It's Time to Garden!

It's spring time and for many people that means it is time to plant flowers. Here at Sierra Outdoor School we have five native plant gardens. With so many choices at your local hardware stores and plant nurseries, we encourage you to choose native plants when possible. We worked with our local chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and with the California Garden Foundation to get funding and plants for our gardens. If you're interested in starting a native garden at home or at your school, check in with your local CNPS chapter and stores that carry native plants. Read on to see why native plants are a good choice and to see pictures of our gardens. Happy gardening!

Why should we grow California native plants?

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil type (in your zone)
No fertilizers are required (mulch and compost instead)
Habitat and food for wildlife
Many are drought tolerant
Many aid in erosion control
More resistant to local fungal diseases and pests
Provide traditional uses (medicinally/culturally)
Minimum maintenance

SPRING IN OUR SIERRA OUTDOOR SCHOOL NATIVE GARDEN

Students finding "fun facts" about plants

Interpretive sign along with the lupine and Ceanothos

Sun tolerant natives at Juniper dorms

California wild rose

Gettysburg students helped plant on Earth Day 2009

Why should we grow native California plants at home and/or school?

Low maintenance
Aesthetics (they're beautiful)
Education tool for social studies, science, math and English
Provides a hands-on environment for students
Decreases the spread of invasive plants
Creates a sense of place unique to your area

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