Learn About Landscaping With Native Plants to Save Water, Energy

February 13, 2007

For More Information:
Tasha Gibby, 406-587-6971

Bozeman, Mont.--It is the time of year to begin thinking about your landscaping plans for this spring. Living in the semi-arid West, you might consider landscaping with water-efficient native plants. If so, “Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains” would be a helpful tool. This publication is available at no cost.

This full-color, illustrated booklet reviews the Xeriscape process from planning, design, and site preparation to choosing the right plants and maintaining your work. The principal of Xeriscape is to use water-efficient native plants appropriately in areas with seasonal water supply shortages.

“Native landscaping is a practical choice for homeowners to utilize under Montana’s extreme environmental conditions,” said Chuck Gordon, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) acting state conservationist. “In addition to water savings, integrating the native landscaping principals in this booklet may help to reduce energy and chemical usage, enhance wildlife habitat, and manage invasive weeds.”

“Creating Native Landscapes” is available by contacting the NRCS at 10 East Babcock Street, Federal Building Room 443, Bozeman MT 59715, (406) 587-6971, or email NRCS Public Affairs. The document is also available on the Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains web page.

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