Growin Natural

Have you begun to plant your summer garden or flower pots yet? It isn't too late. With all our cold and rainy weather the planting season has been delayed. In fact, I was talking with a local farmer the other day about his pumpkin patch. I asked if he had already put the seeds in the ground, and what was his usual timeline for that. We would love to have a garden this summer, including pumpkins! He said that normally he puts his seeds into the ground by the 15th of May. However, the ground has been too soggy and if he had planted them, they would be moldy by now. He looked very worried when he said that if he doesn't get them into the ground by mid June he will have green pumpkins for fall! I tried to reassure him that green pumpkins are very fun, and he could start a new trend this season! I am not sure he was buying that!

So growing gardens, planters, baskets and beds are easier to manage when you plant natively. Did you know that Washington has 2,300 native plant species, surely that is enough plant material to fill YOUR garden. Native plants are so happy in there own environment and make your yard a show stopper! Make a lasting impression by going native!!!! There are also many important and beneficial reasons for growing your garden with native plants, besides there beauty. The Washington Native Plant Society says:
.The plants are already adapted to our climate
.You use less water
.The plants are resistant to native pests and diseases
.You will improve water quality.
.Save resources
This Document is great!
http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/utilities/Native%20Plants%20of%20Western%20WA%2001-06.pdf
The Washington Native Plant Society is a wonderful resource, www.wnps.org

I have many native or local plants that are favorites. I love hostas, moss and ferns which make for great ground cover! Other favorites are;
White Rhododendron, Western Columbine, Vine Maples, Douglas Fir trees, Maiden Hair Fern, Alpine Lady Fern, Lodgepole Pine, Wild Geranium, Arctic Lupine, and Paper Birch.

I also love growing herbs in my garden. There is nothing quite like going out to my patio and cutting fresh thyme or rosemary for the dish I am working on. I always feel so smart... This year I planted; Thyme, Rosemary, Lemon Thyme, Cilantro, Flat Leaf Parsley, Mint, Lemon Mint...great for summer drinks, Basil, and Lavendar.
Some Resources:
http://www.wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/herblist_A-C.html
http://www.gardenguides.com/96134-vegetables-grow-western-washington.html

Lastly, get creative with your plantings...there is nothing quite like the first impression made by an unusual planting container or arrangement. I love the look of flowers or herbs planted in big galvanized tubs, or a reclaimed wagon, home-made pots made from textured concrete, or pots hanging on a fence or shed wall can add color to an unused space. Surround yourself with color and texture, and make your garden a space that you enjoy, and so will others!!