What are native plants?
There is often debate on the definition of “native plants” but for our purposes they are plants that grow within a 50-100 kilometre radius, and 150-300 vertical metres of elevation, of a particular location. They were present before the arrival of Europeans and are naturally occurring or indigenous to a particular area. 

Why use native plants?
Plants native to a region have spent thousands of years developing strategies to survive in the existing climate and growing conditions. As a result they grow successfully and require less maintenance than other plants.  Their close connection with the local ecosystem offers valuable and complex learning opportunities in ecology and botany, as well as their role in Aboriginal cultures.  As local habitats continue to be threatened by development, schoolyard naturalization provides a refuge for local wildlife and brings nature to city-dwellers in an accessible urban setting.

Plant names
For research or planning purposes be sure to use scientific or Latin names.  Each plant has only one accurate scientific name (ie. Geum triflorum) but may have several common names (old man’s whiskers, prairie smoke). Common names may be used for several plants and could differ from region to region.  A search on the internet using the scientific name yields more accurate and relevant information.  When writing grant proposals and purchasing plants it is essential that everyone is talking about the same plant. 

Choosing appropriate native plant material
The most important consideration is the growing conditions of the site.  These include the site orientation, sunlight, topography, soil type, soil moisture and wind patterns.  This will have been investigated in the physical site inventory.  Pick plants with needs that fit your existing conditions rather than trying to change the conditions to accommodate the plants.

One of the best ways to narrow the choices is to research plants that grow in the regions closest to you.  In this way you will best match the local ecosystem.  Alberta is divided into six ‘Natural Regions’ and further divided into Sub-Regions based on climate and vegetation characteristics.  See the Natural Regions of Alberta map to determine which region your location is in. 

For example, Calgary lies on the border of Parkland Natural Region to the north and west, and the Grassland (or Prairie) region to the south and east.  Choosing plants commonly found in these regions or the appropriate sub-regions would recreate most closely the naturally existing vegetation communities.  To download information on Calgary ecosystems click here and for all other regions see the Map.

If you choose to represent regions further from your location you need to create the specific conditions required.  For instance, to grow Montane species in Calgary we would need to bring in rocky soil and ensure proper drainage to get the best results. 

Plant characteristics
Be sure to determine the mature size of the plant.  It may appear small when planted but when it grows it may take up more room than you anticipated.  This is particularly important with trees and shrubs that are difficult to move if they become too large.  Mature sizes can be found in reference books, supplier catalogues and on the internet.  See Resources section and the Map for more information.

Many native plants have evolved to naturalize and will spread to a degree but it’s important to avoid aggressive and difficult to control plants.  A number of native plants have parts that are poisonous and should also be avoided. Click here for Calgary-area species to avoid and see the Resources page and the Map for more information.

Other things to consider in plant choices are allergies (ie. allergies to nuts) and plants with thorns (good for discouraging traffic but not very kid-friendly).

Grasses and Perennials
In most cases it is perennials and grasses that cause concern with respect to maintenance.  They are harder to identify than trees and shrubs, especially when small which can make weeding a challenge.  Some have the ability to spread by underground root systems, seeds or both, and may grow beyond the control of the school maintenance team.  This being said, they represent an amazingly rich segment of the plant population. In areas like the prairies, they dominate the plant community so we are reluctant to eliminate them from possibility.  To avoid the issue, research the plants before including them in your list and consult local experts on appropriate choices.  Consider isolated planting beds for these plants so if they do require containment it is easy to achieve. 

For a sample plant list from the Manual click here to download.  You’ll find resource books and websites on the Resources page, and local information from the Map.

Purchase and installation
Research local suppliers before placing an order.  Try to find companies that specialize in native species, preferably ones that raise their own stock locally.  This way you purchase plants that have been growing in the same conditions you will be planting them in.  Generally these plants will require less water in the first year and adapt more quickly.

When working with perennials and grasses, seeding is only recommended in very large areas.  Look for plant plugs rather than those grown in the typical rectangular containers.  Plugs are grown in long, narrow tube-like containers, so the plants have well-established root systems and will become established more quickly.  You may even find woody plant material in this form.  The size of woody plant material to purchase always raises discussion -  many schools are tempted to install large calliper trees for the instant effect they provide.  One downside is the cost - $200 to $400.  As well larger trees do not adapt as quickly as smaller trees and have a lower transplant survival rate.  If you compare the growth several years down the road smaller trees catch up to larger trees that expend energy adjusting to new surroundings.  When purchasing any plant stock be sure to ask about warrantees.  See the Map for plant suppliers near you.

Watering in the first one to three years is critical for newly installed plants.  See the Project Stewardship page for more details.

Plant Rescues
A handful of schools in Calgary have carried out plant rescues.  This involves finding out where development that requires the destruction of natural areas is occurring and getting permission to access the site.  One school dug up and transported large chunks of prairie sod while others relocated small plants a shovel-full at a time.  Plant rescues are a fabulous way of introducing students to the concept of environmental action.  They provide an opportunity to actively conserve local plant ecosytems and a cost effective way of adding plants to a naturalized setting.  On a large or small scale, plant rescues are well worth considering.  If you are interested in plant rescues in Calgary Contact Us, and for other areas see the Map.