Baldy on native plants
Native plants are a natural choice. Native plant gardens remind us of the beautiful natural landscapes that surround us, they often require little irrigation, and they are typically non-invasive.
Perennial natives flower beautifully in the spring, and a variety of natives provide great evergreen groundcovers, as well as lush fern and iris gardens.
Native evergreen conifers are also a favorite for establishing year-round texture in PNW gardens. Alpine varieties salvaged from logging roads, forest service roads and ski areas are very slow growing, unlike the conifers of the local rain forests. Dogwoods and various maples always blend well, as do many of the Japanese trees since their climate is very similar to ours.
Baldy will freely admit that he uses the term "native" somewhat loosely. Since we are talking about urban horticulture here, and not native stream restoration, the term "native" will also apply to native plant hybrids that have been bred for flower color, variegated foliage, "weeping" character etc. Examples include hybrids of perennial flowers such as lupines, columbines, bleeding hearts, and PNW irises.
Finally, by putting native plants back into urban gardens, we simply promote their survival as the concrete jungle expands.
