Direct Sow Native Plants

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Many thanks to Cathy Lund, Master Gardener with the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association, who wrote this article

There is so much talk about taking care of our wildlife. Why not sow some native plant seeds - annuals or perennials?

Direct sow seeds that need cold stratification. The winter takes care of that and the rain and cooler temperatures assist in germination and in some cases establish root systems for earlier spring blooming. Help out those native pollinators that are looking for nectar in early spring such as mason and bumble bees and Anna’s hummingbirds. Those early bees emerge when daily temperatures rise above 13 C.

Some early blooming native plants include Menzie’s larkspur (Delphinium menziesii), Sea Blush (Plectritis congesta), and Fringe Cup (Tellima grandiflora). Other common native plants with seeds requiring cold stratification that are great for native pollinators are Nodding Onion (Allium cernuun), Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Howell’s Pussytoes (Antennaria howellii), Farewell to Spring (Clarkia amoena) and Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa). You will find more extensive lists in the references noted below.

When sowing these seeds ensure that the area is clear of weeds and mulch. Mix the seeds in wet sand or sawdust and toss those seeds where you want them (can combine into a mix if similar conditions) or buy in a mix (read contents carefully as many mixes are not native and may contain weeds or invasive plants). Press seeds into the soil and cover with a dusting of fine soil.

References:

Vancouver Bee Project vancouverbeeproject.org

Fine Gardening

Selecting Plants for Pollinators pollinator.org

Satinflowers Nursery satinflower.ca

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Would love a source for se blush. Also, is there anyone who could identify the native grasses growing on my land? Some look like fescues? Tufted. They are beautiful and I’m using them as matrix plants in the meadow area but would love to have names.

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The Gone to Seed Little Library in Comox normally has Sea Blush seeds (they are closed until January now). See

Satinflower Nurseries in Victoria usually has seed and it appears they have plants. See Plectritis congesta (Sea Blush) – Satinflower Nurseries

Also Streamside Nursery in Bowser says they will have plants in the Spring. See

Good luck!

Regarding grass identification, if you take clear, closeup photos and post them here to the Forum, we would be happy to send them off to the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners and request that they ID them.

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You are the best, thanks so much for this info. :blush:. Will follow up for sure. Ta

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