Rain Day Field Trip

Yesterday on a cold rainy day we decided to head up to Jura Canyon on one of our botanic plant identification, locate and photo tours. We are always on the search for new and different seed sources for plants as well as to check out the overall habitats and the potential for seed collection when the seed is ripe. I like to take the crew with me as an educational aspect as well – those who work with plants , grow the plants and chase the weeds for us are better informed about those plants if they get the opportunity to see them in their native habitats.  All of those working with us this year are very keen on learning – plants, growing, habitats and how all of our plants work together to form these dynamic landscapes – those we design and build and those that nature has provided for us to enjoy. Yesterday we took a look at the Limber Pine – starting to form good cones – although not a heavy crop, looks good and will give us some nice plants in 10 years.  Near the Limbers are the Douglas Fir – some are really loaded with cones – really cool looking red cones will mature and be ready for fall harvesting.

Douglas Fir cones

One of the most interesting aspects of seeing these trees growing in their native habitats is the soil conditions – or rather the lack of soil they actually need. The tendency in urban landscaping is to add lots of rich black soil when planting or building a landscape – the reality is these trees have evolved to exist  (and thrive) on the thin nutrient deficient montane soils. How do these plants survive without our care and control?  Where is the irrigation system, the annual fertilizer application, the pest control, and the rich black soil needed for growing?  That is the true beauty of the native plants – they grow here because they like it here – not because we have modified the environment to accommodate them .

We did see a number of plants we like and admire but do not have all of the propagation procedures established for production of reliable numbers for sales – yet, the research continues to bring these plants to market. We are testing the Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum) , the Low Bush Cranberry (Viburnum edule) and the Mountain Avens (Dryas drummondi).

Yellow Mountain Avens

Little Blue Clematis

Our next field trip will be up over the Powderface Trail – another interesting and diverse area full of native plants which have great potential for the landscape market. One of our best introductions from that area is the Powderface Willow .

Always good to get out poke around, look at plants, look at habitats and get some really good ideas for designing sustainable landscapes. Thanks for going along everybody – see you on the next trip.