May the forbs (and the grasses) be with you
Landscape architects Connie Scothorn and Brian Patric's book, “Oklahoma Native Plants: a Guide to Designing Landscapes to Attract Birds & Butterflies,” has been recognized with a second award from fellow designers.
The American Society of Landscape Architects Central States presented the authors and their firm with an Honor Award in the communications category of an annual competition. Scothorn and Patric, principals in CLS & Associates LLC, 825 N Broadway Ave., No. 315, were first honored for their work last fall by the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
CLS & Associates, headed by Scothorn, provides site and landscape design services to public, commercial and residential clients throughout the state, specializing in low-maintenance and sustainable design.
The book, soon to be in its second printing, is a guide to using native forbs and grasses in ornamental landscaping in Oklahoma. It features profiles of more than 60 plants “that are lovely additions to any landscape and can help support the natural pollinators,” Patric said. It includes images of each plant, growth requirements and where plants can be acquired.
The judges commented: “Good for the profession. Innovative project/product displaying leadership in native plantings. Great to see this being used for Landscape Architecture practices and by the public at large.”
The book encourages people to learn more about native plants, how they grow, and how they can be used, in one easy-to-use reference, Patric said.
Scothorn said landscaping should be useful — for pollination — as well as ornamental.
“There are people who don't understand that many — and sometimes all — of the plants in their landscape don't provide any food to support the pollinator species, the birds, butterflies, bees and others that are important not only for our enjoyment but also for pollinating the food we eat. I hope that having this book as a reference will help everyone select proven plants that support these species, while adding beauty to their landscape. Native plants, if selected properly, can also be easier to maintain over the long term.”
She added, “This book can also help even if you hire a landscaper contractor to work on your yard. Make sure they know what types of plants you want to include in your landscape, especially if you want to preserve pollinator species. Also consider the effect that pesticide applications have on these species.”
For more information or to buy the book, go to www.LandscapesByCLS.com.