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

Conifers, Plants, Trees

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan Sugi’

If you saw this scrawny little Japanese Cedar at the nursery, you probably wouldn’t look again. It’s top-heavy, oddly shaped and strange. Not the perfectly symmetrical conifer that most people are looking for. But if you waited a few years you would be in for a real treat, for this ugly duckling will transform into a swan! A graceful and full Japanese Cedar with a … Continue reading Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan Sugi’

rainyleafNovember 14, 2012November 14, 201210 Comments

Northwest Natives, Plants, Trees

Big Leaf Maple

The Big leaf Maple of the Pacific Northwest has an impressive leaf size. I always notice them in the fall when they are strewn on the ground after a storm. They are big! Big enough to provide layers of mulch for the year and subsequently provide big headaches to the person holding the rake. Too bad they don’t fall in the summer, we could use … Continue reading Big Leaf Maple

rainyleafNovember 7, 2012November 7, 201210 Comments

Plants, Trees

The Sourwood Tree

There are more than Maples out there. More than Magnolias and Dogwood trees. Believe it or not, more than Flowering Cherries! Most people go tree shopping and they are headed to find one of these four common trees in the Pacific Northwest. Every once in a while they search out something special from their past. They say things like ‘when I was young we had … Continue reading The Sourwood Tree

rainyleafNovember 2, 20126 Comments

Kid Stuff, Plants, Trees

Halloween Tree

Which is the spookiest plant in the neighborhood? The Contorted Filbert, of course! Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ is a twisty and fascinating plant. It’s also referred to as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick. A quick Google search for Harry Lauder reveals that he was a famous international Scottish entertainer and often performed with a twisted walking stick. A few branches from this amazing tree will provide a great Halloween … Continue reading Halloween Tree

rainyleafOctober 31, 2012October 31, 20121 Comment