Drought underscores importance of California native plants

Ellen Zagory, director of public horticulture for the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, is featured in Davis Enterprise article dated May 13, 2015, Drought underscores the importance of native plants.

Here is an excerpt:

Hedgerow Farms, located outside of Winters, and the UC Davis Arboretum [and Public Garden] are two plant providers that have noticed changes in gardeners’ tastes as California enters a fourth year of drought.

Plant sales organized by the Friends of the Arboretum [and Public Garden] are drawing big crowds, said Ellen Zagory, director of public horticulture at the Arboretum [and Public Garden].

“We really highlight drought-tolerant plants and gardens,” Zagory said. “Now I get calls every day asking about these plants.”

Zagory explained that many native plants are well suited for drought conditions. Since the bulk of California is dry, native plants tend to adapt to less water, she said.

Native plants also benefit bees, Zagory said, so gardeners may want to help the pollinators that are in a crisis as well.

Read the article on the Davis Enterprise's website