Why Grow Native Flowers from Seed? Native pollinators prefer native plants, and one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve pollinator habitat is to plant native wildflowers from seed and bulbs. These re-seeding annuals and perennials provide pollen and...
The Oregon coast is a large place, with many variations in local microclimates. Few sites are more challenging to find plants for than the shoreline. Many plants on coastal plant lists are worth trying in these sites, but there are a few shrub and perennial selections...
Feeding birds can be fun, but without the appropriate habitat the quantity and variety of birds showing up at feeders can be limited. Here are some recommendations of plants that provide birds with the food and shelter they need to thrive. Native plants are preferred,...
The iconic beauty of camas can add a wild elegance and sense of place to your flower bed or landscape. Common camas and greater camas are local native plants, dramatic and unmistakable seasonal wildflowers. Why Grow Camas? Camas isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a plant...
Summer is when we spend the most time outdoors so make it as beautiful as can be with a diversity of blooming plants, especially ones that pollinators love. With temperatures in the 70's heading into the start of summer, right now is an opportune time to be...
A wholesome habitat for wildlife offers more than flowers. When growing a place for hummingbirds and butterflies to find refuge, there are a few aspects to consider that will help meet all their needs. Meeting Their Needs Use shrubs, like Flowering Quince...
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the issues needing to be addressed in the world? Climate change, global warming, food security, the list goes on... Yeah, us too. So where can we begin to try and make a positive difference? Well, you are here, reading this...
Though the snow puts a slight damper on our progress in the garden, it creates time to dream about our favorite part of the garden that will soon be here in abundance, and that is flowers. Take a look at your garden (after the snow melts), and ask yourself, "Could I...
The broad array of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants we can grow in the Willamette Valley, and locally here in Corvallis, Oregon, includes a number of native plants. These plants are suited for tough streamside conditions, or wetland sites, but they can also be used in...