Learn which native plants support local wildlife

California has more native plant species than any other state, reflecting California’s large size as well as its biodiversity. But not all natives grow well in the greater Sacramento area. The choices narrow more when the goal is providing food and habitat for native wildlife.

Learn which natives to plant where – and for whom – during a free workshop offered by the Placer County master gardeners.

Set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct 17, “From the Ground Up: Native Plants for Maximum Habitat Value” will use the master gardeners’ Loomis Demonstration Garden as its classroom. Participants will see examples of native plants that thrive in our area while also supporting local birds, bees, butterflies and more.

“No garden is too small to include native plant habitat champions,” say the master gardeners. “Come hear what plants make the biggest difference and how you can incorporate them beautifully even in small yards.”

This informative presentation includes a guided tour of the demonstration garden, which is expected to wrap up about noon.

California is home to more than 6,500 native plant species, subspecies and varieties, say the master gardeners. The key to choosing the right natives for the right place is focusing on natives local to your area.

“If you are growing California native plants to bring a fuller spectrum of biodiversity to your garden and support a thriving population of butterflies, birds and animals, it is important to choose native plants that are native to your garden and the region it is in,” explain the master gardeners.

Native wildlife is pick about habitat, they note. “You may have heard that ‘monarch butterflies need milkweed.’ As you may have observed in your garden, the adult monarch butterflies can sip nectar from a wide variety of fall flowers. But the caterpillars only eat milkweed. Without milkweed for the caterpillars, there are no monarch butterflies.

“And monarchs aren’t the only butterfly or insect that has specific plant requirements for their young. Most caterpillars and most insect larvae have very specific plant requirements. And these plants are natives! And just as important, these native plants are locally native!

“In South Placer, we need to choose plants that are native to the Sacramento Valley region and the low Foothills. Even though many California native plants may thrive in your garden, a plant that naturally grows hundreds of miles away – or maybe only a few dozen miles away but at a higher elevation – may not support the unique butterflies or pollinator population in your area. So local is a big deal!”

This informative program wraps up with a native plant sale. Susan in Bloom and Miridae Mobile Nursery will be on site, selling several of the varieties featured during the discussion and the garden tour.