambucus racemosa 17, 18, 20, 24 17, 18, 20, 24 2 -- 4m 2 4m MM PS PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Fast growing shrub, showy white flower clusters attract hummingbirds, shiny red berry clusters and big leaves Fast growing shrub, showy white flower clusters attract hummingbirds, shiny red berry clusters and big leaves 16 Mock Orange Mock Orange Philadelphus lewisii Philadelphus lewisii 11, 14, 22, 29 11, 14, 22, 29 3m 3m D, WD D, WD S, PS S, PS May-Jun May-Jun Early fragrant white flowers, fast-growing, adaptable, broad upright shrub. Dense seasonal screening Early fragrant white flowers, fast-growing, adaptable, broad upright shrub. Dense seasonal screening 17 Red-osier Dogwood Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea Cornus sericea 13, 15, 19, 20 13, 15, 19, 20 1 -- 5m 1 5m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS May-Jun May-Jun Hardy, fast-growing, white flowers, showy red twigs, brilliant red fall leaves, fruit is white to bluish Hardy, fast-growing, white flowers, showy red twigs, brilliant red fall leaves, fruit is white to bluish 18 Thimbleberry Thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus Rubus parviflorus 11, 15, 20, 24 11, 15, 20, 24 1.5 -- 3m 1.5 3m MM Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Jun-Jul Jun-Jul Large, fragrant pink flower produces sweet berries. Spreading streamside shrub forms thickets with snowberry Large, fragrant pink flower produces sweet berries. Spreading streamside shrub forms thickets with snowberry 19 Tall Oregon Grape Tall Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium Mahonia aquifolium 12, 13 ,23, 24 12, 13 ,23, 24 1 -- 2m 1 2m D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Highly recommended! Tough holly-like leaves, yellow flower clusters, edible blue-black berries, dry slope stabilizer Highly recommended! Tough holly-like leaves, yellow flower clusters, edible blue-black berries, dry slope stabilizer shrubs 20 Pacific Ninebark Pacific Ninebark Physocarpus capitatus Physocarpus capitatus 11, 15, 17, 18 11, 15, 17, 18 3 -- 4m 3 4m MM Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Jun Jun “Snowball bush” likes wet, open places like streams and lake shores, excellent for securing slopes. Attractive bark “Snowball bush” likes wet, open places like streams and lake shores, excellent for securing slopes. Attractive bark 21 Evergreen Huckleberry Evergreen Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum Vaccinium ovatum 19, 23, 34, 39 19, 23, 34, 39 1 -- 2m 1 2m D, M D, M Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr-May Apr-May Bushy with leathery, shiny, leaves, pink, bell-shaped flowers, sweet, glossy edible purple berries -- harvest after frost Bushy with leathery, shiny, leaves, pink, bell-shaped flowers, sweet, glossy edible purple berries harvest after frost 22 Trumpet Honeysuckle Trumpet Honeysuckle Lonicera ciliosa Lonicera ciliosa 5, 6 ,, 10, 16 5, 6 10, 16 up to 10m up to 10m D, WD D, WD Sh, PS Sh, PS May-Jul May-Jul A vigorous vine with orange tubular flowers followed by clusters of red berries in the fall. Climbs decks and trees A vigorous vine with orange tubular flowers followed by clusters of red berries in the fall. Climbs decks and trees 23 Sword Fern Sword Fern Polystichum munitum Polystichum munitum 5, 24, 38, 39 5, 24, 38, 39 0.3 -- 1.2m 0.3 1.2m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS n/a n/a Grows fast, protects shady slopes, adapts to sun, glossy leathery dense fronds provide cover for amphibians Grows fast, protects shady slopes, adapts to sun, glossy leathery dense fronds provide cover for amphibians 24 Salal Salal Gaultheria shallon Gaultheria shallon 19, 23, 38, 39 19, 23, 38, 39 1 -- 1.5m 1 1.5m D, M D, M Sh, S, PS Sh, S, PS Mar-Jul Mar-Jul Excellent cover for shade and sandy soils, Berries make delicious jelly. Tough, shiny leaves can be pruned back. Excellent cover for shade and sandy soils, Berries make delicious jelly. Tough, shiny leaves can be pruned back. 25 Aster Aster Aster conspicuus Aster conspicuus 12, 30, 31, 32 12, 30, 31, 32 35 -- 80cm 35 80cm D, M D, M SS Jul -Aug Jul -Aug Bumblebees love the violet blooms with yellow centers, creeping rhizome fills perennial beds Bumblebees love the violet blooms with yellow centers, creeping rhizome fills perennial beds 26 Nodding Onion Nodding Onion Allium cernuum Allium cernuum 27, 28, 29, 30 27, 28, 29, 30 20 -- 40cm 20 40cm D D SS Jun-Aug Jun-Aug Pollinators’ delight! Bulbs multiply quickly in sandy soil & rockeries, showy long season bloomer. Easy transplant Pollinators’ delight! Bulbs multiply quickly in sandy soil & rockeries, showy long season bloomer. Easy transplant 27 Great Camas & other lilies Great Camas & other lilies Camassia leichtlinii Camassia leichtlinii 1, ,2, 28, 30, 32 1, ,2, 28, 30, 32 30 -- 70cm 30 70cm D, M D, M S, PS S, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Edible bulbs multiply quickly, attractive seed heads for meadows, mix with Common Camas, Fawn lily, Tiger Lily, etc Edible bulbs multiply quickly, attractive seed heads for meadows, mix with Common Camas, Fawn lily, Tiger Lily, etc 28 Coastal Strawberry Coastal Strawberry Fragaria chiloensis Fragaria chiloensis 26, 29, 31, 32 26, 29, 31, 32 5 -- 15cm 5 15cm D WD D WD S, PS S, PS Apr-May Apr-May Tasty groundcover with white flowers and sweet berries. Try F. virginiana or F. vesca for shade. Transplant runners Tasty groundcover with white flowers and sweet berries. Try F. virginiana or F. vesca for shade. Transplant runners 29 Kinnikinnick Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 3, 26, 28, 33 3, 26, 28, 33 5 -- 15cm 5 15cm D, WD D, WD S, PS S, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Salt tolerant groundcover forms large mats, takes trampling & gravelly soils. Covers walls, rockeries. Red berries Salt tolerant groundcover forms large mats, takes trampling & gravelly soils. Covers walls, rockeries. Red berries 30 Pearly Everlasting Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea Anaphalis margaritacea 25, 27, 31 25, 27, 31 30 -- 60cm 30 60cm D D S PS S PS Jul-Sept Jul-Sept Crisp papery flowers, long bloomer provides late season interest with yarrow and woolly sunflower Crisp papery flowers, long bloomer provides late season interest with yarrow and woolly sunflower 31 Yarrow Yarrow Achillea millefolium Achillea millefolium 26, 27, 31, 32 26, 27, 31, 32 30 -- 50cm 30 50cm D D S, PS S, PS Jun-Aug Jun-Aug Tough perennial, large, white, long lasting flower heads, low, feathery foliage Tough perennial, large, white, long lasting flower heads, low, feathery foliage 32 Woolly Sunflower Woolly Sunflower Eriophyllum lanatum Eriophyllum lanatum 3, 25, 27, 30 3, 25, 27, 30 10 -- 60cm 10 60cm D, WD D, WD SS May-Jul May-Jul Long blooming rockery plant with silver-green leaves. Drought tolerant & self-sowing when established. Excellent choice! Long blooming rockery plant with silver-green leaves. Drought tolerant & self-sowing when established. Excellent choice! 33 Broad-leaved Stonecrop Broad-leaved Stonecrop Sedum spathulifolium Sedum spathulifolium 26, 28, 29, 30 26, 28, 29, 30 15cm 15cm D, WD D, WD SS Jun-Jul Jun-Jul Showy bright yellow flowers, succulent edible leaves, place in rock outcrops, on concrete. Salt tolerant Showy bright yellow flowers, succulent edible leaves, place in rock outcrops, on concrete. Salt tolerant 34 Low Oregon Grape Low Oregon Grape Mahonia nervosa Mahonia nervosa 12, 36, 37, 40 12, 36, 37, 40 40 -- 80cm 40 80cm D, M D, M Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr Apr Perennial creeping and low in full sun, erect and tall in semi-shade with larger leaves. Early flowers, tart berries Perennial creeping and low in full sun, erect and tall in semi-shade with larger leaves. Early flowers, tart berries 35 Fringecup Fringecup Tellima grandiflora Tellima grandiflora 23, 21, 24, 37 23, 21, 24, 37 40 -- 80cm 40 80cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Fragrant white flower spires rise from fuzzy, heart shaped leaves. spreading habit, resists slugs Fragrant white flower spires rise from fuzzy, heart shaped leaves. spreading habit, resists slugs ground cover 36 Red Columbine Red Columbine Aquilegia formosa Aquilegia formosa 24, 35, 38, 40 24, 35, 38, 40 40 -- 80cm 40 80cm WD WD Sh Sh May-Jun May-Jun Perennial adapts to rocky soils and can be used on steep banks, front of border plantings and streamsides Perennial adapts to rocky soils and can be used on steep banks, front of border plantings and streamsides 37 False Solomon’s Seal False Solomon’s Seal Smilacina racemosa Smilacina racemosa 23, 24, 39, 40 23, 24, 39, 40 30 -- 100cm 30 100cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Showy white flowers and red berries, ornamental foliage, shade-tolerant, easy to transplant Showy white flowers and red berries, ornamental foliage, shade-tolerant, easy to transplant 38 Pacific Bleeding Heart Pacific Bleeding Heart Dicentra formosa Dicentra formosa 21, 24, 27, 39 21, 24, 27, 39 25 -- 45cm 25 45cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Feb-Jul Feb-Jul Rose pink flowers extend above mounds of grey-green lacy foliage that spreads well in shady moist soils Rose pink flowers extend above mounds of grey-green lacy foliage that spreads well in shady moist soils 39 Wood Sorrel Wood Sorrel Oxalis oregana Oxalis oregana 23, 35, 38, 40 23, 35, 38, 40 5 -- 20cm 5 20cm MM Sh Sh May-Jul May-Jul Perennial with spreading rhizomes and dainty white flowers enjoyed by gnomes in drifts of soft clover leaves Perennial with spreading rhizomes and dainty white flowers enjoyed by gnomes in drifts of soft clover leaves 40 False Lily of the Valley False Lily of the Valley Maianthemum dilatatum Maianthemum dilatatum 23, 35, 36, 39 23, 35, 36, 39 15 -- 25cm 15 25cm MM Sh, PS Sh, PS Delicate white flowers followed by berries turning red in winter with glossy foliagepreads well in conifer mulch Delicate white flowers followed by berries turning red in winter with glossy foliagepreads well in conifer mulch attract butterflies attract hummingbirds shelter for wildlife food for wildlife food for people fall colour fall colour prevent erosion pollinators birds deer resistant hedge/privacy evergreen winter food Bring this guide to your nursery and ask for native plants Habitat Acquisition Trust • Creating Conservation Legacies • 250.995.2428 • www.hat.bc.ca
  • 5.
    Gardening tips forthe nature lover The three essentials: food, shelter and water. Seed and berry producing shrubs feed and shelter birds. Provide a variety of food sources through the seasons by leaving seed heads on plants. A water feature (protected from cats and hawks) will attract many types of birds and animals. Butterflies boycott pesticides. Feeding adults prefer certain plant species, but missing plants for caterpillars often restricts butterfly abundance. Plant poplar and willow, maintain areas of natural meadow, create a mud puddle, and tolerate some chewed leaves. Swallowtail caterpillars eat herbs with umbrella-like flowers including Spring Gold, Lomatiums, & Cow Parsnip. Some butterflies overwinter in the leaf litter that renews the soil. Plant tall sticks in sunny quiet spots for butterflies and dragonflies to rest. Don’t feed the deer. Choose aromatic plants with spiny foliage to control deer browsing. Our region’s very high deer population will eat the following only as a last resort: Salal, Oregon Grape, Sword Fern, Woolly Sunflower, and Kinnikinnick. Deer avoid sheltered pots of bloodmeal, but fencing is a sure solution. Let it Rot for wildlife. Keep some dead tree trunks and dead branches on living trees for woodpeckers, allow logs to rot in place for salamanders, and build a brush pile for squirrels. Rock piles, patches of long grass, and leaf litter are good habitat elements too. Downed wood holds valuable summer moisture and becomes organic soil that lets groundcovers thrive. Mulch from leaves is the best soil protection and fertilizer for native plants. Make a large wire leaf bin in the fall and then spread composted leaves around plants in the spring. Keep the pile moist and sprinkle with lime to speed composting. Fir cone mulch discourages digging cats, wood chips protect soil from compac- tion, and conifer needles make excellent pathway mulch. Fallen leaves and twigs are what fungi convert to soil; let nutrients recycle back to the plants that made them. Avoid peat moss: It is mined from bogs. Lawns consume the most effort, chemicals, and water of any landscape treatment. Reduce lawn area and top dress remaining turf with sifted compost in the early spring to promote healthy, spongy, drought tolerant soil. Compacted soil favours weeds and prevents water infiltration. Never drive vehicles on lawns or gardens during wet months. Easily convert lawns to garden beds by covering grass with 3 layers of re-used cardboard under 10 cm (4 in) of mulch (leaf mould, wood chip, bark bits, etc.). Raid the cardboard bin of a local appliance/bicycle retailer and cover up your weed patches too. Plant right through the cardboard in late winter to maximize drought hardiness of new plants. Never use unbiodegradable black plastic cloth as a weed barrier. Wildflower meadows can be mowed only after seed set (July) to encourage blooms. Light mulching in late winter can help lily species (camas, onions, etc) compete with introduced grasses. Control weeds during the summer drought for maximum effect. Avoid weeding from Jan to July in Camas meadows (below). continued p.7 27 Landowners play an important role in habitat conservation - naturescape for wildlife!
  • 6.
    Garden design Choose theright plant for the right spot. Your site may have sunny dry areas, shady moist places, or a 22 combination of both. Watch how water flows and how the sun moves across the sky, during all seasons. Choose plants that will grow only to the height you require, and make sure there is room to grow. Taller plants and soil mounds can enhance your site by creating a diversity of living conditions or microclimates. Whether you’re screening scenes, holding slopes, shading promenades, frocking rocks, or coordinating borders, there is a hardy and charming native plant for the job. Most plants like a sunny moist site, but a shady dry site may require heavy mulching or irrigation to grow plants. Think in vertical layers to maximize your naturescape’s appeal for people and wildlife. Place ground covers beside lawn and hard surfaces, fol- lowed behind by herbs, ferns and bushes. Create shrub thickets with small trees for vertical layers of shelter. 34 Shady Moist Site Sunny Dry Site If a space receives little or no direct sun, If a spot is hot and dry with plenty of direct choose plants that prefer those conditions. sun, choose only dry soil plants. In this A shiny groundcover of False Lily of the example, clumping Fescue grass is com- Valley looks great under bold Sword Ferns bined with Oregon grape and nodding and lacy Bleeding Heart. Columbine and onion to create a soft and color- Camas add some heat to cool greens. Avoid ful ground cover under Shore Pine. planting under roof lines as they are too dry. 36 Coastal Strawberry and Kinnikinnick will 28 thrive in harsh conditions if you mulch in spring.. Are You Harbouring Aliens? Some introduced plants escape from gardens, grow into natural areas, and overwhelm native ecosystems. Avoid dumping garden waste in the woods. “Wildflower mix” contains many invasive weed species. Steer clear of known weedy species like English Holly and replace invaders (below) with similar native alternatives. lamium butterfly bush daphne st john’s wort english ivy periwinkle english holly Habitat Acquisition Trust • Creating Conservation Legacies • 250.995.2428 • www.hat.bc.ca
  • 7.
    Gardening with NativePlants Gardening tips for the nature lover continued Get nursery-grown stock - plants in the wild already have a job. Container grown plants transplant well and grow faster. Your naturescape project will support the growing interest among residents and nurseries alike. Ask for plants sourced from Vancouver Island seed to ensure vigour and adaptability. Reputable nurseries are listed on the insert page. The Saanich Native Plant Salvage Program is a way for gardeners to rescue native plants from develop- ment sites. Lilies and ferns are easy to recover through authorized salvage opportunities. See insert for registration. When planting shrubs, make the hole larger than the root ball but keep the same depth as in the pot. To promote healthy growth, cut any roots that wrap around the root ball, and do not add soil amendments. Compact the soil around roots and mulch heavily without covering plant stems. Fish and frogs will thank you for cleaning up pet waste and preventing chemical fertilizer runoff from entering freshwater streams and wetlands. Green scum on ponds in summer is a sign of nutrient pollution. Shade ponds with trees to keep water cool and oxygen rich. Native shrub buffers protect stream banks and water quality while providing fish with insect food. Kids dig gardens! Naturescapes are fun places for children to learn through play and observation. Children enjoy edible berries and fragrant flowers, hiding spots in thickets, high perches, forts, catwalks, and tunnels. Share with them the wonders of spider webs and birds eggs. Nature is the best teacher; foster childrens’ curiosity through experiences that enrich their lives with meaning. Create a Conservation Legacy! Habitat Acquisition Trust P.O. Box 8552, Victoria, B.C. V8W 3S2 HAT is a strong voice for conservation in our unique region. Please consider joining HAT’s membership. We accept donations Phone: (250) 995-2428 to support our efforts to protect the community’s natural spaces. Fax: (250) 920-7975 email: hatmail@hat.bc.ca Habitat Acquisition Trust is a non-profit regional land trust and registered charitable society established in 1996. HAT’s mandate www.hat.bc.ca is to secure significant natural lands on southern Vancouver HAT’s office is located in Suite 316 at 620 View Street Island and the southern Gulf Islands through acquisition, conservation covenants, research, and community education. Habitat Acquisition Trust is incorporated under the Society Act of BC and is a Registered Charity BN 88962 6545 RR0001 Funding provided by The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Naturescape concept from Naturescape BC. Visit www.naturescapebc.ca for province-wide Naturescaping ideas. All photographs by Todd Carnahan Design: www.rippledesign.info 16 Printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper.