Bulbs, Garden Design, Plants, Shrubs, Survival in the wild, Trees, Vines

Little Known Edible and Useful Plants for the Northwest

This week I attended the Focus on Farming Conference in Snohomish County as a volunteer with the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association. I was lucky enough to hear a talk by Dave Boehnlein of Terra Phoenix Design. His concept of permaculture was easy to understand. To create systems and landscapes that provide things other than aesthetics. He suggested some new plants for this permaculture approach. … Continue reading Little Known Edible and Useful Plants for the Northwest

rainyleafNovember 16, 20126 Comments

Garden Design, Plants

Keep Planting, The Sun is Still Shining….and Shining and Shining and Shining!

Something strange is going on here in Western Washington. As I drive down the road I see wilting trees, browning shrubs and crispy leaves everywhere. The plantings in the road medians are so close to death that I want to jump out of my car and empty all my water bottles on them. You know, the irresistible urge to water dry plants for us is just the … Continue reading Keep Planting, The Sun is Still Shining….and Shining and Shining and Shining!

rainyleafOctober 7, 2012October 7, 20123 Comments

Field Trips, Garden, Garden Design, Garden Tools

Pruning Class With Plant Amnesty

This weekend I attended a hands-on pruning workshop sponsored by Plant Amnesty. It was great! We met at a community park/garden in Seattle and there was so much to do! Overgrown shrubs, trees where they didn’t belong, weeds and perennials and invasives, we had it all. At first it was completely overwhelming, but by the end of the day it was amazing what thirty people … Continue reading Pruning Class With Plant Amnesty

rainyleafSeptember 23, 2012September 23, 20126 Comments

Garden, Garden Design, Veggies, Fruits and Herbs

Driftwood Garden

At a coastal garden I saw this very efficient and creative use of local materials, a garden fence made out of driftwood. I thought it was beautiful, and now I want a garden at the beach! Continue reading Driftwood Garden

rainyleafAugust 20, 2012August 20, 20125 Comments

Garden Design, Perennials, Plants

Summer Color Containers

A customer comes into the nursery and questions me about plants. I need some plants for a container. Check. I need color. Check. I need something great for my entryway. Check. We excitedly start heading towards the annual area where the flowers are bursting with color. But then come the fatal words….and there is no sun. Nothing! Not even a glimmer or a ray. Most plants appreciate a … Continue reading Summer Color Containers

rainyleafAugust 16, 2012August 16, 20123 Comments