Growing plants from seed brings out everyone’s nurturing side and is about as close to magic as we can get. More pragmatically, starting seeds indoors lengthens the growing season, provides a pest-free growing atmosphere, saves money, guarantees that plants are grown chemical-free, and allows you to choose from a huge selection of seeds. If you work quickly, you can still grow plants for this year. Figure 1: Fill and level containers and lightly compact. Figure 2: Sow fine seed by pressing... more

The cool temperatures and paltry daylight of winter seem to send our gardens into a slumber that doesn’t break until the first crocus pops up in early spring. Even though amazing things are happening below the soil’s surface, most of us lack a keen interest in soil science, so it’s the above-ground doings that grab our attention. Winter interest is typically achieved by using architectural plants and elements that remain standing all winter to create the “bones” of the landscape, although... more

Of all the plants we grow in the garden, garlic, a bulbous hardy perennial, must be the most pungent. Related to onions and a member of the lily family, garlic is one of the oldest known cultivated plants. It is native to central Asia and has long has been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as Africa, Asia, and Europe. Egyptians worshipped garlic, placing it in tombs to help sustain the dead, and at one time it was so esteemed that it was even used as currency. Folklore credits garlic... more

For many people, one of life’s pleasures is watching birds, such as tiny, acrobatic hummingbirds searching for nectar or flocks of twittering bushtits feasting on minute insects in the trees. Tragically, many bird populations are declining due to the obliteration of the birds’ wintering grounds, the use of pesticides and other chemicals, competition with non-native species, and hunting and habitat fragmentation in North American nesting grounds. A shocking recent study, anticipating vast habitat... more

In our age of genetically modified, chemically dependent agriculture, growing our own food is not only self-satisfying, it’s good for the planet. Besides being able to harvest truly fresh, delectable, nutritious produce, the energy used to ship vegetables is virtually eliminated and that patch of lawn that contributed nothing but a need to be mowed and watered can finally be put to good use. Raising vegetables takes planning, persistence, and some hard work, but the rewards are tremendous. Fava... more

One of the best things about summer is the scrumptious fruit available, and if you want that truly just-picked flavor, consider turning part of your yard into a mini-berry orchard. Blueberries, huckleberries, and raspberries require relatively little space, are easy to grow, and are generally pest-free as long as a few rules are followed. Berries thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with partial to full sun and ... more

It’s not difficult to become interested in gardening in the Pacific Northwest, where the seasons continually offer treats for the eye as well the gastronomy. Autumn is no exception, giving us not only the vibrant colors of deciduous trees and late blooming plants, but also the opportunity to prepare the garden for a quieter time. Instead of mourning the loss of summer bounty and sunny warm evenings, consider planting... more

Long before we were born, magnificent forests covered much of the Pacific Northwest, along with other plant communities, including prairies, coastal plains, and peat bogs. But since it’s virtually impossible to restore the original forest or bog in a garden, is it really important to add native plants, especially when you have a passion for non-natives? Well, yes and no. It depends… Fringecup Maidenhair Native... more