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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A sudden freeze or cold snap following a relatively mild November and December may damage even cold-hardy plants. Here are some tips to help your plants will brave the low temperatures and mitigate root, foliage and flower damage.
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