So, here’s the deal: growing fruits and veggies is a whole different ball game compared to caring for California native plants. Veggies need all the nutrients and water they can get to produce those tasty, healthy treats we can’t get enough of. On the flip side, native plants in SoCal thrive in lean, dry soils. And most of us gardeners here are dealing with limited space, right? So, how do we grow our food and support wildlife with native plants at the same time? Apparently, experts say we can totally pull it off by creating an edible habitat garden that caters to the unique needs of both types of plants.
This landscape designer, Sophie Pennes, mentions this cool concept called “hydro-zoning.” It’s like matching plants based on how much water they need. Native plants are chill with minimal watering once they settle in, but veggies are like those needy roommates who always want more. Tim Becker, a horticulture director, stresses the importance of keeping the watering schedules separate. Basically, you water your veggies frequently but go easy on the natives.
Oh, and did you know that native plants aren’t into the whole nutrient-rich soil scene? They like it rough, in a soil sense, ya know? So, it’s a good idea to keep the fancy soil amendments away from them. Sophie suggests setting up raised beds for veggies and mixing in native plants on the ground. This way, you can keep the soil rich for your crops while letting the natives thrive in their natural habitat.
Speaking of which, this couple, Hannah and Hayden Coplen, seem to have nailed the whole veggies and natives combo. Hannah’s got her hands full with veggie patches, and Hayden’s all about recreating those serene native landscapes from his favorite hiking spots. It’s like a mini oasis right outside their door, with veggies, native plants, and a passion fruit vine that’s the life of the party. And they make margaritas with those passion fruits – now, that’s some serious garden-to-table action!
Then there’s Zach and Jennifer, aka the Tonawanda Farm duo, who turned their boring lawn into a veggie wonderland. Using broken concrete to create raised beds? Now, that’s creativity at its finest. And the native wildflower meadow in their backyard? It’s like a dream come true for Jennifer. I mean, who wouldn’t want to stroll through a meadow filled with flowers and fruit trees in their own backyard?
And hey, having all these native plants around isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s like a wildlife haven out there! Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are having a field day in these gardens. And let’s not forget about those sneaky predatory wasps that keep pests in check. It’s like having your own little ecosystem right in your backyard.
So, in the end, it’s not just about growing food or creating a beautiful garden. It’s about finding your happy place, like Hayden says. Looking out your window and seeing a thriving garden where your kid plays – that feeling is priceless. It’s about feeling connected to your surroundings, finding peace in the chaos of everyday life. And if a garden full of veggies and native plants can do that for you, then why not give it a shot? It might just be the best decision you ever make.
