Fall is the perfect time to plant native perennials

There are many good reasons to plant California native plants in the landscape, and right now is a good time to do so, according to an article that ran over the weekend in the Sacramento Bee.

Native plants attract beneficial insects and birds, use up to 75 percent less water than conventional shrubs and lawn, require less work and are resistant to pests.

In September and October, the soil is warm enough in most parts of California to encourage native plant's root growth and winter rain will irrigate the new plants. The plants will be ready to produce abundant flowers in the spring, the article said.

Gardeners worried that native plants could appear weedy may wish to visit one of the University of California's native plant displays, including:

The Honey Bee Haven on the UC Davis west campus
The UC Davis Arboretum
Garden of the Sun in Fresno
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

A number of UC training sessions about incorporating native plant's in California landscapes are planned:

Napa County, Sept. 15
Sutter-Yuba counties, Sept. 15
Placer-Nevada counties, Sept. 18
Fresno County, Oct. 2

Honey bee on tidy tips, a native California wildflower. (Photo by Kathy Garvey)