Fringed sage, Artemisia frigida
As a practitioner and provider of Native Plants one of the challenges we are perpetually faced with is the request for “Larger Materials”. People are constantly looking for plants in larger pots. This might seem like a good problem to have as a seller of these goods would potentially benefit greatly from this need, but I would ask you to consider the following: Native plants are “hard to find” specifically in larger sizes due to the very unpredictable market space they share with their traditional brethren. That said, consumers are now looking more and more for these types of plants (Native) to utilize in their landscapes as a result of higher water and maintenance costs.
The hitch in the system is this; wholesalers will only grow and supply what their retailers have a ready market for. Landscape Architects (LA) can be limited in their botanical knowledge of Native Plant materials for their regions and often times struggle to implement or specify Native Plants as a result. To further add insult to injury, LA’s hesitate to specify Native Plants in their designs often because they find the plant materials very hard if not impossible to locate (no matter how much they are willing to spend).
Lemmon’s Willow, Salix lemmonii
Unfortunately, the system is set up with challenges in regard to a predictable Native Plant delivery in traditional venues, i.e. retail nurseries, large box stores, and landscaping garden centers. The solution will be driven by the consumer and the LA’s specifying on a grand scale the desire and need for Native Plants within a landscape.
Retailers will always be happy to carry an item that sells and wholesalers will always be happy to fill orders for materials as requested. There must be a need for the product and as of yet the need for Native Plants is real but not viable. We (Native Plant growers) are working diligently to get the word out, but until the need is driven by necessity/law/desire it will sit stagnant as a good idea rather than a viable and fully functional market share.
Basin Big Sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. tridentata
What to do and how to help: First and foremost, if you have an interest in planting and utilizing Native Plants continue to do so and spread the word, in fact take some time and brag about it! Second, and just as important, no matter where you buy your plants tell them you want more diversity, and more offerings in size classes that fit your needs. This includes Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Lowes. Third, if you have the opportunity to do so, talk to LA’s and Designers and tell them to specify Native Plants in their designs.
For those of you who might have influence beyond your personal space, encourage municipalities, State, and local governments, as well as DOT’s in your area, to understand and use Native Plants. Hold them accountable to it by participating in your local venues.
The irony in the insertion of Native Plants for common use is that it will almost certainly be driven by the economics of it, not the ethics involved. Native Plants become affordable when they are finally placed on the shelves and retailers will only put them there if they are asked to do so.
Silky Lupine, Lupinus sericeus
So get out there and ask for Natives and you will be facilitating the effort, all the while successfully Restoring the Planet one Native Plant at a Time! Enjoy spring in your part of the world and plant something that brings nature to you.
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