Growing native plants is very rewarding and helps provide important habitat for local birds, animals and pollinators.
Native Plants:
• Are adapted to your climate
• Are drought tolerant
• Are resistant to diseases and pests
• Low maintenance
• Add beauty and interest
• Promote bio-diversity
• Invite and sustain local wildlife
• Support the local ecology
• Source of native plant seeds (Wind)
They don’t need watering once established, They don’t need artificial fertilizers, They don’t need herbicides or pesticides, They don’t need sun shelter or winter cover.
Here are some useful links:
CRD has a terrific website with good general info and links to lists of native plant species for various Light and Moisture Conditions, Ecosystems, Attracting Wildlife and Visual Interest. https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/natural-gardening/native-plants
Habitat Acquisition Trust website is another wonderful resource. Check out their Gardening with Nature page:
https://hat.bc.ca/gardeningwithnature where you’ll find numerous links, including Container Gardening with Native Plants https://hat.bc.ca/container-gardening; and Tips for Transforming Your Lawn https://hat.bc.ca/transforming-your-lawn; as well as a link to a PDF Native Plant list among other useful links.
The Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team (https://goert.ca) has many useful links, including a page dedicated to gardeners interested in restoring Garry Oak habitat https://goert.ca/gardeners-restoration/overview/; a downloadable booklet The Garry Oak Gardener’s Handbook: Nurturing Native Plant Habitat in Garry Oak Communities (2011); a downloadable restoration guide Restoring BC’s Garry Oak Ecosystems: Principles & Practices (2011); as well as detailed sections on plant propagation https://goert.ca/gardeners-restoration/propagation/; a list of where to buy native plants https://goert.ca/gardeners-restoration/buying-native-plants/; and caring for Garry Oak trees https://goert.ca/gardeners-restoration/planting-caring-for-garry-oak-trees/; as well as a helpful page on dealing with those four-footed friends who love our gardens https://goert.ca/gardeners-restoration/deer/.
SSI Conservancy has a Stewardship Checklist on how to care for your property and local wildlife at saltspringconservancy.ca/protect/your-land/protecting-private-land/ as well as advice on protecting natural values and improving habitat for birds, butterflies, etc. at saltspringconservancy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/LivingWithNatureGuide.pdf
Saanich Naturescape Program has a great website with lots of resources, including a new booklet to help you create, maintain and enhance wildlife habitat and native biodiversity using native plants on your land. https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/natural-environment/naturescape-program.html
RESOURCES FOR RECOGNIZING AND REMOVING INVASIVE PLANTS
Some non-native plants pose serious risks to local natural ecosystems.
Useful information on identifying, controlling and disposing of these invasive species can be found at https://saltspringconservancy.ca/invasive-plants/ The article “Alien Plants” and “Invasive Plant Removal Chart” are particularly useful. In addition, a number of common invasive plants are pictured and described, including those that are well-established on the island and a Watch List for potential new problems.
Coastal Invasive Species Committee is BC-based and has extensive info on many weeds, especially at www.coastalisc.com/category/main/priority-invasive-plants/
Grow Me Instead covers 26 of BC’s unwanted garden plants, and alternatives. bcinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ISCBC-GMI-Brochure-180425-WEB.pdf
Saanich Priority Invasive Plants outlines policies and methods to Prevent, Eradicate, Contain and Control various species, and “Early Detection, Rapid Response”
A quick guide for planning when to remove various invasive plant species in this region is at https://goert.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/IS-Best-Time-to-Remove-Patricia-Boyle.pdf
Excellent information and videos about Scotch Broom and community efforts in our region to contain and eliminate it can be found at https://www.broombusters.org/
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board has many excellent online guides, including Garden Wise: Non-invasive Plants for your Garden
Noxious Weeds in King County, Washington, also has info useful in southern BC.
GardenSmart Oregon has info on invasive species and recommended alternatives
BC Report-A-Weed – is an online invasive plant reporting website & mobile App