Showing posts with label gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gardening. Show all posts
Garden Guy: Climate Ready landscape plants
Monday, October 16, 2023
By Bruce Bennett
Gardeners who have read this column for a while have seen me write about the proper watering of their gardens and landscapes. Yet, the right irrigation schedule can be a bit costly with the arrival of each public utility bill. The last three years have given us some of the increasingly hottest weather on record and forecasts for the next decade really don’t provide us much hope for the cooler, ‘normal’ weather cycles.
There must be a better way, right? How about we take the next logical step in landscape development for a present and future that includes the issue of global warming in our part of the world? Let’s look at some existing plants that are being trialed as horticultural candidates which are up to the challenges of heat and drought.
Nine Bark (Physocarpus opulifolius) ‘Little Devil’, (4’ x 3’) with its upright spreading habit, fine-texture and really dark foliage sets it apart from the many greens of the landscape and provide a nice contrast and can replace thorny barberries in the yard.
Rose (Rosa x) ‘Oso Easy ‘Urban Legend’ is a true-red excellent carpet rose (2’ x 3’) that blooms from early summer until hard frost and without trimming and deadheading, no less.
Contributing garden columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Washington State University Certified Master Gardener, public speaker and Seattle-area garden designer.
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For the past two years your Garden Guy has been part of an evaluation process of some fifteen different types of plants which may benefit our area’s gardens.
The UW Botanical Gardens joined a multi-year endeavor initially begun by the University of California-Davis California Center for Urban Horticulture and is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The expanded trials now include garden plots at the UC-Davis, the University of Washington Botanical Gardens, the South Coast Research and Extension Center, the University of Arizona, Utah State University, Oregon State University and the North Willamette Research and Extension Center.
These Landscape Irrigation Trials are a longitudinal research project will help identify some of the best water-wise plants for our region. The findings will help the live-goods trade and gardeners in the Puget Sound make smart plant choices for the hotter, drier summers climate scientists predict for the years ahead.
These Landscape Irrigation Trials are a longitudinal research project will help identify some of the best water-wise plants for our region. The findings will help the live-goods trade and gardeners in the Puget Sound make smart plant choices for the hotter, drier summers climate scientists predict for the years ahead.
From the ranks of the wholesale nursery industry, garden centers, Certified Master Gardeners from King County, etc. evaluators will rate some 350 plants in terms of their foliage, flowering, pest tolerance/disease resistance, vigor and overall appearance (AKA, the “WOW factor”).
The plants which thrive best with the lowest amount of irrigation will be classified as the “winners”, so to speak. And, those that do best under low-water conditions will be recommended to the green industry and northwest gardeners, similar to the suggestions from the Great Plant Picks program through the UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture.
As this is only the UW’s second year participating in these trials, there is not, as yet, a list of drought-tolerant plants for the Northwest to recommend. You can, however, visit the UC-Davis website
As this is only the UW’s second year participating in these trials, there is not, as yet, a list of drought-tolerant plants for the Northwest to recommend. You can, however, visit the UC-Davis website
Remember to select plants to research for your landscapes which grow well in our US Hardiness Zones (Zones 7 and 8). From these past two years of trials (and 20-years of hands-on experience), the Garden Guy has come away with a short list of his own favorites from the trials. Among these full-sun (6+ hours/day) loving candidates for your consideration are:
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) ‘Blue Diddley’ is a dwarf (6’ x 5’) version of the straight species which can grow quite large (18’ x 15’).
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| Chaste Tree |
As a Mediterranean native, Vitex has proven to be extremely drought tolerant. This compact, intensely colored, freely blooming shrub could become a very popular landscape plant in many different spaces.
‘Blue Diddley’ could find a space in a mixed border or on a sunny condo deck. It would also be a great alternative to those who want the ‘look’ of the invasive Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) in their yards.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) ‘Center Stage Red’ is another great color counterpoint in the landscape. In late summer this 12’ x 10’ small tree/large shrub commands the spotlight with its deep burgundy -to-black leaves and red flowers.
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| Crape Myrtle |
It naturally grows with a narrow, space-saving habit and needs minimal pruning.
If you find the leaves on your Redbud or Japanese Snowbell crisping during our increasing heat domes, a Crape Myrtle just might be the new urban setting tree for your yard.
An added bonus these plants offer is their disease and deer resistance. They should be used more often.
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) ‘Bandwith’ is the new gold (banded) standard in a dwarf (3’ x 3’) Miscanthus.
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| Maiden grass |
This compact Maiden Grass has green foliage with pronounced yellow banding. The habit is solidly upright like 'Zebrinus’ but stands half the height. Bandwidth flowers late in the season and adds extra interest to fading gardens. It makes a great landscape accent or a ‘thriller’ in containers.
Miscanthus is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a single specimen, for mass plantings or screening or in large containers.
Even though it dies back in early winter, it will provide a buff-colored presence of winter interest which birds will enjoy for the seeds provided the homeowner for the vertical visual show.
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| Nine bark |
This less-than-thirsty shrub is definitely easy-care and requires little, if any, pruning.
Additionally, it is virtually free from pest and disease issues and adapts well to wet or dry soil. Clusters of small purplish-white flowers bloom in June that contrast nicely with the burgundy foliage.
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| Rosa |
The glossy green leaves seem to be pretty resistant and usually have no need for fungicides. This plant’s size and rigor make it an excellent candidate as a ground cover, edging or sunny spot that could use a bit more summer color.
As with all of the plants on my list, once established, they require far less water than others in their taxa. I’d recommend an application of a granular fertilizer in spring and pruning in early spring.
A few other trial recommendations for you to consider include Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensi), Buxus ‘Little Missy’, California Lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) ‘Victoria’, Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) ‘Summertime Blue’, Cotoneaster x suesicus ‘Emerald Beauty’, Nine Bark (Physocarpus opulifolius ) ‘Diablo’, Rose ‘Blushing Drift’ and Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) ‘Pink Chiffon’.
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| Nine Bark blooms |
Check out some of these drought-tolerant plants and win on several fronts; hold onto a bit more of your public utilities dollars, have a better looking yard and save some time watering your yards (I try to help out where I can).
Happy gardening all!
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| Bruce Bennett, Garden Guy |
If you have questions concerning this article, have questions concerning your garden or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.
See his previous columns here
See his previous columns here
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garden guy,
gardening
A busy weekend in Shoreline's parks
Friday, October 13, 2023
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| Shoreline Park before work parties Photo by Sara Cammeresi |
There are work parties scheduled on Saturday for Twin Ponds, Hamlin, and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
Then on Sunday, Twin Ponds again, and Shoreline Park.
During the week, two each in Hamlin and RB Saltwater Park - plus a work party at North City Park.
These are all interesting projects, in the sense that two - Hamlin and Saltwater - are very big parks and the other two - Shoreline and North City - are very small.
What they have in common, to my knowledge, is that they were all lacking attention for decades.
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| Shorecrest students rolling up a bed of ivy in North City Park 2021 |
Unlike little Echo Lake Park which has been tended since Shoreline incorporated by the Echo Lake Neighborhood with assistance from the City, both North City and Shoreline Park are recent projects, each spearheaded by a couple of volunteers.
Judy MacCully and friends took on North City Park, located behind North City Elementary. Homeschooling parents Sara Cammeresi and Cristin Mattione and their children adopted Shoreline Park, north of the Shoreline Center.
The City's partnership with Forterra and the U.S. Forest Service in the Green Shoreline Partnership has provided structure and support for all these efforts.
Kudos to all.
Bookmark this site and any time you feel like a workout in the trees, check out what's on the schedule and where you can help.
--Diane Hettrick
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gardening
Volunteers prepare Hamlin Park Forest Restoration Site for planting season
Stewards and volunteers from the community have been digging out noxious weeds and restoring the health of the soil by spreading mulch on over a quarter acre.
Despite the hard work, noxious weed seeds and rhizomes are inevitably left in the soil and will sprout again, which will require ongoing weeding by hand for years to come. As the native trees grow into a tall and shady forest, the noxious weeds will gradually be replaced by native plants.
After digging out the weed roots, volunteers cover the disturbed ground in a thick layer of wood chip mulch to restore the health of the soil. The goal is to cover the ground with six to twelve inches of woody mulch before planting season begins.
The current forest restoration site includes the eight acres on the north end of Hamlin park bounded by 165th street to the south, 168th street to the north and 16th and 18th avenues to the east and west. This was the original Hamlin park that was donated to King county in 1939 and developed into ballfields by the Works Project Administration (WPA). The site was used as ball fields until the early 2000s.
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The Hamlin Park stewardship team has ordered 25 different species of native plants and a total of 341 plants to begin planting in December.
Habit restoration sites across Shoreline will be celebrating Green Shoreline Day on December 2, 2023 by hosting work parties.
The Hamlin Park forest restoration site is within a fifteen minute walk of the North City neighborhood urban heat island that is rapidly developing with new apartment buildings.
The Hamlin Park forest restoration site is within a fifteen minute walk of the North City neighborhood urban heat island that is rapidly developing with new apartment buildings.
As summers continue to get hotter, it is becoming increasingly important for people in the future to have access to cool and shady spaces where they can recreate. The future forest will provide a cool, shady space for people who live in neighborhood apartment buildings.
So far this year, volunteers have rooted out over a quarter acre of noxious weeds (primarily invasive blackberry, holly, laurel and cherry) at the Hamlin Park forest restoration site.
So far this year, volunteers have rooted out over a quarter acre of noxious weeds (primarily invasive blackberry, holly, laurel and cherry) at the Hamlin Park forest restoration site.
Noxious weeds harm native plants and wildlife, can be difficult to eradicate and prevent native trees from growing into healthy forests.
To remove noxious weeds, volunteers dig out the roots of the weeds with shovels and haul the live roots out of the restoration site so they will not regrow.
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| Hamlin Park is a refuge from Heat Islands Photo by Hitomi Dames |
Despite the hard work, noxious weed seeds and rhizomes are inevitably left in the soil and will sprout again, which will require ongoing weeding by hand for years to come. As the native trees grow into a tall and shady forest, the noxious weeds will gradually be replaced by native plants.
After digging out the weed roots, volunteers cover the disturbed ground in a thick layer of wood chip mulch to restore the health of the soil. The goal is to cover the ground with six to twelve inches of woody mulch before planting season begins.
So far this year, volunteers have laid down more than 100 cubic yards of wood chip mulch and are working to spread at least another 100 cubic yards to reach the goal.
Mulch holds water during dry summers to help young trees survive droughts and support the fungi, flora and fauna that establish symbiotic relationships with forest plants.
There are five zones within the restoration site with differing microclimates that are being prepared for planting.
There are five zones within the restoration site with differing microclimates that are being prepared for planting.
Two zones were cleared and planted in previous years and have trees and tall shrubs that are shady enough to support new ground cover plants such as sword fern, woodland strawberry, and trailing blackberry.
One zone in full shade, one in partial shade and one in full sun that were cleared this year of noxious weeds will be planted primarily with trees such as Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple.
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| Courtesy City of Shoreline |
The current forest restoration site includes the eight acres on the north end of Hamlin park bounded by 165th street to the south, 168th street to the north and 16th and 18th avenues to the east and west. This was the original Hamlin park that was donated to King county in 1939 and developed into ballfields by the Works Project Administration (WPA). The site was used as ball fields until the early 2000s.
The remainder of Hamlin Park was donated to the county when the Navy hospital was decommissioned after the Second World War.
The restoration project is managed by the Green Shoreline Partnership, a collaborative effort between the City of Shoreline, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the Shoreline community at large.
The restoration project is managed by the Green Shoreline Partnership, a collaborative effort between the City of Shoreline, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the Shoreline community at large.
Stewards are trained by the Washington Native Plant Society in forest restoration practices and organize regular work parties.
The Hamlin Park stewardship team has work parties scheduled most Wednesday afternoons at 1pm and Saturday mornings at 10am.
The Hamlin Park stewardship team has work parties scheduled most Wednesday afternoons at 1pm and Saturday mornings at 10am.
The community is welcome to learn more and sign up to volunteer by visiting the Green Shoreline Partnership website. Students can earn community service hours while learning urban forestry skills and having fun outdoors.
Tags:
gardening,
parks,
volunteers
Seeds! Save, Store and Sow - Tuesday October 17, 2023 in-person workshop
Save seeds from your garden for next year's harvest and blooms! Learn the most efficient and effective methods of harvesting seeds without waste.
Find out from which plants to harvest, and which to leave for winter wildlife. All supplies and seed samples provided.
Kathy Anderson is an landscape designer and water ecologist and has extensive experience in site assessments, rain garden design and landscaping through her business, Bountiful Landscapes.
Garden Exploration with Kathy Anderson.
Continuing Education, Shoreline Community College
Dates: TUES 10/17/2023
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Room: Room 2905
Fee: $49.00
Read more...
Room: Room 2905
Fee: $49.00
Volunteers welcome at park restoration events this week
Sunday, October 8, 2023
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| Help spread mulch at Shoreline Park Photo by Sara Camaresi |
Join the City of Shoreline’s Forest Stewards to perform ecological restoration in Shoreline’s forested parks!
To register, visit our online portal here. We work on weekends and during the week.
No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and we will teach you the rest. Do good removing weeds and installing native plants – rain or shine!
We will provide tools. Please bring a water bottle, layers for the weather, and tough shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Bring gloves if you have them, but we also have some that you can borrow.
We will work in the following city parks between October 8 - 15, 2023:
No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and we will teach you the rest. Do good removing weeds and installing native plants – rain or shine!
We will provide tools. Please bring a water bottle, layers for the weather, and tough shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Bring gloves if you have them, but we also have some that you can borrow.
We will work in the following city parks between October 8 - 15, 2023:
- Darnell
- Hamlin
- Twin Ponds
- Shoreline
- Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
Fall plant sale at Kruckeberg continues Sunday and next weekend
Saturday, October 7, 2023
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| Plant sale at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden |
Swing by Kruckeberg Botanic Garden for the Fall Plant Sale to score amazing deals on plants for your gardens and containers.
KBG takes pride in propagating many of their plants from seed and cuttings.
All proceeds support this 4-acre, free-to-the-public botanic garden.
Tags:
gardening,
kruckeberg garden,
plant sale
Garden Hotline Event: Fall Groundwork in the Natural Garden
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Wednesday, October 18, 5:30pm
Richmond Beach Library
Get a jump on spring by taking care of the garden in fall! Discuss the maritime northwest climate, how to protect your soil for the winter, fall planting, plant choices and tips for winterizing your garden.
Read more...
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gardening
FULL: Garden Hotline Event: Growing Oyster Mushrooms at Home
Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 5:30 - 7pm
UPDATE 10/5/2023: The event is full
Lake Forest Park Library - on the lower lobby of Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park
Oyster mushrooms are easy to grow on your kitchen counter! Learn about the fabulous world of fungi including what benefits they have to a sustainable world.
Make a kit to take home and sprout some you can eat! We bring the materials and teach you how to grow.
Presented by the Garden Hotline.
Garden Hotline Event: Composting at Home
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 5:30pm
Lake Forest Park Library - on the lower lobby of Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park
The foundation of a beautiful and healthy garden is good soil. Adding compost to your garden enriches the soil.
The foundation of a beautiful and healthy garden is good soil. Adding compost to your garden enriches the soil.
This workshop will teach you about the different methods of food and yard waste composting, what materials to add and which to avoid.
Presented by the Garden Hotline.
Lake Forest Park Garden Club October meeting with Daphne Legg of Wild Birds Unlimited
Thursday, September 28, 2023
October 10, 2023 Daphne Legg with "Wild Birds Unlimited"
Daphne will be speaking to us about "Attracting Songbirds with Native Plants, Water, and Nesting Boxes (For those who don't like to use feeders)".
Daphne has done a lot of speaking on the topic of birds to the NW Flower and Garden Show, the Puget Sound Bird Fest, plus schools, garden clubs and other organizations.
She has worked at Wild Birds Unlimited as a Certified Birdfeeding Specialist for 28 years. In 2017 she was voted "Manager of the Year" for the Lake Forest Park store, out of 350 Wild Birds Unlimited stores nationwide.
General meeting is at 9:30 to 10:15am
10:15 to 10:30 refreshment/social time
10:30 to 11:30 guest speaker
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the LFP Town Center located at Ballinger and Bothell Ways NE. Upper stage area.
General meeting is at 9:30 to 10:15am
10:15 to 10:30 refreshment/social time
10:30 to 11:30 guest speaker
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the LFP Town Center located at Ballinger and Bothell Ways NE. Upper stage area.
Novice and experienced gardeners are welcome. You may attend two meetings for free and then we ask that you join the club for the $35 a year membership fee. This helps pay for the great speakers we hire. We have a December Christmas potluck and also a summer Garden Party along with other activities throughout the year.
Volunteers are still working in Shoreline Parks this week
Sunday, September 24, 2023
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| Photo by Joy Wood |
Join the City of Shoreline’s Forest Stewards to perform ecological restoration in Shoreline’s forested parks!
To register, visit our online portal here. We work on weekends and during the week.
No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and we will teach you the rest. Do good removing weeds and installing native plants – rain or shine!
We will provide tools. Please bring a water bottle, layers for the weather, and tough shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Bring gloves if you have them, but we also have some that you can borrow.
We work in the following city parks:
§ Boeing Creek
§ Brugger's Bog
§ Darnell
§ Echo Lake
§ Hamlin
§ Twin Ponds
§ North City
§ Northcrest
§ Shoreline
§ Shoreview
§ Paramount Open Space
§ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
We look forward to restoring with you! Choose your park and sign up here
No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and we will teach you the rest. Do good removing weeds and installing native plants – rain or shine!
We will provide tools. Please bring a water bottle, layers for the weather, and tough shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Bring gloves if you have them, but we also have some that you can borrow.
We work in the following city parks:
§ Boeing Creek
§ Brugger's Bog
§ Darnell
§ Echo Lake
§ Hamlin
§ Twin Ponds
§ North City
§ Northcrest
§ Shoreline
§ Shoreview
§ Paramount Open Space
§ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
We look forward to restoring with you! Choose your park and sign up here
Tags:
gardening,
parks,
volunteers
Garden Guy: Perennials for Beginners
Sunday, September 17, 2023
By Bruce Bennett
With that being the case, let’s start with a column on a basic unit of urban landscapes - the perennial. By definition, perennials are hardy plants that have a minimum lifespan of three years (although most of them are good for twenty years and longer).
These plants are herbaceous and have flowers, leaves and stems that die back each fall and have new growth that arises from the roots each spring. Foundation plants of a garden, perennials can provide years of enjoyment and long-lasting beauty. However, before adding them to a garden, there are some guidelines for the new gardener…..
It is important to do some initial soil preparation. After you choose the spot you want to landscape, check the soil drainage by digging a ten-inch deep hole and filling it with water.
The next day fill it with water again. If all the water has not drained out in eight hours, the drainage is poor and you should consider constructing a raised bed or adding perennials which are able to handle damp soils.
Add three to four inches of compost or aged manure to planting area and dig int in to a depth of 8” – 12”. This process will build up or “raise” the bed. Next, test the pH of your soil.
Test kits can be purchased at garden centers and free testing may be a service of your county’s Extension or conservation department. In the Seattle area, look to the King Conservation District. Once you have the test results, make the recommended amendments to the soil. The local Master Gardeners program can help to interpret your test results.
Right Perennials
Right Perennials
Before buying do some researching. Decide what kind of garden you want; cottage garden, rock garden, mass planting of color, herb garden. Are you going to use bulbs or ornamental grasses? Is your flower bed in mostly sun or shade?
It is important to have the right growing conditions for your perennials. A shade plant may not survive in the hot sun. A plant that likes direct sun may not flower properly in a shady spot. Make sure the plants are hardy for your area otherwise you are squandering your time and money.
Check the flowering times of different perennials. Pick plants and bulbs with different blooming periods so you have a succession of bloom during the spring, summer and fall. Look for ones that have longer blooming periods.
Check the flowering times of different perennials. Pick plants and bulbs with different blooming periods so you have a succession of bloom during the spring, summer and fall. Look for ones that have longer blooming periods.
Most plant catalogs (and, definitely, the Internet) have this information and will make it easy for the novice to select the right plants for a succession of blooms. You can also mix annuals (plants that live only one season) with your perennials.
The annuals will help brighten the garden during the periods when some of the perennials stop blooming and will act as ‘fillers’ until the newly planted perennials mature and fill-out.
Purchase your perennials Here there are many choices: garden centers, garden club sales, herb farms, catalogs or better yet, get plant divisions for free from friends, neighbors and relatives who are dividing their plants.
Purchase your perennials Here there are many choices: garden centers, garden club sales, herb farms, catalogs or better yet, get plant divisions for free from friends, neighbors and relatives who are dividing their plants.
Perennials are more expensive than annuals, but you only have to buy a few plants of each variety because, over the years, perennials will grow and spread.
Make sure the plants are healthy looking. You want plants that are dark green and compact—avoid plants with thin, yellowing stems and leaves or ones that may be harboring insects. Read the directions on the plant tags to see if they do best in sun or shade, how far apart to space them, and how tall they will get.
Start Planting
Start Planting
Plant in clumps or groups, spacing the plants as the directions recommend and keeping in mind the height of the plants. Plant according to heights starting with the tallest plants in the back of the bed down to the shorter, edging plants in the front. Of course, there are always exceptions.
Tall plants that can easily be seen through (think Brazilian Verbenia, Verbenia bonariensis at left) can provide an aesthetic screen through which to view the planting bed behind them. Large plants like ornamental grasses do better planted as specimens by themselves since they will grow very large over the years.
Begin planting by removing your plants from their growing containers leaving as much of the moist soil around their roots as possible. Dig a hole deep enough so that the top of the root ball is level with or just above the surface of the ground.
Before setting the plant in, drench the soil in the planting hole and then fill in with soil around the plant. Water on a regular basis until the plant is established and during dry spells. Water needs to reach the roots of perennials so use a soaker hose, drip irrigation or oscillator with water timers. Your goal is to provide all plants with 1” or water once a week (or more when the area experiences hot, dry spells.
Before setting the plant in, drench the soil in the planting hole and then fill in with soil around the plant. Water on a regular basis until the plant is established and during dry spells. Water needs to reach the roots of perennials so use a soaker hose, drip irrigation or oscillator with water timers. Your goal is to provide all plants with 1” or water once a week (or more when the area experiences hot, dry spells.
This gardening aid will keep the soil moist and warm and cut down on weeding. Bark, pine needles or shredded leaves are good organic mulches. You can also use gravel or black plastic landscaping material. Definitely stay away from the inorganic shredded and dyed rubber mulches.
Deadhead
Deadhead
Remove old flower heads or cut back plants to keep them neat looking after their blooming period is finished. With many perennials, deadheading will cause reblooming and extend the visual interest of the plant.
Fertilize
Fertilize
This should be done each spring as plants come to life and begin growing.
Divide
Divide
Every three to five years your plants will probably need to be divided as they will get overcrowded with have bare centers. Divide them into clumps of three to five shoots. Do this when plants are dormant in the spring or fall.
Follow these steps and you are on your way to establishing a beautiful garden. When fall comes, your plants will die back, but what a thrill when they are viewed breaking the soil each spring. With perennials, a little investment in time and money now can give you virtually a lifetime of enjoyment. Happy gardening all!
Follow these steps and you are on your way to establishing a beautiful garden. When fall comes, your plants will die back, but what a thrill when they are viewed breaking the soil each spring. With perennials, a little investment in time and money now can give you virtually a lifetime of enjoyment. Happy gardening all!
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If you have questions concerning this article, want to read more beginner-gardener directed articles or, if you want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.
Tags:
garden guy,
gardening
Darnell Park has received over 800 hours of care in the last 2 years
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Kaleidoscope landscaping crew along with their families, friends and neighbors have now topped 800 hours of volunteer work in Darnell Park, on the Interurban Trail at 165th.
Most of this time is a donation by Kaleidoscope Landscape.
We have weeded, mulched, and planted and done it all over again.
We are pleased with progress, looking forward to more progress.
We are grateful to those who have joined us and grateful to the City of Shoreline watering crew who have kept plants alive this summer.
Work together to restore North City Park
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
North City Park is a beautiful stand of forest located directly behind North City Elementary School 19201 10th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
Only in recent years have volunteers mobilized to start clearing out the invasive plants and weeds.
They could use some help. There is information on the Green Shoreline Partnership page and you can sign up for specific dates.
Tags:
gardening,
parks,
volunteers
Help our forests: Volunteer in Shoreline Parks
Sunday, September 10, 2023
VOLUNTEER IN SHORELINE PARKS
Join the City of Shoreline’s Forest Stewards to perform ecological restoration in Shoreline’s forested parks!
To register, visit our online portal here. We work on weekends and during the week.
No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and we will teach you the rest. Do good removing weeds and installing native plants – rain or shine!
We will provide tools. Please bring a water bottle, layers for the weather, and tough shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Bring gloves if you have them, but we also have some that you can borrow.
We work in the following city parks:
§ Boeing Creek
§ Brugger's Bog
§ Darnell
§ Echo Lake
§ Hamlin
§ Twin Ponds
§ North City
§ Northcrest
§ Shoreline
§ Shoreview
§ Paramount Open Space
§ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
We look forward to restoring with you! Choose your park and sign up here
Last summer work party at Twin Ponds North this Saturday
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 9:30- 12:30pm
On September 9th, from 9:30-12:30, the Washington Native Plant Urban Forest Stewards will be hosting a community work party, at Twin Ponds North.
We meet on the far NW side of the park, along 155th street, west of the parking lot.
Bring gloves, hand pruners, water, and a snack. We will have tools on site to help with the projects.
Please share this invitation with others, and if you have any questions, please contact us at northtwinpondsrestoration@gmail.com
We Welcome Everyone!
Come learn about the advantages of gardening with native plants in this free class
Monday, September 4, 2023
Thursday September 14, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm at North City Water District 1519 NE 177th St in Shoreline
Come discover just how beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance gardening can be with native plants.
Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur... which means they can often solve many landscape woes.
Gardening with native plants typically means less watering, less need for pesticides and fertilizers, and less chance of introduction and spread of invasive species.
Plus these important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals native to your area.
This class will provide you with an appreciation for giving your yard a Northwest aesthetic— complete with design techniques, plant combinations, and many plant choices for different conditions— all in perfect time for fall plant sales!
This class will provide you with an appreciation for giving your yard a Northwest aesthetic— complete with design techniques, plant combinations, and many plant choices for different conditions— all in perfect time for fall plant sales!
Class is free, but you must register to attend.
Greg Rabourn's passion for native plants collided with his dislike of mowing many years ago. He has been practicing and promoting native plant and low maintenance landscaping techniques ever since.
- email community@northcitywater.org or
- call the main office at 206-362-8100.
Greg Rabourn's passion for native plants collided with his dislike of mowing many years ago. He has been practicing and promoting native plant and low maintenance landscaping techniques ever since.
Greg has worked with King County in native habitat restoration, was the past co-host of KCTV’s Yard Talk, and a weekly guest for the Greendays Gardening Panel, on KUOW, 94.9 FM.
Learn More About Native Plant Gardening:
From the Washington Native Plant Society, Puget Sound Chapter:
Read more...
From the Washington Native Plant Society, Puget Sound Chapter:
LFP Garden Club: Good Bugs and Bad Bugs presentation September 12, 2023
Thursday, August 31, 2023
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| Sharon Collman, WSU Emeritus Professor |
The topic will cover some of the common pests (aphids and other suckers, chewers like caterpillars and cutworms, slugs, etc.) and the insects that attack the pests. Integrating the good with the bad so they’ll know what to look for.
Business Meeting at 9:30am and speaker at 10:30am in LFP Town Center upper level stage area.
Located at Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in LFP.
All are welcome to attend the meeting. We ask that after you attend two free meetings that you join the club for $35.00 a year membership fee.
Business Meeting at 9:30am and speaker at 10:30am in LFP Town Center upper level stage area.
Located at Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in LFP.
All are welcome to attend the meeting. We ask that after you attend two free meetings that you join the club for $35.00 a year membership fee.
Work parties in Shoreline parks
Sunday, August 27, 2023
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| Volunteers in a Shoreline park. Photo by Joy Wood |
Join the City of Shoreline’s Forest Stewards to perform ecological restoration in Shoreline’s forested parks.
Register for a park event this week - now through September 9, 2023.
No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm for community-engaged restoration at any of the parks listed below.
We welcome individuals, families, and groups who would like to do good removing noxious weeds and installing native plants – rain or shine!
Gloves, and tools will be provided. Bring a water bottle, layers for the weather, and tough shoes and clothes that can get muddy.
We work in the following city parks:
- Boeing Creek
- Bruggers Bog
- Darnell
- Echo Lake
- Hamlin
- Twin Ponds
- North City
- Northcrest
- Shoreline
- Shoreview
- Paramount Openspace
- Richmond Beach Saltwater Beach
Tags:
gardening,
parks,
volunteers
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