If you ever stop to marvel at our great state’s flora, you’re definitely not alone. Thanks to California’s uniquely wonderful climate, we have many indigenous plants that form a vital part of our state’s ecosystem. But even though we have no shortage of native plants, that doesn’t mean they don’t still deserve that extra bit of attention. If you’ve been wondering if (or how) you should start your own native plant garden, keep reading for all the facts you need from Fruit Growers Supply.
What are Native Plants?
What exactly are native plants, and why are they important? The Audubon Society gives us a straightforward definition with an equally clear answer:
Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved. They are the ecological basis on which life depends, including birds and people.
It’s simple enough: every ecosystem on earth has a circle of life that involves the plants and animals that inhabit it. A native plant garden can do a lot of good in making sure a given ecosystem has the resources it needs to thrive for a long time to come. Native plants are easier to maintain than imported ones since they don’t require any modification to the local environment—they’re easier to plant in the earth, and even require less watering to boot. Also, native plants will help to not only nourish the soil but provide food and shelter for local animals from the bugs to the bees in your area.
But there’s a more philosophical reason the native plant garden is turning into a vital part of the farmer’s arsenal, as well. In our age of genetic modification and transplanted flora, native plant landscaping might become more important than ever. It’s not uncommon for the agricultural industry and shortsighted farmers to spurn local plants in favor of exotic fruits and vegetables from other parts of the country or the world, sacrificing the longevity of their own land for a short-term profit. Local agricultural projects and businesses need more support than ever before, and indigenous plant life can help in many ways. Allowing a native plant garden to thrive in your area can make sure everyone has the resources they need to get the most from our precious soil without doing any damage to it.
Starting Your Garden
Before you make the decision to start your own indigenous plant conservatory, you need to do some research and figure out what kinds of plants and produce are native to your area. The state of California is a big place, after all, with many different climates and seasonal traits across its vast expanse. Your native plant garden is going to look quite different depending on whether you’re growing it in the Bay up north, the deserts at the southernmost tip of the state, or somewhere in between.
From there, you’ll want to make sure your refuge is properly irrigated. Even though native plants require less water than imported ones, it’s still important to make sure it’s distributed efficiently. There are many different factors when it comes to proper irrigation, from the topology of your soil to the elevation you’re working in, and qualified experts will be able to make sure your native plant garden gets the exact quality and quantity of flow it needs to thrive. Native plant landscaping can be an intricate process, and you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the natural tools you need to succeed at it.
Finally, local plants will always benefit from a little bit of local love. Let the community around you and the distributors you work with know that you’re giving it your all when it comes to making sure the land is being tended to properly, for the benefit of everyone. Your native plant garden is sure to get all of the help and resources it needs if everyone around you knows it’s a vital part of the space in which they live, work and play.
Get the Tools You Need at Fruit Growers Supply
There’s a word we live and breathe here at Fruit Growers Supply, and that word is sustainability. We live in a connected world that needs each and every person, from the farmer who grows the food to the customer picking it up at the grocery store, to do their part to make sure everyone has the resources to feed their fellow human being for generations to come. Our native plant garden tips are just the first step in providing you with the tools and infrastructure you need to make sure your farm can work at its best: we have five brick and mortar stores across the state of California, and our web catalog ensures you can find exactly what you need even if you can’t step foot through one of our doors.
For everything you need to get started on your local plant landscaping project, get in touch with us now and one of our customer service reps will get back to you quickly. Local plants can always use some extra love, and with your dedication and our expertise, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish together. And if you have questions or advice about how to start a native plant garden, be sure to leave us a comment below! Join the Fruit Growers Supply family and help to make sure the sun shines bright over California’s fields every day.
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