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David Salman, President/
Chief Horticulturist
Ava Salman, Marketing Director
Cindy Bellinger, Editor
Kerry Kirkpatrick, Designer
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Native Plants: What Are They and How Can You Use Them?
By Mary Ann Walz
 What is a native plant? The definition is not all that easy and opinions differ, even among experts. Most would agree that a plant found growing and reproducing naturally in a region over a very long period of time (and prior to any human interference) is native to that particular area. But consider this:
Let's assume that we find a plant near Socorro, New Mexico. We gather seed and plant it in Santa Fe. Is it still a native plant even though we've moved it to an area where it is not found in nature? This is where opinions vary greatly. The plant is a native to New Mexico but perhaps just to a particular area of the state. However, it will grow elsewhere if transported by man. Is it still native?
Native Plants and Microclimates
To truly consider a plant native to your area, it should be found within the same type of ecosystem within your region. For instance, the Santa Fe region is considered Southern Rocky Mountains, while Socorro is part of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert.
But as we all know, there are many microclimates to consider. Altitude, rainfall, and soil type all influence which plants grow best within a particular area. Add the effects of our manmade environment and we change things again, making some areas moister with better soil, or slightly warmer or cooler due to proximity to a structure.
 However, because many common native plants have wide ranging distribution in their native habitats, they are usually quite adaptable as long as their basic soil and moisture preferences are met. That allows us to use plants that may not be a true native to our area but could thrive in the conditions we have.
What are the Advantages of Gardening with Native Plants?
 They have evolved to grow reliably in less than ideal conditions without significant care once they're well established. - They are resistant to common pests and provide food (foliage, fruit or seeds) and cover for songbirds and beneficial insects.
- They thrive in the soils and climatic conditions of the local area. But make sure your landscape contains similar conditions. For example, a plant living in a wetland or riparian area would not be suitable for a xeric location and vice versa.
Why Not Use Them More Often?
 Native plants have traditionally been perceived by farmers and ranchers simply as weeds that must be eradicated from cultivated fields and pastures. While local townspeople often consider them too common to deserve a place in their gardens.- People mistakenly think wild plants aren't as attractive as cultivated species. But browse through books or catalogs that contain native plants, take a hike with a knowledgeable plant person, or view a botanical garden that has native plants and this is easily refuted.
- Use of native plants in your landscape gives your property a sense of place that reflects the region in which you live. You probably wouldn't move to Colorado because it reminds you of Ohio.
 In a perennial border native plants can stand alone or be mixed with cultivated species with similar needs. A few western intermountain favorites are:
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Native shrubs and trees provide structure to the landscape and often provide food, shelter or both to birds and other animals. Fail-proof but pretty favorites include:
And don't forget the grasses. A couple of fabulous ornamental varieties are:
Look for like a Native Plant Society in your community or state by doing an Internet search. You'll find native plant enthusiasts are eager to share their knowledge. Then try a few native plants in your landscape. You won't be sorry.
Design Tip #12 – Simple Outdoor Holiday Décor Using Natural Materials
By Mary Ann Walz
 Sometimes the simplest natural materials have the greatest impact when putting up outdoor decorations. A bonus is that they’re often free or low cost and you get to spend time outdoors gathering the supplies.
- Lay evergreen branches in outdoor containers so the soft tips face outward. Group pinecones in the center. Use a few sprigs of rose hips or berries for accents. Willow branches can add a nice vertical element.
 Place a variety of evergreen branches on outdoor tables. Add pinecones and perhaps a pretty, twisted piece of wood. Place lighted candles in glass containers when guests are expected.
- Place an upright deciduous branch (long or short to suit the space) in a pot with soil. Wire small pinecones, nuts, sycamore pods, or other natural materials to the tips of the branches. Place a pair on either side of the front door or where it’s visible from inside. It’s fun to gild some of the pinecones. Mound pinecones and evergreen tips on the surface of the soil.
 Make a wreath of pinecones. They can either be wired or hot glued to purchased forms. Add a bow made of fabulous ribbon and it’ll look like you spent $100.
- Wire two or three really large pinecones together. Add a bow at the top and hang on portals, from the top of a window, or on porch posts. It looks best if you make several.
Look around your yard for materials and inspiration. Be creative, have fun, and happy holidays.
Plant Combination
 This month features an early spring blooming bulb and creeping groundcover that compliment one another.
Tulipa batalinii 'Bright Gem' is a mid-spring blooming tulip with fragrant, light sulfur yellow flowers. Only 4 to 6” tall, this flower is a vigorous grower, quickly forming small colonies in just a few years. Shown blooming through Veronica oltensis, a favorite small growing groundcover. 12 bulbs per bag. Zones 3-8.
 Veronica liwanensis Turkish Speedwell is a 1997 Plant Select® winner, and for the Western gardener, there is no finer ground cover. Vigorous and fast growing, this species thrives in difficult climates. The stems of round glossy evergreen leaves root as they creep across the garden, and can be used to create a groundcover “lawn.” With the first hint of warm weather, small but numerous spikes of blue flowers appear. With a little extra water, V. liwanensis lightly bloom again in late summer. Needs afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Zones 4-8.
Our December Garden Game
This month our Garden Game is a Wordsearch. To print it out click here.
New 2006 Catalog Just Off the Press and On-line!
By David Salman
 Twenty-four new plants and the very latest products for improving soil fertility and garden health are highlighted in our offerings for 2006. Existing High Country Garden customers and E-zine subscribers get the first preview of our exciting line-up for the coming year.
The rare Pelargonium endlicherianum (Turkish Pelargonium), new-to-the country Silver Spike Grass (Achnatherum calmagrostis), and the fabulous Stachys inflata (Cotton Candy Lamb's Ear) are just a few of our limited availability HCG introductions that you'll want to order early and reserve for your spring plantings.
What's New for 2006
Order a Free Catalog
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Sometimes the simplest natural materials have the greatest impact when putting up outdoor decorations.
