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While pundits and economists worry about Wall Street’s well-being, Americans worry about losing their jobs, paying their bills and the health of the planet. The capitalist marketplace promotes the exploitation of people and natural resources as cheap fixes. But you don’t have to abandon your values to save a buck. Welcome to the People’s Marketplace.

By Martina Steiner.

Do you get tired of mowing and weeding and sodding your water-guzzling grass lawn? Then stop, and convert to a California native garden. This does require an initial investment of time and money. But, in the long run, you’ll save a ton of both because once they get going, native plants require little maintenance, water, or pesticides. Summer is the best time to begin planning, your because the Fall or early Winter is the best time to begin planting.

First, find people who know what to do. Get in touch with the California Native Plant Society at www.cnps.org. There are chapters in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and they have activities all year, and plant sales coming up in the Fall. Attend one of their events and you will find lots of people eager to help you get started. A tip from Betty Landis of the Santa Monica Mountains chapter is — know your roots. Newly planted California natives need between a year and two to establish deep, strong root systems. To facilitate this, make sure your soil is well watered before you plant. The soil must be damp deep under the surface to encourage the roots to grow vertically and anchor the plant.

There are plenty of websites and books about converting to native plants. By far, one of the most helpful websites is www.bewaterwise.com, a resource started by Southern California water agencies. It’s easy to navigate, and separated into sections like the Garden Spot, where you can find names and pictures of over a 1000 native, drought friendly plants. There is a Garden Resources section with a guide to 7 easy steps to plan your garden. And there are detailed instructions for planting, watering, and maintenance.

There are a few good reasons for making such a big change. Native plants are pretty. California Redbud blooms magenta in the summer, with yellow or red foliage in the Fall. The California Concha is a lilac, that blooms in vibrant blue flower clusters in the Spring. A garden can include plants that bloom at different times, so your home is sounded by color year-round. Native plants also attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and support a healthy ecosystem. And, of course, they need a lot less water than grass, which is kind of like the SUV of landscaping options.

So, stop fighting with your grass and go native. Try it, and stretch your dollar to meet your values. Together, we can take back the economy.

More information on growing California native plants and their benefits can be found at:

Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants – http://www.theodorepayne.org/

Save our H2o – www.saveourh2o.org/