Members Express Gratitude for Native Plants

By Tish Berge, CNPS Garden Ambassador

On a sunny day at Bird Park, a group of CNPS Gardening Committee members gathered to admire the work of volunteers and share their collective interests in gardening with native plants. At that meeting, members shared why they are grateful for native plants. As we enjoy Fall and get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, there is no better time to give thanks for our hardworking California native plants.

Our members are grateful for native plants for many reasons, their resilience, beauty and role in a bigger picture.

On resilience, Holly J. shared “Native plants actually like San Diego soil the way it comes.” Holly is onto something here, by planting natives you can skip that entire soil amendment section of the nursery and use your soil just the way it is. Echoing this sentiment, another member shared, “Native plants demonstrate resiliency – they can survive even in difficult settings, with little care. And they often surprise us when they bounce back after a season of dormancy.” So true, most of our native gardens are looking a little haggard as we struggle with a below average rain year, but they will re-emerge when conditions are right.

So many members spoke to the beauty of native plants, not just visually, but to all our senses:

“I am grateful for black sage as the wonderful aroma relaxes my soul on my meditative walks” – Lillian S.

“I am grateful for the opportunity native plants bring me to continue discovering the beauty of the living world.”

“Native plants bring a beautiful diversity of insect life to our gardens, in addition to gorgeous blooms!”

“I am grateful for the beauty of native plants, sometimes subtle, sometimes bold. I am grateful for their fragrance especially when walking through the sage and chaparral.” – Louise R.

Native plants give a sense of place. They remind us how everything in life is interconnected, interdependent. One of our members shared, “A California native garden brings life and solace for bugs, birds, and humans.” I know enjoying natives and the life they support brought me great solace this past year and half when oftentimes it felt like anxiety around the pandemic might swallow me whole. Armando pointed out how important native plants are, especially to urban areas,

“I’m grateful for all the life and healthy living benefits California native plants bring into our urban communities. From a Cleveland sage’s amazing scent, a manzanita’s stately presence, the cool shade of a sycamore, or the cheerful California poppy, what could be better for a healthy life?”

Speaking of health, Susan L. shared “Growing and supporting native plants (and eradicating invasive plants) supports biodiversity which is very important to human health and planetary health.”

One member put it succinctly when they wrote, “They are the real truth, follow the history and roots.” Echoing a similar sentiment, another member shared, “I am an immigrant, I have been living in California for the last 6.5 years. California has given me everything. I love each and every aspect of California’s nature. Native plants are at its core. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to California’s native plant propagation. It’s my honor.” And that support and propagation is so important as Bonnie N points out when she noted that, “I am so grateful for how our native flora supports/feeds/sustains our native fauna – insects/pollinators, which in turn feed our birds, lizards, etc.” So true.

And bringing this all home to the goals of the CNPS Gardening Committee, Judie L. reminds all of us, especially during this current drought,

“(Native plants) are a low water solution to greening our environment. They are simply the RIGHT, WISE, PERFECT, LOVELY solution for gardens and green spaces.”

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and have the opportunity to take some time to enjoy the native plants in your life.

Tish Berge has been a CNPS member since the early 2000’s when she got her very first native plant, a Catalina Cherry. She likes natives because they are drought tolerant and attract wildlife. She recommends workshops, tours, and patience to new gardeners.