2005 Year in Review

Using Native Plants in Dry Weather

Source: John church, Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management, churchj@uiuc.edu

More homeowners are becoming interested in adding native plants to their landscape. This summer's warm, dry weather is another reason to consider such plantings. Most typical new housing developments leave soil conditions in a disturbed, compacted state after construction is done. This type of soil condition can accentuate the effects of drought or other types of stresses on the plant, since the soil's rooting zone often has less organic matter, tilth, air and water movement and nutrients than in its natural state.

Although there are options to dealing with these soil and planting conditions, some homeowners are planting native prairie plants that are deeper rooted and more tolerant of adverse conditions. "Even with native plants, though, the proper species should be selected for the conditions on the site", says John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford. Some are more suited for drier prairie conditions and some are better for wetland conditions. Over time these plants may also help improve urban yard and garden soils through their deep and fibrous root systems. They can also reduce the need for watering during extended hot, dry weather.

Whether a beginning or experienced gardener, Native Plants in the Home Landscape for the Upper Midwest, University of Illinois Extension circular 1381, may be a helpful resource for anyone with an interest in plants indigenous to the upper Midwest region. Its 120 pages include a brief history of the American prairie, describes the benefits of gardening with wildflowers and other native plants, and outlines how to begin.

Approximately 80 plant species are shown in the book with color photographs and text descriptions. Plants were selected for their visual appeal, multiple seasons of interest, ease of culture, commercial availability, and suitability to a small site. Beginners will find step-by-step illustrated landscape designs. Also included is information on maintaining the health of native plant gardens. Also, there is a glossary of terms and lists of native plant sources, books, and Web sites in the reference book.

For further information about the circular, contact the local county U. of I. Extension office or go to website Native Plants in the Home Landscape.

Additional native prairie plant information is also available on-line from the Illinois Natural History located at the University of Illinois at Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
August 2, 2005