Neighbors Meet Challenges for New Native Plant Garden
May 13, 2024 04:35PM ● By Kristina Rogers
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - In early 2023, as Jane Kiser walked by Plaza Cervantes Park at Freeport Boulevard and 11th Avenue, she became annoyed with the dead garden and overgrown weeds. The area looked more like an empty lot than a welcoming neighborhood spot to enjoy on a beautiful day. “I hadn't been much of an advocate up to that point,” Kiser said, but she was frustrated with the blighted space. She contacted Joe Flores, the Parks commissioner, and last July neighbors came and ripped out weeds, black sheeting, dead bushes, and trash. After it was cleaned, the next step was to plant something, but what?
Native Plants at Land Park WPA Rock Garden. This is an example of what will sprout in the new garden. Photo by Kristina Rogers
“I decided to post on Facebook in the College Plaza Neighbors Group for ideas,” Kiser said. “It didn’t take long for the gardening enthusiasts to respond. They suggest a native plant garden.” Someone connected Kiser to the Sacramento Valley Chapter for California Native Plants.
Along the way, Dave Roberts joined in. Roberts used his landscaping and plant expertise to design the space. He created a list of 28 California native plants with names like Summer Snow, Calistoga, Pink Island Foam, Valley Violet, Blond Ambition, and Bee’s Bliss. The project was taking shape, and volunteers were ready to help. The next hurdle was how to secure funds for the plants and supplies.
Kiser explained, “City Parks could help but didn’t have the money for this project. Then, a neighbor suggested we apply for a Sacramento Perennial Plant Club grant.” The timing was perfect, as grant applications were being accepted. Then, another tiny snag: Kiser needed a 501c3 organization to help apply for the grant with her. She contacted the Land Park Community Association, which responded swiftly, eager to join the effort.
A map of the garden designed by Dave Roberts. Photo by Kristina Rogers
The application went through, and the LPCA distributed the funds for the supplies. Things were moving along again until another roadblock appeared: heavy rain was expected on the scheduled planting date. Kiser and Roberts scrambled to change plans. Volunteers hustled and worked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., two days before the storm arrived. Commissioner Flores and City Parks staff brought the mulch and spread it throughout the space.
Now, it’s Mother Nature’s turn to do her part. Roberts said, “We expect the yarrows and grasses to come up first; flowers take a bit longer.” He noted, “Grasses are considered ‘pioneer plants’ that build a soil web for plants to flourish. By spring, we should see some color. Normally, a native landscape takes around five years to mature.”
Native Plant Project at Plaza Cervantes Park. Photo by Kristina Rogers
He also shared how the soil food web is critical to building a healthy natural environment for plants and animals. It helps protect against pests, diseases, and weed growth. It can also reduce the need for using pesticides. Finally, regenerating soil to a healthy, natural state can support climate change efforts by creating a carbon-reducing environment. Roberts recommends visiting the website www.soilfoodweb.com to learn more about the soil food web.
Jane Kiser and Dave Roberts are not finished yet; they also plan to install an 18X24 plaque. It will describe the plants and the benefits of native foliage. For instance, native plants are drought-tolerant, but once folks are trained to care for them, they’re easy to maintain and cost-effective. And Roberts noted, “They create an environment where good bugs thrive,” meaning pollinators like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. Birds and lizards will enjoy the garden, too. Funds are being secured for the plaque. When it’s ready, a community event will celebrate the installation.
Kiser has been bitten by the “advocate bug” and continues supporting native plant gardening. She’s in the early stages of contacting neighborhood schools to get youth more involved. She has spoken to Sac City College and is also interested in connecting to McClatchy High School (Principal Egan, is there a native plant club there?).
Roberts explained, “You always want your garden to be a catalyst for other projects.” And possible projects could involve our city too. For instance, the Old City Cemetery on Broadway and Riverside Blvd. could be an excellent opportunity to create a robust native plant garden. Plus, other neighborhood spots around Sacramento should be considered.
Dave Roberts at work on volunteer planting day. Photo by Jane Kiser
More trees will be added to Plaza Cervantes Park as well. Joe Flores plans to schedule a time to plant around nine trees in the small park later this year. Roberts said he is pleased that the Parks Department has been more engaged and hopes to work with them on future projects. These climate-friendly efforts help meet Sacramento City’s goals to improve climate change for all. Passionate gardeners, neighborhood volunteers, Jane Kiser and Dave Roberts are ready to accept new challenges!
To visit the Sacramento Perennial Plant Club website go to: www.sacplants.org
The Sacramento Valley Chapter of California Native Plant Society is at: www.sacvalleycnps.org
