Have you considered building a rain garden in your yard? Many of us in Portland, OR have seen the swales being built all around the city to manage storm water runoff and protect our rivers. Did you know that you, too, can do the same thing in your own yard? When we build swales in our yards, we call them rain gardens, and they are just as effective at capturing runoff from the roof and driveway. Above is an example of a faux riverrock stream that the rain water from the roof is redirected towards. What... more

Spring is the perfect time to get your yard and garden ready for spring and summer planting. But before you plant your first bulb, seed, tree, or plant, remember that healthy plants start with healthy soil. Healthy soil makes healthy plants that naturally resist diseases and pests. There are five to ten billion organisms in a heaping tablespoon of fertile soil. You can put these tiny “garden helpers” to work in your yard by applying compost. Worms, fungi, and more make soil fertile for... 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

Happy fall to you! I am finally wearing my sweaters, making soup, and really looking forward to the holidays. As I write this from my living room, I am looking out the window at the brilliant fall colors, and I am thoroughly enjoying this season. Once the fall colors are off the trees, however, things may look a little bleak in the garden over the next few months. Lucky for you there are some fantastic plants out there that bloom in winter to help brighten your days. Two of my favorites are: Yuletide... 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

Collecting the rain that rolls off your roof to use in the garden preserves natural resources and saves money on your water bill. One affordable way to capture hundreds of gallons of rainwater every year is to make and install rain barrels from simple plumbing fixtures and recycled food grade containers. Instructions Depending on the type of barrel and location of your downspout, determine how you will route water from the downspout... 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

Today’s gardening trend suggests turning the outback into an outdoor den — a gracious extension complete with living areas, covered seating, and a choice of water features that range from a hot tub in a gazebo to creating a wetland haven for frogs and fish. Conquer the Fear Factor A recent survey shows that the most prevalent emotion people feel when going to a nursery is fear. “I was shocked to learn that,” says Sean Hogan,... more