Category: Plants

Garden, Garden Design, Garden Tools, Plants, Veggies, Fruits and Herbs

Blackberry Trellis

Definition of a weed: any undesirable or troublesome plant, especially one that grows profusely where it is not wanted.  Most people would think that Himalayan Blackberry would fit into this category.  And usually they would be right.  It grows all over Western Washington, forming dense, impenetrable thickets, with canes that reach 10-20 feet long.  It was these long canes I was considering as I pondered my new raised vegetable beds.  I needed a support for my peas, for my beans, … Continue reading Blackberry Trellis

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf3 Comments
Greenhouse, Insects and Disease, Plants

Banker Plants and Aphid Mummies

Normally growing aphids is a bad thing, but in respect to our beneficial insect program, it’s a good thing.  At the Environmental Horticulture Program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology we grow and propagate thousands of plants in our greenhouses.  Each year the students put on a huge plant sale that generates money that helps fund the program.  This year we had a serious threat … Continue reading Banker Plants and Aphid Mummies

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf1 Comment
Bulbs, Perennials, Plants

Fritillaria imperialis

Spring always brings surprises.  Leaves that are normally green unfurl red, tight buds open to a flurry of petals and leaves, that which was hidden suddenly smiles at the sun.  This is such a plant.  This fritillaria seems almost tropical and out of place in our Northern land of daffodils and tulips.  It reminds me of a pineapple or a palm tree.  A disturber of … Continue reading Fritillaria imperialis

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf1 Comment