Why Go Native?

Pine Hill Landscaping is very enthusiastic about the public’s increased interest in native plants. This interest and our increased knowledge and awareness of the benefits of landscaping and gardening with native plants has resulted in many homeowners falling in love with the glorious diversity of California’s native plants.

Wildlife!  Native plants attract wildlife because these landscapes are rich in nectar and seed and recognition of California native plants is literally wired into the DNA of indiginous animals.  Children who grow up in native gardens learn to be curious about hummingbirds, lizards, butterflies, and wildlife rather than fearful. Think of your new landscaping as a wildlife restoration project for both flora and fauna.

Ambiance! California native plants smell like the great outdoors evoking wonderful memories of past wilderness adventures. Cleveland and white sage, brittlebush and pine for instance, are filled with resins and release their scents on warm afternoons. Think of it as free aromatherapy.

Going Native is EXCITING! For many of us a field of wildflowers is one of the most beautiful experiences we can encounter in nature. There is a deep impulse we carry from childhood into adulthood to reach out and pick a flower from a beautiful butterfly filled meadow or from a garden filled with California’s native plants.

Learn About California’s History! Ethnobotany is the study of how native plants were used by indigenous populations for food, medicine, tools and clothing. Pine Hill Landscaping takes the time to share their knowledge of Native American History and ethnobotany each time a native garden is installed. In turn, you will be able to use your landscape as an educational botanical garden for your children and your guests.

Save Water! The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California estimates that California’s urban water use now exceeds 2.2 trillion gallons of water each year. 70% of this is used for landscaping.

That means California’s landscaping currently consumes twice the water of all other household water uses combined. Installing a California Native Garden can reduce your landscape water usage by up to 75%. These water efficient native landscapes will be lush and beautiful and, once established, need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall. Saving water conserves a vital limited resource AND saves money! Water savings for a typical California family converting to a native plant garden can average $300 annually.

Less Gardening! In native gardens, plants do best with minimal attention and care. They require less water and fertilizer, and reduce or eliminate pesticide use. In turn, native gardens keep garden toxins out of our streams and ocean and have a less harmful impact on endangered wildlife. The average monthly gardening expenses for a single family home can be reduced by up to 50%, generating a potential savings of $700 annually.