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GardenGuy: A New Year and a Change in the Air

Sunday, January 21, 2024

A frozen Ronald Bog
photo by Martin DeGrazia
A quick prologue to readers: Yes, this month’s column is, more than anything else, about climate change, aka Global Warming. To forestall the time some readers will feel they need to take to email me and note the ‘overly brisk’ temperatures we recently experienced versus the concept of a warmer winter, do realize that there is a difference between the meteorological terms of ‘climate’ and ‘weather.’ 

The very short answer for those readers is “Climate is what you expect and Weather is what you get.” In other words, ‘weather’ refers to short-term changes in the atmosphere; what’s the weather like today or next month and what’s discussed during the 6:00pm Evening News’ weather segment. 

‘Climate’ describes what that weekly weather is like (as described by some 11,000+ weather stations across the country) over the long-term, generally thirty years or more. What are the averages of precipitation, temperature, sunshine, etc. in a particular area? At the moment, there’s a chill in the air, however, long-term………. Now, on to the actual article.


Happy New Year all!
And, welcome to yet another year of the fun and challenges in the Pacific Northwest world of gardening. I’m still trying to decipher the post-Christmas instructions and ramifications for one of our newest presents from the federal government; the report about our part of the state now categorized as being in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a (!). 

My, how we have grown! I can remember back to the early 1980’s when I moved to Seattle and was in Zone 7b (average winter low between 5° and 10 degrees) and, in 2012, was raised to Zone 8b (an average low of between 15 and 20 degrees). How quickly they grow! 

So, what are the ramifications of this climatic news? What does it mean in our roles as home gardeners who may hold all horticultural titles on our respective pieces of earth as designer, landscape maintainer, pest controller, etc. The thirty-year warming trend, which meteorologists talk about during the evening news, continues as the related heat and horticulture issues, increasingly, evolve around us. Let’s take some time to consider where gardeners need to be more aware, more proactive. 

 Let’s start by looking at our current winter weather.

Across the continental USA, the lowest average winter temperature is predicted to be 2.5 degrees (Fahrenheit) warmer than when the last map was published some ten years ago. Winter and nighttime temperatures are rising faster than summer and daytime temperatures. Now, 2.5 degrees might not seem a great deal warmer in ten years, but, the effect has been cumulative over the past century, over the last thirty years and, certainly, over the past three record-breaking years. 

The trend is clear: Earth is warming because of our increasing populations and longstanding reliance on fossil fuels. According to the federal government's latest National Climate Assessment, as our cars, buildings, industries and power plants continue to burn more fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases, the planet will continue to warm. By 2050, Seattle is expected to average around 27 days per year over 85 degrees and an increasing frequency of heat waves. Start buying your supply of sunblock protection and wide brimmed hats now!

Bronze birch borer
The Pacific Northwest is already experiencing climate change (have you been here for the past few summers?) which will become even more evident in the decades ahead. 

With warmer minimum temperatures, certain insects that would usually die in winter will be able to survive year-round and multiply in greater numbers. 

And, as maximum temperatures rise in the summer, heat-stressed plants can become prime targets for destructive pests such as the bronze birch borer (pictured left) and western pine beetle

A warmer climate will also provide a better environment for mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. Remember that Western Washington had its first case of West Nile Virus just last year. Look for more glaciers and polar ice caps to melt at faster rates, sea levels to rise and weather-related disasters like wildfires and floods to become more common. 

The warmer winter temperatures will also cause precipitation in the Cascades to fall as rain rather than creating the usual snowpack that slowly melts throughout the summer and keeps our region hydrated and green. Certainly, these changes won't happen overnight. You might not notice them every day, every month or even every year. But they are happening. We still may have time to shape our future, for better or for worse. A profit of doom, I’m not. However, the climate is what it is or what we help it to become.

Rock rose
Take a look at Washington’s state plant, the rhododendron. Did you notice some of their leaves drooping and turning brown around the edges these past few summers? 

How about our Acer macrophyllum (Large Leaf Maples) many of whose leaves have been shrinking in size for the past few years or the Tsuga heterophylla (Western Hemlock) that are experiencing brown-out along their branches, all due to the increasingly hotter and drier summers? 

It may be time to think about landscape ‘editing’ which includes more native plants, but native to Zone 9. Plants like Cistus (Rock Rose – pictured right), Chamaecyparis (False Cypress), Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine) and similar warmer zoned plants may be good candidates to fill the garden spaces of their heat-stressed predecessors. Also, start tracking the timing between when your current plants begin to flower earlier in the season and when their feeding pollinators are around. It’s one more cue to determine zone hardier plants and their fitness for changing landscapes.

Mentioning ‘pollinators’ raises another gardener’s issue: new insects and new diseases will become more common to challenge your fortitude and outdoor ingenuity. Watch for the scourge of roses, Japanese Beetles. They haven’t made it all the way from the east coast to western Washington as yet, but, they are closing-in with recent sightings in eastern Washington and south of Portland, OR. Also, watch for larger populations of the brown marmorated stink bugs to disturb your horticultural zen and bronze birch borers attempting to take down your White Himalayan Birch from the inside.

Against these prognosticated weather changes, can gardeners do anything to lessen the intensity of the problem? 

The task may seem akin to one person removing a cup of water from the ocean and expecting to see the water level fall a bit. Unfortunately, it will take more effort than that. It will take a concerted, global effort. 

In response to this challenge, as part of the individual efforts in your own yards, there are plenty of eco-friendly, cost-saving design tasks you can consider to help Seattle, the State and, of course, the world (not a bad result from all of us making simple changes to our landscapes. 

Adding more drought-tolerant plants to the landscape and switching from gas-powered lawn mowers and weed whackers are the first actions that come to mind. How about removing some or even all of that front lawn and adding water-efficient perennials, shrubs, etc.? I’m anticipating having an article and, perhaps, a gardening talk on the topic later this year. Let me know if you are interested in attending such a program.

New growing possibilities for the edible garden
On the positive side of the coin, the revised plant hardiness map may present new growing possibilities for the region’s gardeners, such as winegrape growing in Puget Sound. 

Edible gardens could experience improved harvests of eggplant, melons and other hot weather vegetables. New varieties of flowers may do better than they have any right to in the warmer weather. 

While warmer temperatures are projected to shorten the snow season by half in portions of the Cascades, thus cutting into winter sports, there is also the chance the change might expand access for activities like hiking and camping. 

The demand for warm-weather activities like cycling and boating might also increase. Things are going to change. There are going to be winners and losers in the region’s landscapes. As gardeners, we need to be pro-active and willing to change the way ‘things have always been done.”

When you use plants appropriate for your growing zone, it is not an absolute guarantee that they will be successful, but it is an excellent place to start. Experienced gardeners know there are other factors at play when deciding on which plants to use, including soil type, humidity and the effect of microclimates. 

Start with plants that are recommended for our changing hardiness zones, then research other factors that may have an influence on your plants as well. Local nurseries and garden centers carry native species that are suitable for our changing regions. 

In addition to choosing the right plants which will survive both our winters and summers, be sure to check and follow the planting and care instructions to ensure a healthy garden. Use some of this winter’s wet days to do the research needed to replace longtime familiar but suffering plants and be willing to try new candidates which will make life easier on your parcel of land in this green paradise called the great Pacific Northwest. 

Happy Gardening all!

Further Reading:

Crimmins, A.R., et. al. (eds.) 2023. Fifth U.S. National Climate Assessment Federal Report. U.S. Global Change Research Program. Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.7930/NCA5.2023.CH1

Dalton, M.M., et. al. (eds). 2013. Climate Change in the Northwest: Implications for our Landscapes, Waters and Communities. Island Press: Washington, DC.

Moore, Darryl. 2023. Gardening in a Changing World: Plants, People and the Climate Crisis. Pimpernel Press Ltd: London, UK.

Contributing columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a WSU Master Gardener, garden designer and lecturer. 

If you have questions concerning this article, have a gardening question or two to ask concerning your own landscape or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact him at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.

See Bruce's previous columns here


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A frozen Ronald Bog

Wednesday, January 17, 2024


Ronald Bog is one of the first places to freeze. This photo by Martin DeGrazia was taken on Saturday, January 13, 2024.


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National Weather Service Seattle issues coastal flood warning for Thursday morning

Thursday, December 28, 2023


A coastal flood advisory has been issued for all of Puget Sound for Thursday morning, December 28, 2023.

I am uncertain what effect this will have on our area. During the heavy rain in December my In Box was full of photos of flooded roads in Snohomish and Skagit counties - but we hardly noticed anything.

Both Shoreline and Lake Forest Park have done many flood mitigation projects over the past decade. We no longer have flooded intersections by LFP Town Center or Ronald Bog. 

Three years ago we got two inches of rain and Shoreline crews were very busy - check out this article from December 2020

Do rake the leaves away from your storm drain. 

If at any time you do come across a flooded road take a photo and send it to me with the address or cross streets and I'll see it gets to the right place for action. 

Or call the Shoreline Customer response team at 206-801-2700. It's a 24/7 number so feel comfortable leaving a detailed message, including information on how to contact you if they have follow up questions.

In Lake Forest Park, if localized flooding is severe and you are unable to clear the drain, please call City Hall at 206-368-5440 during business hours or after hours call 206-296-8100.



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Meridian Park Walk, Saturday, October 7, 10am – 12pm

Sunday, October 1, 2023


Meridian Park Walk, Saturday, October 7, 2023 10am – 12pm

Meet in parking lot in front of Meridian Park School 17077 Meridian Ave N

Walk leader: Donna

Points along the way include the Children’s Center, the small Meridian Park itself, the Jewish Cemetery, Shorewood High School, and Shoreline City Hall. 

At end of walk there will be an option to check out the improvements to Ronald Bog Park which is across from the school. 

City Walks are designed for adults ages 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, each walk is led by a Volunteer Walk Leader and all walks are free. 

No need to sign up, just show up at the meetup location and we'll take care of the rest! 

Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome to join. 



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Kingfisher lives up to its name

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

This pretty bird is a Kingfisher - living up to its name after fishing at Ronald Bog.



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Birds of Ronald Bog

Thursday, June 8, 2023

 
Photos by Kristine Tsujikawa at Ronald Bog

Kristine Tsujikawa spent some time observing and photographing the birds at Ronald Bog. 

Oddly, reports from both Ronald Bog and Bitter Lake say there are no goslings this year. Even the goose pair that took over the new eagles nest at Ronald Bog and drove off the eagles (with help from a flock of crows) abandoned the nest and had no offspring.

--Diane Hettrick


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Eagles at the Bog

Sunday, March 26, 2023

 
Listen! Agree.
Photo by Jan Hansen

This eagle pair recently set up housekeeping at Ronald Bog - the first eagle nest on the Bog.

Share with your community!
Photo by Jan Hansen

There are no fish in Ronald Bog, so these raptors will be open to other prey. If you live near Ronald Bog, keep your pets inside, or very close to you.

The Bog is between I-5 and Meridian, at N 175th in Shoreline.



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New eagle nest at Ronald Bog

Friday, March 10, 2023

Eagles are nesting at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

A new eagle nest is being built at Ronald Bog Park in the large cottonwood on the north side of the water
 
This is the first year for this site. There have always been eagles around the Bog but this is the first nest.

Eagle pair at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

They are establishing their hunting territory. Ronald Bog is not known for its fish, nor is it stocked, as Echo Lake is.
 
Shoreline resident Mark Tomboulian says, "But there are are plenty of invasive non-native rabbits to feed on, and I saw one being taken up to the nest today.'  

Further, he warns, "Any outside small pet without supervision is a prey candidate, so good time for a warning about how outside cats and small dogs are at risk."

Ronald Bog is between I-5 and Meridian Ave N, with the north boundary at N 175th in Shoreline.
 

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Eagle at Ronald Bog: Excuuuuuuuse me!

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Photo by Martin De Grazia

Whatever or whoever you are - this is MY tree and you can take your sorry self elsewhere!



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Bog Whisperer: Kingfisher has trouble deciding on pose

Thursday, December 8, 2022

 
This kingfisher, who was posing for her formal portrait from Martin DeGrazia at Ronald Bog, had a lot of trouble deciding on her pose. Right profile?

How about the left profile? It shows off my lovely brown ekg markings the best, and the white tip on my beak.

How about a 3/4 view - but wait - I don't have my feathers in place yet - Don't use that one! All right, I'm done. Catch me another day.

--Kingfisher

Update: Christine Southwick says that the lovely zigzag band across the chest identifies this kingfisher as a female. Pronouns have been changes accordingly.  - DKH



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Bog Whisperer: Crows on Ice

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

 
Photo by Martin De Grazia

Two days ago there were 4-5 crows walking on the ice at Ronald Bog. (See previous article

They obviously enjoyed it and shared the experience with a large number of their murder. (Really - a murder of crows).

Crows are known to play. They will drop fir cones at the peak of a roof and chase them as they roll down. I'm waiting for a photo of them will little sticks, hitting cones across the ice. 

--Diane Hettrick



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Bog Whisperer: Snow birds of Shoreline

Monday, December 5, 2022

Photo by Martin De Grazia
The snow, ice, and cold weather gave Bog Whisperer Martin De Grazia a chance to see the Bog Birds in different ways.

For example, this flock of geese, unconcerned about the snow on their backs - and they're not even Snow Geese!

Photo by Martin De Grazia
The Bog is actually quite shallow and often freezes over in cold weather. The crows don't usually spend time on lakes, so this is a novelty for them (and us!) They seem to be co-existing just fine with the killdeer in the background, who look a little puzzled at the icy footing.

Photo by Martin De Grazia
The heron sits in his usual tree, unperturbed by the snow clinging to the bark. I have to admit that when I first looked at the photo in a thumbnail version, I didn't see the bird. Even now, his feathers look much like the bark of his tree.

Martin says that the otters love the ice, swimming under it and popping up through the thin crust. Their dens have underwater entrances, so they are quite comfortable in this weather.

Ronald Bog is between I-5 and Meridian Ave N, with the entrance to the park on N 175th.

--Diane Hettrick



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Cormorants at the Bog

Saturday, November 26, 2022

 
Photo by Martin De Grazia

Suddenly Ronald Bog seems to be full of birds. Maybe it's the rain and change of weather. These are cormorants. We have a lot in the area. Besides the Bog there is a cormorant nesting tree by Echo Lake. Cormorants are often seen at Lake Washington and Puget Sound.

Christine Southwick wrote an article about them in her For the Birds column which we previously published: Cormorants, the Fishing Birds.

--Diane Hettrick



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Bog Whisperer: Where's Waldo (otter)?

Sunday, November 20, 2022

 
Photo by Martin De Grazia

A random pile of old logs and brush at water's edge at Ronald Bog. But wait! Wild creatures are there, checking out the photographer. Can you find them both?

Ronald Bog park entrance is on N 175th St between Meridian and I-5.




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Bog Whisperer: It's a great day for a swim

Sunday, November 6, 2022

 
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

You might think it's cold outside and that the water is cold. Martin DeGrazia's otter buddies relish this weather and went out for a swim in their home at Ronald Bog.



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Young otters at Ronald Bog

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

 
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

A couple of young otters were out at Ronald Bog Tuesday morning. Mom may have been nearby but she wasn't showing herself.

--Martin DeGrazia


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The Bog: Checking out the neighbors

Monday, August 1, 2022

Photo by Martin DeGrazia
 
The green heron pair at Ronald Bog are getting to know the neighbors. The turtles have long claimed the logs in the Bog so it's hard to tell if this is a friendly greeting, a negotiation, or a warning.

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Or maybe curiosity. It looks like the turtle has drawn in his head, so perhaps he's not so happy with the new neighbor. And the green heron looks like he's trying to figure out what the turtle did with his head.

They have time to figure it out. 

--Diane Hettrick



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Mama Green Heron sporting her new do

Thursday, July 28, 2022

 
Photo by Martin De Grazia

Mama Green Heron was sporting her new do at Ronald Bog Wednesday.

Photo by Martin De Grazia

And this was her before shot.

Ronald Bog is between I-5 and Meridian Ave N at N 175th St in Shoreline. We don't have the contact info for her hairdresser - sorry.



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Ronald Bog: How to know it's almost summer

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

 
Photo by Martin De Grazia

The turtles are out! That's how you can tell that summer is near. Well, at least one turtle is out. They hibernate in the mud all winter and come out when the weather improves.

Then they seem to spend their days lining up on logs, like this one.

The otter is more interested in the photographer than in the turtle. Oh - wait - he was ready for his close up.

Photo by Martin De Grazia

That's better!

--Diane Hettrick



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Mr. Whiskers at Ronald Bog

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

 
Photo by Martin De Grazia

Mr. Whiskers came out of the water to say hello and pose nicely for Martin De Grazia. If crows can recognize individual people I don't see any reason why river otters can't do the same. And they all know the Bog Whisperer.

--Diane Hettrick



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