Why the other options are wrong:

• They are cheaper to buy initially.: Native plants cost more upfront, not less.
• They are required by local bylaws in Kelowna.: Native plants are recommended for handling heat and water restrictions, without saying bylaws require all gardens to use them.
• They grow faster than non-native plants.: Growth speed is not mentioned as an advantage.

Correct Answer: Leaving enough space between plants.

Why this is correct: The employee says antelope brush needs about one and a half metres of spacing. Planting them too close together is a common mistake. Giving each plant enough room is important for their health.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Watering it daily in summer.: The plant is described as drought tolerant once established; the discussion does not make daily watering its main characteristic.
• Planting it in partial shade.: The employee says antelope brush prefers full sun, not partial shade.
• Mixing it with rich compost.: The employee warns against adding too much compost for native plants.

Correct Answer: Showy milkweed.

Why this is correct: The employee says showy milkweed is better for monarchs. While blanketflower blooms longer, milkweed is the one that specifically helps monarch butterflies.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Antelope brush.: Antelope brush is discussed for drought tolerance, not for butterflies.
• Blanketflower.: Blanketflower blooms longer but is not described as especially helpful for monarchs.
• Bluebunch wheatgrass.: Bluebunch wheatgrass is mentioned for drought tolerance, not pollinator support.

Correct Answer: Remove the seed pods.

Why this is correct: The employee recommends pruning seed pods if space is limited. This prevents milkweed from spreading too much by seed while keeping it in the garden.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Avoid planting it altogether.: The employee does not say to avoid planting milkweed.
• Water it less frequently.: The employee recommends pruning seed pods to manage spreading; reducing watering is not the suggested solution.
• Replace it with blanketflower.: Replacing it with blanketflower is not suggested.

Correct Answer: Richer soil always leads to healthier native plants.

Why this is correct: The man assumed richer soil was better, but the employee explains that for native plants, tougher conditions encourage deeper roots. Adding compost can actually cause weaker root systems.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Rocky soil prevents roots from growing deep.: The customer mentions rocky soil, but the employee recommends well-drained soil and explains that tougher conditions encourage deeper roots. Rocky soil preventing deep roots is not the misconception corrected.
• Native plants need fertiliser every year.: Annual fertiliser is not discussed.
• Well-drained soil dries out too quickly.: Drying out quickly is not presented as a problem for these plants.

Correct Answer: Begin with a small selection of native plants.

Why this is correct: The man says he will start with a mix and see how it goes. The employee agrees and suggests starting small, monitoring the first season, and expanding later.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Replace his entire backyard at once.: Replacing the entire backyard at once is not the plan.
• Improve his soil with compost before planting.: The employee warns against adding too much compost.
• Focus only on non-native plants.: The man is focused on native plants, not non-native ones.