This document provides information about groundcover plants native to the northern and central California coast. It begins with an overview of the climate and plant communities of the central and northern maritime chaparral zones. It then describes a road trip along Highway 1, highlighting plant species and conditions at various locations including Point Sal, Hearst Castle, the Arroyo de la Cruz region. Several manzanita species native to the region are discussed in depth, including their growth habits, cultivation needs, and variability. The document emphasizes how plants from nearby coastal areas are well-suited for gardens due to similarities in climate and soil conditions.
The document provides information about gardening tasks for the month of July in Southern California. Some key points:
- July marks the end of the spring bloom season and the beginning of the hot, dry summer season.
- Common gardening tasks in July include evaluating what worked/didn't work in the spring, planning for next season, and harvesting summer vegetables and fruits as they ripen.
- Weather is hot and dry with little rainfall. Native plants transition to their summer dormancy and watering needs increase for other plants.
This document summarizes a presentation on vegetation and landslide mechanisms given by Dr. Heru Santoso. The presentation discusses how water acts as a destabilizing factor in landslides, the acting forces and safety factor concept. It also examines the role of vegetation in increasing soil shear strength and reducing landslide risk. The presentation concludes with a discussion of disaster risk reduction methods like landslide hazard mapping, monitoring, and community preparedness.
This document discusses gardening with native plants from Western Los Angeles County. It provides tips for choosing a color scheme and planting an evergreen background to achieve year-round color. The document notes that California's official colors are blue and gold, and suggests using those colors as a starting point for a native plant garden color scheme. It also encourages selecting a combination of plants that will provide subtle, seasonal colors in a restrained way that appreciates the natural cycle.
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.
Wild mint and California wild rose leaves can be used to make herbal teas and other beverages. Field mint is a common native plant that grows throughout most of North America. Its leaves have a strong mint flavor and can be harvested fresh or dried to make tea. California wild rose is found throughout the state. Its pink flowers bloom from May to August and its rose hips are edible. Both the flowers and rose hips can be dried and used to make herbal teas and other infusions. When making teas and tisanes from plants, it is important to use the correct plant parts and preparation methods to best preserve flavor and avoid bitterness.
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.
The document summarizes IBM's University Programs which uses six "R's" - Research, Readiness, Recruiting, Revenue, Responsibility, and Regions - to help build a smarter planet. It provides examples of partnerships between IBM and universities around the world focusing on areas like skills development, research collaborations, startup support, and regional economic development. The programs aim to accelerate skills growth, innovation, and job opportunities through global academic engagements.
This document discusses a partnership between IBM and universities in Colombia to collaborate on 21st century skills. It notes that the main focus of the collaboration will be on skills development, with engineering enrollment and royalties/revenue from investments being secondary topics. The document provides background on IBM's global university programs and strategies to partner with universities for research, skills development, recruiting, generating revenue from solutions, and taking on social responsibility.
The document provides information about gardening tasks for the month of July in Southern California. Some key points:
- July marks the end of the spring bloom season and the beginning of the hot, dry summer season.
- Common gardening tasks in July include evaluating what worked/didn't work in the spring, planning for next season, and harvesting summer vegetables and fruits as they ripen.
- Weather is hot and dry with little rainfall. Native plants transition to their summer dormancy and watering needs increase for other plants.
This document summarizes a presentation on vegetation and landslide mechanisms given by Dr. Heru Santoso. The presentation discusses how water acts as a destabilizing factor in landslides, the acting forces and safety factor concept. It also examines the role of vegetation in increasing soil shear strength and reducing landslide risk. The presentation concludes with a discussion of disaster risk reduction methods like landslide hazard mapping, monitoring, and community preparedness.
This document discusses gardening with native plants from Western Los Angeles County. It provides tips for choosing a color scheme and planting an evergreen background to achieve year-round color. The document notes that California's official colors are blue and gold, and suggests using those colors as a starting point for a native plant garden color scheme. It also encourages selecting a combination of plants that will provide subtle, seasonal colors in a restrained way that appreciates the natural cycle.
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.
Wild mint and California wild rose leaves can be used to make herbal teas and other beverages. Field mint is a common native plant that grows throughout most of North America. Its leaves have a strong mint flavor and can be harvested fresh or dried to make tea. California wild rose is found throughout the state. Its pink flowers bloom from May to August and its rose hips are edible. Both the flowers and rose hips can be dried and used to make herbal teas and other infusions. When making teas and tisanes from plants, it is important to use the correct plant parts and preparation methods to best preserve flavor and avoid bitterness.
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.
The document summarizes IBM's University Programs which uses six "R's" - Research, Readiness, Recruiting, Revenue, Responsibility, and Regions - to help build a smarter planet. It provides examples of partnerships between IBM and universities around the world focusing on areas like skills development, research collaborations, startup support, and regional economic development. The programs aim to accelerate skills growth, innovation, and job opportunities through global academic engagements.
This document discusses a partnership between IBM and universities in Colombia to collaborate on 21st century skills. It notes that the main focus of the collaboration will be on skills development, with engineering enrollment and royalties/revenue from investments being secondary topics. The document provides background on IBM's global university programs and strategies to partner with universities for research, skills development, recruiting, generating revenue from solutions, and taking on social responsibility.
This document provides information about plants suitable for dry shade gardens, particularly those growing under oak trees in Southern California. It discusses the characteristics of oak woodlands as well as guidelines for choosing appropriate native plant species for gardens. Specific plants mentioned include toyon, coffeeberry, and manzanita. The document emphasizes grouping plants together based on their water needs and tolerance for shade. It also distinguishes between different levels of shade from light to full shade and their effects on plant growth.
This document provides information about growing manzanita plants, specifically in western Los Angeles County. It discusses choosing the right species for the soil and climate conditions, including several manzanita cultivars that do well locally. The document emphasizes that manzanitas generally require well-drained soil and outlines care practices like watering and fertilizing. It also notes characteristics of common manzanita species.
This document provides information on creating a butterfly garden, including which plants to include to attract different butterflies and caterpillars. It discusses the life cycle of butterflies and what they need at each stage, including nectar plants for adults and specific larval host plants. Two plants highlighted are Mule Fat and Saltgrass. Mule Fat provides habitat and is the host plant for the Fatal Metalmark butterfly. Saltgrass is included to attract skipper butterflies and can be used as a low-maintenance grass alternative. The document emphasizes using native plants and creating different areas to meet the needs of butterflies at all stages of their life cycle.
The document provides information about chaparral plant communities in Southern California, including what plants are commonly found in chaparral, how chaparral differs from coastal sage scrub, and how pruning figures into the life cycle and ecology of chaparral. Specifically, it discusses the characteristics and growth habits of buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), including its size, bark, foliage, flowers, fruits, seeds, and environmental requirements. It also notes that buckbrush is a common large shrub in chaparral and foothill communities in California.
This document provides information about using unusual annual wildflowers in California native plant gardens. It discusses two species in particular: Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe stacticoides) and desert candle (Caulanthus inflatus). For each plant, it describes appearance, habitat, growing requirements, and suggestions for incorporating them into gardens. It also briefly compares the climate and biodiversity of South Africa to California, highlighting several national botanic gardens in South Africa as examples of effectively showcasing native plant diversity.
This document discusses alternatives to traditional grass lawns that are more sustainable and provide habitat. It suggests that homeowners thoughtfully consider their needs and property conditions when planning garden spaces. Native plants that offer benefits like food and habitat are recommended over water-intensive non-native grasses. Specific native plant ideas mentioned include currants, elderberry, and species suitable for partial shade on clay soil. The goal is for gardens to work with a property's natural heritage rather than against it.
This document provides information about growing and using California native plants as ingredients in salads, snacks and cooked greens. It discusses the advantages of using native plant greens over non-native varieties, as they are easy to grow, water-wise and provide nutritional value. Specific native plant species covered include Miner's lettuce, Fringed redmaids and Cobwebby thistle. Details are given on the characteristics, cultivation and various uses of these plants as ingredients in cooking and in the garden.
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.
This document provides information about several native plant options for adding color and interest to gardens in a water-wise manner. It discusses Baja fairyduster (Calliandra californica), pink fairyduster (Calliandra eriophylla), scarlet larkspur (Delphinium cardinale), and red (canyon) larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule). For each plant, it describes key characteristics like size, growth form, foliage, blooming period, soil and water requirements. The document emphasizes that these plants are low-water options that provide colorful flowers and complement other drought-tolerant plants found in local gardens. It also suggests how the plants could be incorporated into different garden
The document discusses vines and climbers that were popular in Edwardian gardens from 1900-1930 and how they can provide ideas for modern gardens. It notes how Edwardian gardeners made good use of vertical space by planting vines that climbed arbors, trellises and other structures. Specific vines discussed include grapes and morning glory species native to California, which thrive in part shade and provide flowers, foliage and seasonal interest. The document suggests vines are well-suited to gardens today as they make the most of limited space and provide shade.
This document summarizes a presentation on using unusual annual wildflowers in home gardens. It discusses two California native wildflowers - Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe stacticoides) and desert candle (Caulanthus inflatus) - describing their appearance, growing requirements, and potential uses in gardens. It also draws lessons from the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in South Africa on highlighting unique native plants and using colorful flowers effectively to inspire more sophisticated California native gardens.
This document discusses using California native plants in home gardens. It provides information on annual and perennial wildflowers that are suitable for gardens, including their advantages and disadvantages. Specific plant profiles are given for yellow mariposa lily, western wallflower, and California goldfields that describe their identifying features, growing requirements, and value for gardens. The document emphasizes the benefits of combining annual and perennial species and planning gardens thoughtfully.
The document discusses creating a cuttings garden to provide flowers for home use. It notes that a cuttings garden is beneficial when flowers are used in large volumes regularly, as it allows planning supply without impacting landscaping. A cuttings garden should be located conveniently for harvesting, though does not need to be an eyesore. The garden can include annuals, perennials, and other plants that provide interesting flowers with nice shapes, sizes, colors, scents across different seasons for cut arrangements and bouquets.
This document provides information about growing succulent and cactus plants native to coastal Southern California. It discusses different types of succulents, characteristics of common coastal cacti like prickly pear and cholla, and recommends succulents and cacti as low-water plants suitable for drought-tolerant gardens near the coast. The document also provides photos and descriptions of several native succulent and cactus species well-adapted to the climate, including their growth requirements and uses in habitat restoration or landscape gardens.
The document discusses options for landscaping lawns, including traditional sod lawns, locally native grasses and sedges that can be used as lawn alternatives. It provides details on various native grass and sedge species that can work as drought-tolerant, low-maintenance lawn substitutes. The document emphasizes choosing plants based on personal preferences and site conditions rather than following conventional solutions, and weighing the pros and cons of different native options.
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.
This document provides information about plants suitable for dry shade gardens, particularly those growing under oak trees in Southern California. It discusses the characteristics of oak woodlands as well as guidelines for choosing appropriate native plant species for gardens. Specific plants mentioned include toyon, coffeeberry, and manzanita. The document emphasizes grouping plants together based on their water needs and tolerance for shade. It also distinguishes between different levels of shade from light to full shade and their effects on plant growth.
This document provides information about growing manzanita plants, specifically in western Los Angeles County. It discusses choosing the right species for the soil and climate conditions, including several manzanita cultivars that do well locally. The document emphasizes that manzanitas generally require well-drained soil and outlines care practices like watering and fertilizing. It also notes characteristics of common manzanita species.
This document provides information on creating a butterfly garden, including which plants to include to attract different butterflies and caterpillars. It discusses the life cycle of butterflies and what they need at each stage, including nectar plants for adults and specific larval host plants. Two plants highlighted are Mule Fat and Saltgrass. Mule Fat provides habitat and is the host plant for the Fatal Metalmark butterfly. Saltgrass is included to attract skipper butterflies and can be used as a low-maintenance grass alternative. The document emphasizes using native plants and creating different areas to meet the needs of butterflies at all stages of their life cycle.
The document provides information about chaparral plant communities in Southern California, including what plants are commonly found in chaparral, how chaparral differs from coastal sage scrub, and how pruning figures into the life cycle and ecology of chaparral. Specifically, it discusses the characteristics and growth habits of buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), including its size, bark, foliage, flowers, fruits, seeds, and environmental requirements. It also notes that buckbrush is a common large shrub in chaparral and foothill communities in California.
This document provides information about using unusual annual wildflowers in California native plant gardens. It discusses two species in particular: Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe stacticoides) and desert candle (Caulanthus inflatus). For each plant, it describes appearance, habitat, growing requirements, and suggestions for incorporating them into gardens. It also briefly compares the climate and biodiversity of South Africa to California, highlighting several national botanic gardens in South Africa as examples of effectively showcasing native plant diversity.
This document discusses alternatives to traditional grass lawns that are more sustainable and provide habitat. It suggests that homeowners thoughtfully consider their needs and property conditions when planning garden spaces. Native plants that offer benefits like food and habitat are recommended over water-intensive non-native grasses. Specific native plant ideas mentioned include currants, elderberry, and species suitable for partial shade on clay soil. The goal is for gardens to work with a property's natural heritage rather than against it.
This document provides information about growing and using California native plants as ingredients in salads, snacks and cooked greens. It discusses the advantages of using native plant greens over non-native varieties, as they are easy to grow, water-wise and provide nutritional value. Specific native plant species covered include Miner's lettuce, Fringed redmaids and Cobwebby thistle. Details are given on the characteristics, cultivation and various uses of these plants as ingredients in cooking and in the garden.
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.
This document provides information about several native plant options for adding color and interest to gardens in a water-wise manner. It discusses Baja fairyduster (Calliandra californica), pink fairyduster (Calliandra eriophylla), scarlet larkspur (Delphinium cardinale), and red (canyon) larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule). For each plant, it describes key characteristics like size, growth form, foliage, blooming period, soil and water requirements. The document emphasizes that these plants are low-water options that provide colorful flowers and complement other drought-tolerant plants found in local gardens. It also suggests how the plants could be incorporated into different garden
The document discusses vines and climbers that were popular in Edwardian gardens from 1900-1930 and how they can provide ideas for modern gardens. It notes how Edwardian gardeners made good use of vertical space by planting vines that climbed arbors, trellises and other structures. Specific vines discussed include grapes and morning glory species native to California, which thrive in part shade and provide flowers, foliage and seasonal interest. The document suggests vines are well-suited to gardens today as they make the most of limited space and provide shade.
This document summarizes a presentation on using unusual annual wildflowers in home gardens. It discusses two California native wildflowers - Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe stacticoides) and desert candle (Caulanthus inflatus) - describing their appearance, growing requirements, and potential uses in gardens. It also draws lessons from the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in South Africa on highlighting unique native plants and using colorful flowers effectively to inspire more sophisticated California native gardens.
This document discusses using California native plants in home gardens. It provides information on annual and perennial wildflowers that are suitable for gardens, including their advantages and disadvantages. Specific plant profiles are given for yellow mariposa lily, western wallflower, and California goldfields that describe their identifying features, growing requirements, and value for gardens. The document emphasizes the benefits of combining annual and perennial species and planning gardens thoughtfully.
The document discusses creating a cuttings garden to provide flowers for home use. It notes that a cuttings garden is beneficial when flowers are used in large volumes regularly, as it allows planning supply without impacting landscaping. A cuttings garden should be located conveniently for harvesting, though does not need to be an eyesore. The garden can include annuals, perennials, and other plants that provide interesting flowers with nice shapes, sizes, colors, scents across different seasons for cut arrangements and bouquets.
This document provides information about growing succulent and cactus plants native to coastal Southern California. It discusses different types of succulents, characteristics of common coastal cacti like prickly pear and cholla, and recommends succulents and cacti as low-water plants suitable for drought-tolerant gardens near the coast. The document also provides photos and descriptions of several native succulent and cactus species well-adapted to the climate, including their growth requirements and uses in habitat restoration or landscape gardens.
The document discusses options for landscaping lawns, including traditional sod lawns, locally native grasses and sedges that can be used as lawn alternatives. It provides details on various native grass and sedge species that can work as drought-tolerant, low-maintenance lawn substitutes. The document emphasizes choosing plants based on personal preferences and site conditions rather than following conventional solutions, and weighing the pros and cons of different native options.
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.