   Book Review: Native Plants for High Elevation Western Gardens - July 16, 2003 Jeff Schalau, County Director, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Native Plants for High Elevation Western Gardens by Janice Busco and Nancy Morin is a great new book from Fulcrum Publishing in partnership with The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Mss. Busco and Morin are highly qualified botanists that share their knowledge and expertise in a practical, easy-to-use format. This book is a real jewel for northern Arizona native plant landscaping enthusiasts. Before describing individual species, Native Plants for High Elevation Western Gardens helps gardeners decide what is best for their site and personal preferences. The book also has useful information about locating/creating microclimates, water use during and after plant establishment, site preparation/soil amendment, weed control, sources of native plant materials, planting/establishment, and pest management. These sections are concise and full of useful tips. Each of the 150 featured plants is alphabetically listed by scientific name and accompanied by common name(s), family, size/shape, and preferred USDA Plant Climate Zone. High quality color photos compliment each species described. In addition, plant characteristics, native range, season of bloom, outstanding features, cultural requirements, landscape uses, wildlife attracted, and historical and modern uses. Cultural information is of particular value to gardeners and includes soil preferences, exposures tolerated, water use, propagation methods, and maintenance tips. Descriptive information about typical plant communities and related species is also provided. The majority of the described plants are showy, herbaceous perennials best suited for elevations of 5,000 feet and above. However, I counted 72 plants that would do well in the Verde Valley, even more if they were planted in sheltered locations or cooler canyons. The book includes 11 species of Penstemon and several of my other favorites including prairie zinnia, Indian paintbrush, scarlet Gilia, fleabane, buckwheat, showy milkweed, showy four-o'clock, monkeyflower, blue flax, evening primrose, winterfat, Potentilla, Virginia creeper, and many more. Native perennial grasses are also given equal time. Grasses have fibrous root systems that protect soil from accelerated erosion and contribute organic matter. Most of these grasses are not suitable for turf, but create texture and interest in the landscape. Many of the grass species described are suitable for the Verde Valley. These are alkali sacaton, galleta, blue grama, Indian ricegrass, spike muhly, little bluestem, needle-and-thread grass, and deergrass. Many native perennials grow slowly during establishment, but once they produce seed, the population becomes established. Native plants will also seek their own favorite spots and hierarchy in the landscape. Overly aggressive plants must be controlled to make room for less aggressive species. All of these principles are covered in Native Plants for High Elevation Western Gardens. This book puts native plant landscaping into an ecological and cultural context. You learn how to: beautify areas with native plants that have interesting foliage and attractive blooms; provide food and familiar habitat to beneficial insects, birds, and wildlife; stabilize soils and maximize ground cover to minimize erosion and weeds; and, minimize or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. With patience, you can create a landscape that echoes the surrounding native plant community but has greater species diversity. Native Plants for High Elevation Western Gardens is an excellent information resource for native plant gardeners and it epitomizes my own home landscaping goals. You should also visit The Arboretum at Flagstaff to see these plants first hand and how they can be incorporated into native landscapes. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has publications and information on gardening and pest control. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 ext. 14 or E-mail us at mgardener@verdeonline.com and be sure to include your address and phone number. Find past Backyard Gardener columns or submit column ideas at the Backyard Gardener web site: http://ag.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/. |