Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts

First rain - and now fall color

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Photo by Janet Way


Flowers are still blooming but this grape leaf says that fall is here.



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Garden Guy: Southwest Plants for the Northwest Summers

Friday, August 12, 2022

Bruce will have a booth at this year’s CHOMP! Festival on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Redmond’s Marymoor Park. Look for him at the Master Gardener Booths.
By Bruce Bennett

This gardening columnist has been hearing many tales from friends about their recent vacations and thought a ‘What I Did On My Vacation’ presentation was in order. 

Zion NP photo courtesy usdi.gov
For the past several years, springtime has found the Garden Guy and his wife volunteering for a month or two at various western state and national parks.

It’s a chance to see other parts of the country without damaging one’s bank account (too badly). 

This year followed suit with the RV heading south and two experienced interpretive park rangers working at Zion National Park for two months.

Southwestern Utah is the location of a chain of five stunning national parks (Arches, Canyonland, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion). 

Arches National Park photo courtesy nps.gov
All are just above the northern rim of Grand Canyon. 

These parks are part and parcel of the same geological formations. Yet, with similar geological history, the five Utah parks couldn’t be more different. 

This is due, in part, to the varying elevation of the land.

The easternmost park, Arches, is the lowest at an average elevation of 4,000’ – 5,000’ and a temperature of 84 degrees when we happy campers were there on an sunny April afternoon.

Bryce Canyon photo Courtesy behance
Contrast this to, two days later, when the morning found us at the highest park, Bryce Canyon, at 9,500 ‘ with a 25 degree temperature and 8” of new snow.

If packing for a trip to Utah, definitely think about layering your clothing. The shoulder seasons of late spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit and hike these areas.

The wide range in weather (and as much as a 40 degree change in one day), coupled with an annual rainfall of 9” makes for a challenging environment for plants to grow. 

Many of the area’s plants wouldn’t survive the northwest weather, not because of its mild temperatures, but, because of its dampness. roots would simply rot. There are several dozen native floral candidates which could, however, make the 1,200 mile northward transition and be prime specimens in our northwest yards.

What do you want with desert plants in your green spaces? Think about the western and southern exposures of your property, especially in summer, or general climate change, for that matter. Among the adaptable desert native perennials and shrubs your Garden Guy can recommend for consideration are:

Achillea millefolium Yarrow
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) This sun-lover is a member of the daisy family and is a native perennial we encountered across most of the country while making a coast-to-coast trip three years ago. While native yarrows are usually white or a light pink, garden center cultivars now offer a variety of different colors, including red, white, pink, yellow and several pastel colors. 

As with most of this plant list, after they are established, little care is required and they can survive just on rainwater and minimal summer irrigation.

Asclepias photo courtesy
nrcs.usda.gov
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) is a herbaceous perennial which is a tuberous rooted native. It typically grows in a clump to 1-3' tall and features clusters of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers from late spring through autumn. Flowers morph into the typical spindle-shaped seed pods. 

For the artsy-craftsy folk amongst us, the seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements. 

The flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae/caterpillars.

Berberis photo courtesy
plants.oregonstate.edu
Berberis fremontii (Fremont Mahonia) may, at a natural 10’ tall, be a bit large for some urban landscapes, although it can be trimmed. 

But, this evergreen shrub can form a good hedge or privacy screen. It is another fine pollinator plant with clusters of yellow flowers and purple berries in late autumn.

Docatheon photo courtesy nps.gov
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Shooting Star) is member of the primula family. For such a delicate looking herbaceous perennial, it is often found growing in xeric (extremely dry) and desert habitats

It can found in the Great Basin Deserts. We happened to see them in the Mojave Desert! No supplemental watering there.

Erigeron photo courtesy nps.gov
Erigeron peregrinus (Mountain Daisy) is a member of the Aster family and is often called ‘daisies’ or ‘fleabanes.’ 

These perennial herbs spread by means of underground rhizomes and can grow in semi-desert to alpine environments. 

In the ‘Four Corners’ region of the country, there are some 30 species of this hardy little plant and you can find natives with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. 

Erigeron is another top pollinator which will attract bees, butterflies and moths.

Dichelostemma photo courtesy fs.fed.us
Dichelostemma capitatum (Wild Hyacinth) is a herbaceous perennial and the only corm on this list. 

Depending on its age the corm will have 2 to 15 flowers, in shades of blue, blue-purple, pink-purple, or white. 

In the wild, these plants thrive in open disturbed environments and are a common post-fire succession species.

Lonicera photo courtesy mnfi.anr.msu.edu
Lonicera involucrata (Black Twinberry) is a deciduous shrub that grows to about 6’. So, it is not the typical vine-producing, powdery mildew- ridden, honeysuckle you may be used to. 

It is probably best known for its yellow flowers and paired red fruits. This is another low-care shrub for the natives-centric garden. It is also good for pollinator gardens. 

Check out the shrubs at Woodland Park Zoo’s Pollinator Patio this summer.

Penstemon photo
courtesy americansouthwest.net
Penstemon utahensis (Beardtongue) is a large genus of roughly 250 species of flowering plants, with 20 species for in the Four Corners region. 

While this specific native species can produce a dozen or more stems loaded with red flowers and grey-green leaves, other natives will have pink, purple and white coloration.

Potentilla photo courtesy
gardening.wsu.edu
Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil) is member of the rose family. It is a three foot branchy shrub with yellow flowers, although newer cultivars can also show red, orange or mango-colored blooms. 

Although it is a southwest native, this potentilla appears to grow even better in our part of the world and you can expect blooms from June through September. Butterflies and bees love this little shrub and it is all but maintenance-free!

Consider adding one or two plants from beyond our northwestern environs to your home landscape. While bringing in plants from the southwest which you will enjoy because of their good looks and low care, these new additions will stump your neighbors while adding to a growing smorgasbord of new greenery which will be enjoyed by the ever-working pollinators in your garden. Happy Gardening all!

Bruce Bennett
Contributing columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Seattle-area garden designer, consultant and lecturer. 

Send your gardening questions and suggestions for future columns to him at gardenguy4u@gmail.com

You can also speak with Bruce at this year’s CHOMP! Festival being held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Redmond’s Marymoor Park. Look for him at the Master Gardener Booths. Go to www.chomplocal.org for more information about this annual county-wide event.




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4,000 new native plants at Ballinger Park

Thursday, July 7, 2022

New lakeside plantings at Ballinger Park
Photo courtesy City of Mountlake Terrace

These are the new lakeside plantings and erosion control areas at Ballinger Park. These three areas contain 4,000+ native plants, including 10 Western Red Cedars, and fencing to protect those plants.

Please stay out of these areas so they can thrive!

The newly refurbished Ballinger Park is located at 23000 Lakeview Drive in Mountlake Terrace, just north of Shoreline.

--City of Mountlake Terrace



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My Garden: Bigleaf lupine

Sunday, June 19, 2022


Bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) is also known as Large-leaved lupine, Many-leaved lupine, Blue-pod lupine and Garden lupine. 

As a garden plant, the big leaf lupine is commonly used to attract bees and as a food source for hummingbirds and other pollinators. 

Clearly this lupine favors the Huskies.

Plants by Diane Cerretti and photos by Doug Cerretti.



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Lake Forest Park Water District annual plant exchange now through September

Monday, May 23, 2022

The Lake Forest Park Water District first held their plant exchange in 2019 and it continues to be a great success. 

It is in operation now and running through SEPTEMBER. Consider taking part in this exchange as you tend your garden, and divide plants. 

Come down and peruse the plants at their office, at 4029 NE 178th St, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, near the entrance gate.

The District has ‘seeded’ the project this year with native plant starts of: 
  • Beargrass – Xerophyllum tenax
  • Red Twig Dogwood – Cornus sericea
  • Salal – Gaultheria shallon
  • Tall Oregon Grape – Mahonia aquifoliu
  • Pacific Crabapple – Malus fusca

The list of guidelines is short, please continue to:
  1. Identify your donations as best you can with tags.
  2. Bring your plants in pots. (We have 1 gallon pots available if you need them
  3. Leave as many plants as you take.
  4. Please don’t bring invasive or noxious weed species (see more below) 

Noxious weeds: Please help control noxious weeds – King County has information and identification guides to help you. Use the QR to visit our website for more information and links.

The community of LFP is legendary for its gardens and generosity! 
Thank you to the many participants and the variety of their contributions!


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Berries against a wall

Monday, November 15, 2021

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Dramatic fall plant



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In the Garden Now: Arnold’s Promise Witch Hazel

Tuesday, September 28, 2021


Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Arnold’s Promise always provides fabulous fall color. This year that color arrived early!

Maybe our heat dome at the end of June and the very dry summer impacted fall color in our gardens this year.

Enjoy that glorious color when and where you find it!



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In the Garden Now: Medusa Ornamental Onion

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Medusa Ornamental Onion
Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

With a name like ‘Medusa’ this purple allium just had to come home with me!

The twisty green leaves earn this plant its exotic sounding moniker. 

What a colorful, fun addition to the late summer garden.

(Allium ‘Medusa’)



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Nevermind the calendar - it's Fall

Monday, August 30, 2021

Sorbus photo by Hitomi Dames


Sorbus photo by Hitomi Dames

I ignored the first photo that Lee Lageschulte sent a few weeks ago of her favorite trees with leaves turning gold.

On Linden near 200th. Photo by Lee Lageschulte

But today both Lee and Hitomi Dames sent photos of fall foliage. The plants don't lie. Welcome to Fall!

--DKH



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Proof that it rained

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

For those of you who were born since the last time it rained - and those of you who slept through it  - this is what rain looks like.




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Summer: Blackberries and rain (finally!)

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

 
Photo by David Walton

Someone I know posted a photo of a European house spider as a sign that it's August. Very true but I thought most of you would be happier with a photo of juicy blackberries ready for the picking.

You're welcome.

And it rained all night. Probably not enough to register on the rain gauges but it smells wonderful.

--DKH





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Process of Nature: Artmaking with Invasive Species - visit the artist at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Photo courtesy of the artist, 2021; Scotch Broom blossoms in paper making process

The City of Shoreline Public Art Program is delighted to announce the second of four artist residencies occurring at the Art Cottage at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, each two months in duration and experimenting with materials, methods, and the creative process.

For June, July, and the first week of August please visit Francesca Udeschini on Saturdays between 1 and 5pm to watch or create art-making (social distancing protocol with masks) along the themes of her residency, using invasive plants to create ink and paper.

Francesca Udeschini is a sculptor, photographer, printmaker, and scientific illustrator living in Seattle, Washington. She received a BFA in Visual Arts at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she studied oil painting and fresco techniques.

After completing her BFA, she was awarded a 9-month residency in the city of Bienno, Italy. There, she was commissioned to create a permanent installation of portraits of local townspeople in the city’s Historic Mill Museum.

Photo courtesy of the artist, 2021; Scotch Broom blossoms in paper making process

She also helped found the Bienno Borgo degli Artisti Artist Collective, where she worked with other artist to put on cultural events for the city.

In 2017, she received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, during which time her work was shown at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

In June 2019, she received a professional certificate in Natural Science Illustration from the University of Washington.

Her studio currently resides in north Seattle. Udeschini’s residency in Shoreline is made possible through the City’s 1% for Public Art Program and 4Culture Cultural Facilities Grant.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Art Cottage, 2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177



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Plant exchange open at the Lake Forest Park Water District

Friday, June 18, 2021

LFPWD Plant Exchange is open!

From April to September, Lake Forest Park Water District (LFPWD) holds their annual Plant Exchange where people can bring extra plants from their yards and exchange them with plants that others have brought to share. 

Consider taking part in this exchange as you tend your garden and divide plants. 

The plants are located at our office just inside the entrance gate. You are welcome to drop by anytime during business hours which are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. 

The community of LFP is legendary for its gardens, so let's enjoy sharing!

To start off this year’s Plant Exchange, the District brought in several native plants: Broadleaf Bluebells, Salal, Prairie Violet, Honeysuckle, Coast Gumweed, Beach Pea, and Henderson’s Checkerbloom to name a few. There are already quite a few contributions this year of various other plants and trees.

The list of guidelines is short:
  •  Identify your donations as best you can with tags.
  • Bring your plants in pots.
  • Leave as many plants as you take.
  • Please don’t bring invasive or noxious weed species (see our website for more on identifying noxious weeds)
The water district can reuse your old garden pots, and can always use any native plants you have to spare.

For more information check our website https://www.lfpwd.org/plants/

Lake Forest Park Water District
4029 NE 178th St
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155



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Townsend's Warblers have serious attitude

Monday, December 14, 2020

A very round bird sitting on a branch in a bush with clusters of juicy looking pale yellow berries has his head lowered, apparently staring at the camera. He looks like he's about to charge. He is  yellow and black with lone ranger masks around his eyes and thick bands of black down the side of his head and wings.
Townsend's Warbler
Photo by Karyl Kirkham

A couple of days ago we published Gloria Nagler's photo of a Townsend's Warbler. He looked innocent enough on the branch but Gloria's comments indicated that he had a bit of attitude.

Karyl Kirkham sent in this photo of a Townsend's Warbler that definitely proves the attitude!

She said that her patients think it's an owl. I think it's baby Batman.

She said that the bush he's sitting in attracts all kinds of birds. I sent the photo to Victoria Gilleland (In the Garden Now) and she thinks it is a variety of Oregon grape.

The plant looks like it could be a Mahonia (Oregon Grape) cultivar such as ‘Arthur McKenzie’.


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Still impressive

Thursday, December 3, 2020

 

Photo by Victoria Gilleland


Hydrangea 'Pia' or 'Pink Elf', a Dwarf French Hydrangea, has been blooming since May.  

Her color is still impressive as Fall marches on!

--Victoria Gilleland




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Mad Tom's berries at Fircrest

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Photo by Janet Way


Janet Way found these berries on the Fircrest campus.

 


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Flowers in the rain

Monday, September 21, 2020

Photo by Frank Kleyn




Northwest native vine maple leaves brighten up a rainy morning in Shoreline.



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Wayne Pridemore needs artichoke dip recipes

Sunday, September 13, 2020


Story and photos by Wayne Pridemore

I had never seen an artichoke blossom until last week when I took these photos in my son's garden. I have never been a fan of eating fresh hearts of the plant dipped in butter, it seemed to be too much work for too little reward. I once tried canned artichokes, talk about a bland nothing.



Send me your favorite artichoke dip recipe and I will give it a go to improve my culinary appreciation of the plant. (Email Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com - I want to see the recipes, too! Ed.)

I am sure that you are aware that the Green or French Artichoke is a variety of a species of thistle. The first guy to eat a thistle must have been very hungry! 



The flower head of the plant is a thing of beauty. It is a cluster of many budding small flowers called an inflorescence. The small bright purple flowers are about an inch long. Bees work their way straight down to the flower bases to collect the pollen. Next year I'm going to plant some in my garden just to enjoy the blooming of the plant.




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Prehistoric plant in Shoreline

Sunday, August 23, 2020

 

This six foot tall plant has a central woody stem with fern-like branches. The fossil record for it dates back 200 million years. Photo by Doug Cerretti

The Wollemia tree was only known through fossil records that date back 200 million years ago. 

However in 1994, the Australian species Wollemia nobilis was discovered in a temperate rainforest wilderness area of the Wollemi National Park, New South Wales, eastern Australia.

A close up of one of the fronds, which have long slender leaves coming from each side of a central stem. Dinosaurs would have enjoyed munching on these. Photo by Doug Cerretti.


It is classified as critically endangered (CR) on the IUCN's Red List, and is legally protected in Australia. 

Shoreline resident, Doug Cerretti says, "Several years ago the National Geographic sold Wollemi nobilis to celebrate its discovery and to aid in its propagation which is where we obtained it." 



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Cactus flower

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Wasn't that a movie?

Anyway, Lee Lageschulte found these blooms on one of her walks and noted that it's unusual to see blooming cactus around here.

It's unusual to see cactus around here, let alone blooming.

Spectacular, though, aren't' they?

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Here's one that shows the cactus plant itself.




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