Learn about Naturescaping, Using Oregon Native Plants

Have you ever thought about trying to incorporate more native plants into your landscaping?  It's a great way to conserve water and reduce the use of chemicals, because native plants are already accustomed to growing conditions in our regional environment.  They also provide food and shelter for native animals, and provide other benefits as well.

Over the last 3 years, I've completely re-landscaped my yard using almost entirely native plants.  I'm going to be writing about that project and some of the plants I've used in later posts, but for now I just wanted to mention the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD), and a couple of the resources they offer.

It can be a little challenging to find a good variety of native plants from any one source, but EMSWCD holds an annual native plant sale where you can get native ground covers, flowers, shrubs and trees.  The sale has unfortunately already happened this year, but why not register for a free Naturscaping class offered by EMSWCD, and be ready with a landscape plan for next year?

Event description (from EMSWCD):

Explore the core concepts of naturescaping, pollution prevention, and introduces attendees to watershed connections, native plant identification and site planning principals in this introductory workshop.

This workshop introduces the concept of naturescaping. We also explore:
• time and maintenance savings
• reduction/elimination of water and chemical use
• increasing and improving wildlife habitat
• watershed stewardship
• basic site or project planning and many other great gardening tips

This FREE workshop is being held on Sunday, April 3rd.  EMCSWCD offers additional workshops, on this topic and others - like how to make a rain garden.  Check out the full schedule of events here.