The biggest problem for those doing reclamation is acquiring native plants and grasses to use.
Few people know how to produce native plants and seed, so there isn’t a lot available.
A new publication Growing Native Plants of Western Canada, Common Grasses and Wildflowers pulls together information generated during a 10-year project.
“The native plant development project generated a considerable amount of information on propagating and growing native plants and native plant culture requirements, how to cultivate native plants under field conditions,” said Michelle Pahl, native plant specialist at the Alberta Research Centre in Vegreville.
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The book is the culmination of almost 30 years of work by the two principal authors, Pahl and Ann Smreciu.
Demand for native plants has dramatically increased in the last five years. Prices are also rising. The book takes an in-depth look at 48 species of native plants that show promise for ecological repair and site reclamation.
“Depending on the grower’s situation, native plants can be cultivated in greenhouse situations and under field conditions,” said Pahl.
Propagating and growing native plants takes time and care. It might be best to start on a small scale, depending on the species, before expanding the operation.
“Native plants generally are a very underutilized resource in Alberta,” said Pahl.
The book costs $30 plus GST. It is available from Alberta Agriculture’s publications office, 7000 – 113 St., Edmonton, Alta., T6H 5T6.
To order by phone, call 800-292-5697 or 427-0391 in the Edmonton area. Add $2 plus GST for shipping and handling. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
