Enhancing the horse property landscape with native plants promotes native wildlife, helps to control erosion, provides a visual buffer, and filters pesticides, fertilizers, and nutrients. Native plants are extremely adaptable and there is a diverse palette of natives to choose from—no matter where you live! Here are some ideas for how native plants can enhance your property and work for you.
Native plants can be planted in the fall, all the way up until the time when the ground is frozen. During winter, plants have a chance to get roots established and take advantage of winter precipitation.
Beneficial insects and native pollinators are keystone species in most land-based ecosystems, which means that if they are removed, the ecosystem will change drastically. Conserving our pollinating insects is critically important to preserving both wider biodiversity and healthy agricultural systems. Hedgerows are an easy and fun way to turn your horse property into a valuable contributor in this process.
For those of you who don’t know it, Sweet Pepper Ranch, our place in Nampa, Idaho, doubles as a guest ranch and horse motel. What’s new here is that next year we hope to add another line to that resume: hosting weddings and special events.
I am so excited about my pollinator hedgerow, I just have to share! Matt and I started on this project two years ago, and this summer, it finally is happening!
