WHEN should I sow seeds? When you’re starting seeds indoors, timing is everything. The goal is to grow seedlings that are the ideal size for transplanting into the garden at the proper time. Sowing dates depend on: · your average last spring frost date; · whether the plant prefers cool or warm growing conditions; · how quickly the…
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What’s low and no mow? Groundcovers! This term encompasses a wide range of low-growing plants that do double duty. Not only do they provide beauty to the fronts of borders, they also work to control erosion, discourage weeds, help retain moisture and regulate soil temperatures by covering bare soil. Low growing but highly decorative…
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Some folks think only of the ubiquitous sword fern when ferns are recommended by us greenies here at the nursery. There is so much potential in this diverse group of plants! Not only do they have ecological importance having evolved from ancient plants pre-flora, but they also have great design value for their amazing texture and…
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Pollinators are necessary not only for fertilizing flowers for fruits and nuts production, but are also needed to ensure species survival. Most people recognize that bees are important pollinators, but many species of butterflies, bats, birds, moths, flies and even mammals are also pollinators. These plant pals work hard for the planet and need flower…
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1. Plant what they don’t like. In general, deer and rabbits don’t like plants that have strong scents, spines, prickles or fuzzy/leathery leaves. Some gardeners suggest oregano, rosemary, rhubarb, asparagus, or garlic, however, what/how much they eat depends a lot on the season, the particular plant, the weather and the availability of other foods. There…
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Native gardening is becoming increasingly popular in conventional and organic gardening. The two main reasons generally cited for using native plants are because they are adapted to our environment therefore requiring less maintenance, and also because they attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. We often get inquiries about what constitutes a native plant, as well as…
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Let’s share some tricks and tips for a successful cool temperature spring vegetable season. Cool season vegetables are those which are tolerant of light frosts, however, as with all plants, cold tolerance is dependent on planting site, sun exposure, rain and wind exposure, as well as general climate. They often become sweeter as they mature…
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Sweet Peas offer a range of colorful, fragrant, and floriferous vines perfect for bridging the gap between late winter and spring. While not edible, they make up for that with their stunningly scented bright blooms. In this article we’ll discuss the history, cultural needs, and tips for growing one of the true stars of Spring.…
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We often hear from customers that the hardest time of year for garden interest are the dark days of late autumn into the early spring. An ideal plant for brightening the season is a hardy Camellia, which include varieties that bloom from October into late April. All Camellias prefer acidic soils, part shade to full…
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In the PNW it’s easy to keep hummingbirds fed during the warm months, but fall and winter can be more challenging. Here on the Eastside we have Anna’s Hummingbirds, which no longer migrate during the winter. It is very important that if you start feeding hummers in the fall, you continue to feed them through…
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