Healthier yards with less upkeep? Start with native plants

NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON — From the shrubsteppe along the Columbia River to the forests of Stevens Pass, native plants have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in the specific soils, temperatures and moisture patterns of different parts of our region.

For instance, penstemon will find a way to grow out of the cracks of columnar basalt, or the drought-tolerant rabbit brush will grow a tap root up to 12 feet long to find water and nutrients unavailable on the surface. Native plants are not only fit to thrive, but to also support the native insects with which they have developed biochemical relationships, such as milkweed and the monarch butterfly.

“It's a perfect example of that biochemical codependency, because Monarch caterpillars can only eat milkweed,” said landscape horticulturist and designer Betsy Dudash. “It’s the only place where they can reproduce and the species can continue.”

As a result, different native species can require minimal resources, be resilient to extreme weather and wildfires, sustain pollinators and provide adequate habitat for local wildlife. Yet, despite these attributes, turf grass and non-native, ornamental plants have been favored in backyards for decades, creating what Dudash calls “ecological deadzones.” 

“When you're planting non-natives, you're forcing them to adapt to an environment that they're not adapted to,” said Dudash.

It can take more water and effort to keep them alive, including the use of fertilizers and pesticides. While those inputs may keep them looking healthy, they can degrade soil health and harm insects, birds and other wildlife. Additionally, decorative plants are often bred to be the most visually appealing to humans, which can inadvertently breed out the characteristics that insects are attracted to, according to Dudash. Without adequate nutrients and habitat, insects leave, with the next tier of the food chain following.

“They basically are just pretty to look at. They will still photosynthesize, so that's at least one thing that they do right,” said Dudash.

However, shifting even small portions of a yard back to native species can begin to restore the ecosystem, while also reducing the amount of resources and effort required to maintain it.

“The native insects will find you, and the birds will find you,” said Dudash. “Because insects are always looking for what they need, and by planting what they need, you're expanding their native range.”

Start with observing your local landscape

“If you go to any big box garden center in the spring…you'll see the same plants being sold all over the country,” said Dudash. “By growing natives, we can reflect the local ecology and have very unique landscapes and yards that don't look like, as I say, ‘Anywhere-USA.’”

While the internet can be an endless source of information on the topic, not all of the advice may be suited for your specific area. To counter this, Derby Canyon Natives owner Mel Asher recommends getting out and looking around. A number of native plant demonstration gardens are located around the Wenatchee Valley, including Derby Canyon Natives in Peshastin and two Master Gardener sites in Wenatchee. Additionally, the Wenatchee Valley Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society will host a tour of local native plant gardens this May.

“Just walking out in the hills and the forest and mountains around us is always a really fun way to think about local natives as well,” said Asher.

A number of local organizations, including the ones mentioned above, also offer a number of resources and guides. Each year, Cascadia Conservation District hosts a Native Planting 101 workshop, making the recordings and materials available on its website.

Planning and Maintenance

“There's a lot of variation in native habitats in our area. It's really diverse. That's what makes this area so beautiful, in my opinion — the diversity,” said Asher.

There are plenty of native plants to choose from, and each one can serve a different purpose. Asher recommends starting with your “why” behind going with native plants, whether you want to reduce watering, foster habitat for wildlife, build wildfire resilience, or support native pollinators.

You should also consider where the plant is going. A nootka rose, while native, is designed to thrive in moist, shaded areas, not a dry, sun-exposed corner of a yard. Alternatively, a purple sage, offering fragrance and blossoms, could thrive. The more fitting conditions, the less work required to ensure survival.

“Native plants can be amazingly resilient once they are established. You do have to pick the right plant for your site and help it along,” said Asher.

A few maintenance practices can set up a plant for success, especially in the first couple of seasons. First, water — but not too much. One of the biggest misconceptions about drought tolerant natives is that they don’t need to be watered, said Asher. However, adequate moisture is needed to help a plant establish its roots. Asher recommends targeted watering, such as drip irrigation, as well as placing a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, which can retain moisture and lower the soil temperature. Minimize sprinkler or overhead irrigation, which can end up watering unwanted weeds, and avoid weed fabric.

“It’s pretty ineffective long term at controlling weeds, because the weed seeds just blow in and land on the surface and germinate. And it cuts off oxygen flow between soil and air, so it hurts the plant in the long term. So, staying away from landscape fabric is huge,” said Asher.

Once the plant is established, watering once or twice a month in a dry season can help the plants retain some greenery and be more fire resilient.

“You just don't want to overdo it. Because, again, these plants are pretty drought tolerant,” added Asher.

Start Small

“I love the idea of just shrinking the lawn a little bit and planting a few perennials,” said Asher. “That's easy and very quick to establish. And it's just a really rewarding, fast way to enjoy natives and provide habitat in your home landscape.”

Picking the right plant can also pack a punch within a small area. Asher recommends planting one or two species that bloom in the late summer or fall, like asters, goldenrods, snow buckwheat and rabbit brushes.

“If that one plant you plant is a rabbit brush, a three by three-foot shrub covered in blooms in September, it is going to be absolutely covered in pollinators, because there is just not that much blooming that time of year,” said Asher.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media