Natives Update: Arboretum All-Stars
reprinted from PDF: HRN Restoration News, Part 1
by Roger Snell
“Sustainable,” “Green Movement”, “Eco-Landscaping” - you’ve heard the buzzwords. It’s a great movement, moreover, a reality check or realization that we cannot continue the wasteful use of natural resources for the betterment of mankind. To ensure a “green” earth for future generations (and I won’t get into global warming) we must “reduce and recycle”. We at High Ranch Nursery realize the importance of planting landscapes that reduce water usage, have lower or no fertilizer and pesticide requirements, have lower labor maintenance needs, can provide wildlife habitat, provide forage and cover for beneficial insects . . . the list goes on. Natives fit right in here. But wait, there’s more.
This spring, we're introducing the Arboretum All-Stars to selected retailers in our delivery area. The plants in the Arboretum All-Star program have been tested and selected to perform well in the valley. Staff at the UC Davis Arboretum have selected these plants based on the following criteria:
• Attractive most of the year
• Thrives in California conditions
• Tested in the UC Davis Arboretum
In addition, many All-Stars also have one or more of the following features:
• Low maintenance
• Drought tolerant
• Attracts beneficial wildlife
Many are native, Mediterranean climate-type plants. As we go further into the year, which looks like it’s shaping up to be the third drought year in a row, we must all consider these types of plants for our landscapes!
Some Arboretum All-Stars in production at High Ranch Nursery:
Top: Salvia cle. ‘Winifred Gilman,’ Aristolochia californica
Bottom: Heteromeles arbutifolia, Ribes viburnifolium
More Natives in production at High Ranch Nursery:
From left: Penstemon azureus, Philadelphus lewisii, Mimulus auriantiacus bifidus, Pinus edulis