Why Xeriscape?

Wildland Nursery

Native plants were growing in the Intermountain West long before European settlers arrived on the scene. Over thousands of years, they have become exquisitely adapted to the climatic extremes and varied conditions of the region. They are the plants that are at home here. From the alpine reaches of the high mountaintops to the high deserts of the Colorado Plateau, regional habitants are home to unique communities of native plants.

Wise Water Use

Almost fifty percent of culinary water in the intermountain area is used in landscaping. As more and more people move to the Intermountain West, already scarce water supplies will be severely depleted. To reduce consumption, we need to replace wasteful, water-guzzling lawns with more water efficient plants. Natives are a natural choice for water conservation because they look their best with little or no extra water.

Ease of Maintenance

Because natives are at home in the landscape and are water-wise, they require very little maintenance. They do not suffer from the pests and diseases that plague cultivated plants and rarely need extra water or fertilizer. Once established they are long -lived and virtually maintenance free.

A Sense of Place

Growing natives in our garden ties our landscape to a larger regional landscape and will help us feel connected with the place that is our home. Instead of fighting the dryness and alkaline soils that are natural features of the local environment, embrace them by planting native species that thrive under local conditions.

Natural Beauty and Diversity

The wealth of color and form found in the native flora greatly surpasses that found in cultivated plants. Natives have interesting growth forms, provide year round beauty and respond to minimal care with an abundance of beautiful flowers.

Wildlife Habitat

By growing a diverse community of native plants, we create a year-round haven for wild creatures such as birds, butterflies and a host of pollinating insects. These native animals have evolved together with the plants and co-exist with them in mutually beneficial relationships. The natural processes that bind ecosystems can be witnessed and enjoyed in a back yard habitat.

Conservation Awareness

When we encounter ‘friends' from our gardens growing on their own in the wild, we recognize the value of rich and complex ecosystems. Further reflection should help us realize that these natural communities depend on our responsible action for their preservation.