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...
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...
With temperatures in the 70's heading into the start of summer, right now is an opportune time to be considering the plants you want to enjoy in the season ahead, and beyond. Planting when temperatures are cooler is best practice, and lessens the chances of transplant...
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...
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...
While all milkweed varieties are a favorite of the butterflies, the milkweed species Asclepias speciosa, commonly known as Showy milkweed, is the favored larval host plant for our local Monarch butterfly population. Feeding on milkweed makes both the caterpillars...
Oemleria cerasiformis Oso Berry or Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) is a very early leafing and flowering shrub, reaching 10 to 12 feet tall and suckering, but usually with a wispy or delicate overall appearance. New green tips are readily visible by late January,...
Synthyris reniformis Snow Queen (Synthyris reniformis) is our first blooming native plant of the year - as early as very late January, though commonly a little bit later. Easily overlooked, Snow Queen has leaves with shallow lobes in a basal rosette most of the year....
Garrya elliptica, coast silk tassel is a striking native shrub, and unusual in several ways. The slightly wavy, somewhat glossy leaves resemble camellia leaves - and like camellias, silk tassels are evergreen. Coast silk tassel is particularly notable in the winter,...