Add native Okanagan plants to your garden for their beauty and resilience

Photo: Sigrie Kendrick

A vital pollinator gathers late-season nectar from the native Aster ericoides.

It is often said the only constant is change and that is certainly true of gardens. They’re always evolving, both seasonally and over the years.

After losing many perennials traditionally grown in Okanagan gardens over the last few years to a variety of issues, including extreme weather, the Okanagan Xeriscape Association has decided to further embrace the use of native plants and we are enlarging our native plant garden at the UnH2O Xeriscape Demonstration Garden.

The newest rendition of our native plant-themed garden will have a larger footprint and will showcase a wider variety of native Okanagan species. Please be patient as we work to transform this garden.

Our Okanagan Valley features a unique ecosystem, shaped by hot, dry summers and cold winters. This distinctive climate has resulted in a diverse array of native plants that are not only beautiful but also incredibly resilient. Native plants have evolved over thousands of years to flourish in the Okanagan's specific conditions. This means they require less water, fertilizer, and overall maintenance than many non-native species. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you're not only creating a low-maintenance space but also supporting local ecosystems and wildlife.

Water conservation is a crucial consideration in the Okanagan and native plants are the perfect solution.

Species like Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush), Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bluebunch Wheatgrass) and Balsamorhiza sagittata (Arrowleaf Balsamroot) have developed deep root systems and other adaptations to thrive with minimal water. These plants are just a few examples of those native perennials which can help reduce your water usage while still maintaining an attractive landscape.

Contrary to the misconception that native plants lack visual appeal, the Okanagan boasts a wide variety of fantastic flowering species. For instance, we will be incorporating a planting of Linum perenne (Blue Flax) and Gaillardia aristata (Brown-Eyed Susan) for a stunning contrast of blue and yellow blooms. Also included in the new planting will be my go-to shade of red with a planting of Ipomopsis aggregata (Scarlet gilia). And, I am beyond excited to include one of my favourite natives, Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke), the reddish-pink blooms of which are followed by fascinating, fluffy seed heads which resemble puffs of smoke.

By planting native plants, you're essentially rolling out the welcome mat for local wildlife. The bright purple tubular flowers of the Penstemon fruticosis (Shrubby Penstemon) will supply early nectar for pollinators along with the Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape). Following in the season will be the lilac-coloured blooms of both Aster conspicuus (Showy aster) and Monarda fistulosa (Bergamont). At this time of year Heterotheca villosa (Golden Aster) and Aster ericoides (Tufted Prairie Aster) provide late season nectar for pollinators. Native plants offer a wide range of textures and forms to add interest to your garden. The groundcover Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick) will serve as a living mulch while the tall Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon) adds vertical interest.

Start small by incorporating a few native species into your existing garden. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the proportion of native plants. Local nurseries such as Wild Bloom in Kelowna and XEN in West Kelowna are excellent resources for both plants and advice about native plants.

Remember, even native plants need some care, especially when first establishing. Supplement them with regular water during the first growing season to help them develop strong root systems. After that, most species will require minimal attention, perfect for those of you who are already time-stressed.

By embracing native Okanagan plants in our gardens, we're not just creating beautiful spaces, we're actively participating in conservation efforts. These plants help preserve biodiversity, reduce water consumption, and create habitat for local insects and wildlife.

As climate change continues to impact our region, the resilience of native plants becomes increasingly valuable.

Gardening with native Okanagan plants offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural heritage of our region. It's a chance to create outdoor spaces that are not only visually stunning but also ecologically responsible.

Visit our website at okanaganxeriscape.org and peruse our plant database for more information about native species.

Add native Okanagan plants to your garden for their beauty and resilience

The Okanagan Xeriscape Association is grateful for the ongoing financial support of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and is proud to be collaborating with them on their Make Water Work campaign.

Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the Okanagan Xeriscape Association.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.