Native Landscape Design
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California's Own Native Landscape Design |
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California Native Habitat Restoration | ||
Weed Control: The Most Essential StepTo quote Bert Wilson, owner of Las Pilitas Nursery, www.laspilitas.com ecosystem restoration is defined as "a planting composed of 100% California native plants with components from the pioneer, sub-climax and climax communities. The ecosystem should represent the native appearance in the 1600's, have no alien, foreign, exotic components present (i.e. weeds, plastics, fertilizers, soil amendments, etc.), and maintained for 1-3 years with no water." Notice that Bert uses the word "restoration" and not "revegetation", which is no more specifically defined than covering the ground with vegetation. His protocols are stringent but straightforward, and we believe him to be among the great environmental ecologists of today. We have adopted his methodology, and the results have met with unparalleled success.
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The Natives Come Roaring BackWeed control spells the difference between success and failure on a native restoration. Note the health of the oak trees and the return of long dormant and volunteer natives back on to the clean site. | ||
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When working to restore native ecosystems, weed control becomes absolutely paramount. The dramatic effect is seen in this photo, comparing a mature Englemann oak
on the client’s property with a neighbor’s tree in the distance. Notice that the tree in the foreground has had all weeds removed, whereas the neighbor’s tree is still
choked in oat grass, mustard, fillaree, and brome (all non-native). The client’s tree is vigorous, it’s yellow color coming from the blossoms that are covering it. It is
currently putting on 3 feet of new growth per year. The neighbor’s tree is barely surviving, no flowers (and no acorns-no babies). This photo really illustrates the concept
of weeds vs. natives as an ecological switch-you either have weeds, or you have natives. They do not co-exist well. Next time you chance upon a healthy stand of
chaparral, take a look inside. There are no weeds. If you can get to 70% canopy coverage with your native plant community, and you use good mulch and no "artificial
life-support", then the natural weed inhibiting characteristics of your native landscape kick in.
The oak tree in this picture is busily adding 3 feet of growth per year and going into full bloom.
The coastal sage scrub has re-colonized back 20 to 30 feet
along it’s perimeter since clean-up began two years ago.
All 40 Englemann oaks on this property were in full bloom, in total contrast to every
other oak in the valley! I’m sure you could have seen this rectangular, 10 acre parcel outside of Ramona very clearly from a satellite.
With the soil free of weeds, wild peonies spontaneously appeared by the thousands. This is a rarely seen plant in most instances. Note the unusual nodding magenta, green, red and yellow flowers. They are really intricate and beautiful close up.
Native currants popped up under the oaks, right next
to the currants we had planted. I guess we got our ecology right!