2011-09-27 "Being water-wise with California native plants" letter by Henni Cohen, president, Napa Valley chapter, California Native Plant Society to the editor of "Napa Valley Register" newspaper
 [http://napavalleyregister.com/news/opinion/mailbag/being-water-wise-with-california-native-plants/article_8a3136b6-e8af-11e0-8fd8-001cc4c03286.html]
Thank you for your article on water-wise landscaping (“Save cash, avoid grass — Napa touts alternative landscaping,” Sept. 25). It was both informative and timely. The California Native Plant Society (CNPS), both at the state and local level, has long promoted the use of California native plants in designing water-wise alternatives to lawns. In addition, using native plants supports our native wildlife, including bees, butterflies, beneficial insects, birds and small mammals, all of which are crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
As you pointed out in the article, native plants are beautiful, coming in a wide variety of foliage types, sizes and shades and a wide range of flower colors, adaptable to our particular climate and soils.
To further inform and assist local gardeners and homeowners in making a transition to using native plants, the Napa Valley chapter of CNPS is presenting a workshop titled “Practical Tips for Growing Natives in Your Garden.” Kathleen Chasey, landscape designer and former curator of the Martha Walker Native Plant Habitat Garden, will share her experience on how to successfully grow California native plants in your garden. The free workshop is Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., at the Skyline Park Social Hall, 2201 Imola Ave., Napa.
In addition, the CNPS annual Fall Plant Sale, featuring over 1,000 hard-to-find native plants ready to be planted, will be held this weekend, Oct. 1 and 2, starting at 10 a.m., at the CNPS Nursery in Skyline Park. All proceeds from the sale benefit the maintenance and educational programs of the Martha Walker Garden.
Thank you for your interest in supporting water-wise and native landscaping.