LANDSCAPING WITH FIELD-COLLECTED NATIVE PLANTS
by Stan Metsker

On the south edge of Colorado Springs there is a large area being developed for homes. This land has been grazed in the past but much native vegetation remains. Much of 1t is shortgrass prairie and some comprises foothill shrub vegetation. My job has been to revegetate and maintain an 18 hole golf course there. During the past 6 years an effort has been made to preserve a few small areas in their natural condition and to collect and use native plant materials for planting. The task has been a challenge and has posed many problems.

 The goal of the landscaping has been to develop areas that fit into the surrounding landscape, composed of prairie and foothills dominated by Scrub Oak, Skunkbush, Mountain Mahogany and an occasional Ponderosa Pine. The common method of sprinkler irrigation did not work efficiently but watering was obviously necessary during the stages of establishment. It also was necessary to replant widely scattered plants in denser clumps for desirable landscaping effect. In addition, several cultural problems were encountered with certain species.

Most new plants must be watered every 10 days during the growing season in the absence of rain. Plants should be watered during the dormant season, but not as often. Most of my losses have occurred during the months of June and July. This is particularly true of Scrub Oak, which is most difficult species to transplant during its first year of culture. For the last 3 years we have successfully used drip irrigation. We use Rainbird Emitters under 20 lbs pressure to supply 2 gallons of water per hour. This system is more efficient and less costly than tank trucks, open hoses and other conventional methods of irrigation. Although it may be cheaper to purchase nursery plants than to collect the same species in its. native habitat, most native species are not readily available in the nursery trade. The biggest problem that we experience, other than watering, are weeds. Canadian Thistle, for example, invades and ruins the landscaping effect.

Very little information was available on methods of transplantation, culture or care. In general, however, most native species may be transplanted with ease if one follows good horticultural practices.

These are:

1. Select small, healthy but dormant plants.
2. Soil should be moist and not too rocky.
3. A ball of earth surrounding the roots must be taken with most plants.
4. Plants must be handled carefully and kept moist.
5. Plants must be transferred to the new site as soon as possible and watered immediately.
6. Fertilizer should not be used unless in long-lasting or slow release. tablet form.