Random Acts of Gardening

Get a sneak preview of the Showcase Gardens

2012-02-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Check out the timelapse video of the Showcase Gardens coming together. It's an amazing process and we hope you, your family and friends enjoy the results.

Plant Seductions

2012-02-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

I have to watch myself, especially around plants and gardens. I’m seduced by the color and texture of plants and the infinite combination possibilities. Perhaps you know the feeling, too. I decide I have to have a plant—usually more than just one—and think I know exactly where it’s going to go in the garden. Frequently, I end up moving or removing it, or it doesn’t thrive where I planted it. The seduction is always fun but it can also be overwhelming, but that’s where the expertise of a designer comes in.

There will be lots of designers and design/build landscape contractors at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show. From acting as garden coaches to designing and installing elaborate landscapes, you’ll find help starting tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 19. Visit the designers and contractors of the showcase gardens, individual designers positioned around the show floor or the booths of two landscape designer associations: Association of Northwest Landscape Designers and Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

Enjoy the show!

Garden Events & Classes

2012-02-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

EVENTS

February 17-19 - 2012 Yard, Garden & Patio Show! (Portland)—Showcase gardens, plant sales, educational displays, free seminars, garden art, wine and beer, live music, kid's activities, and you'll find every imaginable supplier of garden goodness at the Oregon Convention Center, Friday and Saturday, 10am-7:30pm and Sunday, 10am-5pm.

February 23, 4-7pm - Springfest 2012, Fresh to You Produce & Garden Center (Stayton)—Join us to celebrate Spring! Food, wine, door busting specials!

February 25 (9-5) & 26 (10-4)— Winter Bloomers Open House, Dancing Oaks Nursery (Monmouth)—Come out to enjoy the brave bulbs, perennials and shrubs that are beginning to give cheer to our hearts with their color and delight our noses with their sweet scent. Tasty morsels and tea served in the Pavilion.

March 9 – Plant Nerd Night—Start the garden season with this fun event hosted by Mike Darcy. Hear presentations and buy plants from six specialty nurseries. Entertainment by the Chorus of the Goddess Flora, door prizes, refreshments, mingle with other gardeners, and have fun! Get there early, this event has traditionally drawn capacity crowds. Doors open at 6pm; presentations begin at 7pm. Lake Bible Church, 4565 Carman Drive, Lake Oswego.

March 9 and 10, 9am-1pm – Marion SWCD 10th Annual Native Plant Sale (Gervais)—The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District native plant sale encourages people to use native plants in their yards, on their farms, or at their businesses. Proceeds from the Native Plant sale fund two scholarships for students studying Natural Resources. Over 80 plant species will be available and prices range from $1.50-$8.00. Sale is held Bauman Farms (12989 Howell Prairie Rd, Gervais). More info can be found at http://marionswcd.net/districtevents.html.

CLASSES (unless noted, classes are free)

February 18
- 10:30am-12:30pm – Design Your Own Indoor Garden, Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—Use exotic air plants to create an indoor garden. The plants are fun, unusual, easy to care for and come in an amazing array of shapes, colors and sizes. Class fee: whatever plants and suppliers you pick (an assortment of sizes and prices to choose from). Reservations required; call 503-864-8502 or register online. Class includes instruction, design ideas and refreshments. 10% off any additional purchases made the day of class.

- 11am – Mason Bees, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—Learn about Mason bees and what they can do for your garden. Please register to attend by calling 503-649-4568 or email their event staff with your name, phone number, and how many people will be attending.

February 21, 7pm - 2012 Gen(i)us Series: Epimediums, The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon-- Norm Jacobs and Deb Javeson will discuss the use of Epimediums in the garden and ideas on where and how to plant them. Cost: Fee: $5, pay at the door. All are welcome, need not be a member to attend.

February 22, 6-7:30pm – Plan a Productive Garden with Oregon Tilth—Spring is right around the corner and it's time to start planning your vegetable garden. What will you grow? How much should you plant? Which varieties will perform best? Attend this class to learn practical planning techniques for selecting seeds, optimizing space, and increasing harvests. Maximize your bounty by applying new space-saving strategies in your home garden. Cost: $25. Sellwood Community Center, 1436 SE Spokane St. Classes are presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Register at www.portlandonline/bps/ugb.

February 23, 1pm – Tea Time! Bauman Farms (Gervais)—Cost $20. Call or email to RSVP!

February 25
- 10am-noon - Fruit Tree Pruning & Maintenance, Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark (Salem)—For more information on this class please call 503-581-0441.

- 10am - Living Wreaths, Al's Garden Center (Sherwood location)—Make your own living wreath from succulents in this hands on workshop. Registration is required and space is limited to 25 people. To register call Al's in Sherwood 503-726-1162. Cost: $45.00 per kit, which makes 1 wreath.

- 10am - GO BIG with Miniatures:Fairy Gardens & Mini-scapes, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)--
- Learn about the miniature garden trend and make your own to enjoy this spring! Feel free to bring your own container of choose from a variety available at the store. A new shipment of miniature garden accessories just arrived. Cost: $25 fee (can be used toward your purchases for your project or to purchase a finished garden). Register online.

- 10am (SE Powell loction) & 2pm (Cedar Hills location) – Introduction to Bonsai, Dennis' 7 Dees—Learn about the History and fundamentals of Bonsai and see a Bonsai demonstration, including walking the nursery in search of suitable Bonsai subjects. The instructor will help participants select their own material to get started and review with them the process to start transforming their own Bonsai. Register online.

- 10:30am lecture & 11:30am Tour – Good Dirt on Fruit Pruning, Garden Fever! (Portland)—Glen Andresen, organic urban gardening expert, has got some good dirt for you on caring for berries and fruit. Pruning techniques for fruit shrubs and vines, with special focus on Blueberries and Grapes. The best organic methods for the sustainable urban produce garden. After the lecture, there will be a tour of Glen's home garden, one and a half miles from the store.

- 1-2:30pm - Early Spring Vegetables, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Get your vegetable garden started with early spring crops! Join Marc Boucher-Colbert, of Urban Agriculture Solutions LLC, to learn all about growing crops like potatoes, onions, garlic, asparagus, and other cool season vegetables. Marc will provide expert tips and techniques for nudging the season into early production. He will discuss how to prepare your soils for specific crops, planting tips and timing, how often/when to fertilize and water, the benefits of season extenders, and much more! Click here to register for this class.

- 1pm - Summer Bulbs in Your Garden, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—From fluffy banks of cheery little dahlias to towering, fragrant lilies, summer bulbs can fill many niches in your garden and your vase. Learn when and how to plant the bulbs and care for them to get their best performance, and design tips so they can really work with the rest of your plants for a spectacular floral summer. Click here to register for this class.

- 1pm – Early Spring Vegetables, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Learn what's good to grow and good to eat.

February 26
- 1-2:30pm - Vegetable Gardening 101, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—In this introductory level workshop, Tim Lanfri, of Community Garden Creators, will discuss the basics of soil amending, crops selection, plant spacing, timing your plantings, selecting the best varieties, watering, and much more! Tim will demystify growing your own food and share his tips and techniques for beginner success!
Click here to register for this class.

- 1pm - Orchids as Houseplants, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Orchids are so diverse, and some are easier to grow than others. In our climate, only a very few are outdoor plants, so many people grow them as houseplants or in greenhouses. Michael will give a basic introduction to choosing and growing the easiest orchid varieties for success. Click here to register for this class.

March 3
- 10am – Building Ponds & Waterfalls, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Learn how to design and construct natural rock water features using a flexible liner.

- 10am – Learn to Prune Like the Pros, Dennis 7 Dees (Seaside location)—Learn the ins and outs of pruning, from dormant pruning of perennials in the winter to opening up Japanese maples that turn them from ordinary to priceless. Registration required.

- 11am (Cedar Hills & Lake Oswego) - Fairy Gardens, Mini Gardens & Mini-scapes, Dennis 7 Dees—Learn about this new, fun planting project. Class will include selection of containers, appropriate small plants to use (indoors or out), design ideas as well as care and maintenance for your creations. Be among the first to see some great new ideas and inventory for 2012. Cost: $25 (can be used toward your purchases for your project or to purchase a finished garden). Register online.

- 1-2:30pm - Raising Chickens in the City, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—If you are curious about raising chickens in the city but aren't quite sure what to expect, this is the class for you! Join expert Peter Porath, of Oregon Peeps Unlimited, and get all the information you need to successfully raise these friendly-feathered creatures from chicks to chooks. Pete will discuss the differences between breeds, various feed choices, habitat and shelter needs, and great tips and tricks for keeping your chickens happy, healthy and laying. Click here to register for this class.

March 4
- 10am-noon – Make Your Own Olive Oil Body Products, The Oregon Olive Mill, Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—Join Rebecca Minifie from Angelica Herbs for this fun and informative demonstration on how to make all-natural olive oil-based toiletries. She will demystify the art of making lip balm, face cream & body soap featuring our olive oil and other simple ingredients. Cost: $35. Class includes stey-by-step instruction and recipes; a lip balm, small face cream and bar of soap to take home; refreshments; and 10% off all other purchases made day of class. Reservations required by calling 503-864-8502.

- 11am – What to Do In The Garden in March, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)

- 1-2:30pm – Veggie Gardening 101, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—If you are excited to grow your own food but have little to no experience, this is the class for you! Jen Aron of Peaceful Gardens will discuss the basics of soil amending, crops selection, plant spacing & timing, watering, lighting needs, and much more! Will her years of experience, she will demystify growing your own food and share her tips and techniques for beginner success! Click here to register for this class.

- 1pm - Basics of Seed Starting, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Starting your garden plants from seed can save you money, let you try varieties that are unavailable as starts and let you start growing things while it's still too cold to put them outside. Click here to register for this class.

March 6, 1pm – Pruning Basics, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—The health and beauty of a garden's living structure depends on thoughtful shaping and pruning of its shrubs and tress. Mike Smith will demonstrate how to evaluate and prune to reveal the hidden beauty of your older trees and shrubs. This year, special attention will be given to the pruning, shaping and training of a large climbing rose, different species of hydrangeas and other selected shrubs and small trees. Bring your questions about pruning plants that suffered damage during this past winter's November freeze. Dress warmly and bring an umbrella.

March 10
- 10am-noon – Rose Care, Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark (Salem)—For more information on this class please call (503-581-0441).

- 10am – Pondless Waterfalls and Creeks, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Design and construction techniques for waterfalls and creeks flowing into a hidden reservoir.

- 11am-12:30pm – Controlling Wees & Pests in the Veggie Garden, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Vegetable gardening comes with its fair share of weed and pest problems. Join experienced gardener Tim Lanfri, Community Garden Creators, to learn about controlling and preventing common weeds and pests for a healthy, bountiful harvest! Tim will discuss Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pest & weed ID, and various methods of controlling the undesirables without pesticides or herbicides. Click here to register for this class.

- 1pm - Intro to Medicinal Plants in the Garden, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Medicine is growing all around us, from the cracks in the sidewalk to the corners of our gardens! Join Missy Rohs, Arctos School of Herbal and Botanical Studies, for an introduction into the world of medicinal plants. From culinary herbs to common weeds, she will explore the use of plants and how they can be made into medicine. Click here to register for this class.

- 1pm – Being Successful with Roses, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Learn to plant, care for and feed this classic, romantic garden mainstay. Greg will give you what you need to know about rose culture to fill your garden with blossoms. Click here to register for this class.

We’re Off! The 2012 Garden Season Kicks in High Floral Gear

2012-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

We finally have an excuse to start scratching the gardening itch: garden shows! I headed up to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle with friends for a sneak peek at spring. What I noticed most was the use of the color red. It was the predominant pop of accent color in the display gardens. Red bark, foliage, art, architecture and flower color led the eye around the displays. We can use that trick in our own gardens for a kick of color when we need it most.

Trend-spotters won’t be surprised that there were lots of miniature garden elements on display and for sale around the show’s marketplace and in one of my perennial favorites—the Container Garden Exhibition—where the designers convey a lot in a little amount of space. My eye went to the more sculptural containers, not my usual style preference.

The last place we stopped was the Plant Market to see if there were any irresistible plants that cried out to us that they needed a good home. I used great self-control; only three Iseli Nursery plants came home with me. All are bound for a trough garden. Now, we’ll see how much self-control I have at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show!

Expertise for Free!

2012-02-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

One the best features of the Yard, Garden & Patio Show, is its free seminars. If you’re just beginning your gardening journey of a lifetime, there’s something for you. Even if you’re an experienced gardener, you’ll find something to intrigue you. The plant topics alone will encourage you to sit down awhile and take in the knowledge of our region’s experts.

Best seminar title: Cisco Morris’ “The Good, the Bad and Why did I ever plant that!”
Best plants: talks by Sean Hogan (Best New Natives for Design), Maurice Horn and Richie Steffen (Great Plant Picks), Brian Bauman (Best Plants for 2012), and a panel of experts (Hot New Plants)
Specific plants: Hydrangeas, shade-loving perennials, small conifers, best foliage plants, Button-Down Plants for High Impact and Low Maintenance, Using Roses as Ornamental Shrubs

Join us at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show to celebrate the coming year in the garden!

Have you visited gardens in other countries?

2012-02-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

I've been lucky enough to have visited a few in England, France, Canada, China and Japan. Seven teams of designers and landscape contractors are bringing the world of gardens to you. Some will be formal, like the English garden being built by Aspen Creek Landscaping. Others will bring more casual design styles to the Showcase Gardens at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show. I'm certain there will be a world of wonder, elements of which we can apply to our Northwest gardens.

Vivat Linnaeus!

2012-02-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Excerpted from the January 2012 issue of American Nurseryman magazine

http://www.wikipedia.org/

I’m not very good with names and I don’t know Latin, so botanical plant names are a challenge for me. I’m surrounded by nursery and landscape designer people who can spout Latin plant names as if it’s their first language. This often forces me to just smile and nod as if I know exactly the plant they are talking about. Usually by the end of the conversation, I have figured out which plant they are talking about…or I smile shyly and ask, “Does that plant have a common name?” If it weren’t for Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist, who laid the foundations for the modern scheme of binomial nomenclature way back in 1753, it could have been so much worse.

Linnaeus’s naming system helps to eliminate confusion. Apparently, there are more than 245 names for the white water lily in the English, Dutch, German and French languages alone. In Linnaeus’s—and now our—world, there’s just one name: Nymphaea alba. If you know a little about the Latin language, the names often (always?) describe features, attributes and colors of a plant, e.g., alba, not too surprisingly, refers to “white.”

You’ll see lots of cool plants at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show, especially in the Remarkable Green Market. Not knowing the Latin names of plants shouldn’t diminish your delight in finding that special plant, but having a greater understanding of how plants are named might make your visit to the show that much more interesting.

Linnaeus arranged species and genera (groups of related species) into a hierarchical system. Species are reproductively isolated populations of organisms. Of course there are exceptions and those exceptions are denoted with an “x” in the name, e.g., Acer rubrum x Acer saccharinum. After Linnaeus, several other classification categories came into use: “Family”, which describes a group of related genera, and “cultivars” for cultivated varieties.

The Latin names for plants should be represented in the following manner:

• The first letter of the genus name is always capitalized, e.g., Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir)
• The first letter of the species name isn’t capitalized
• Both parts of the name are italicized or underlined
• The cultivar name is designated between single quotes and is not italicized, e.g., Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Balsam Fir)

Knowing how plants are related can help with plant problem diagnostics and infectious disease control. Bacterial fireblight, for example, occurs only on genera in the Rosaceae family. Related genera in the Rosaceae family include Rosa (rose), Malus (apple), Sorbus (mountain ash) and Crataegus (hawthorn), among others.

So don’t be surprised if you find Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ and many other darling conifers for sale in the American Conifer Society booth (#1397); Helleborus x hybridus Winter Jewels™ in Jefferson Nursery’s space in the Remarkable Green Market; Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cypress) in the showcase gardens; and Feijoa sellowiana (pineapple guava) in the “Garden-to-Table” edible garden.

Do you have a favorite botanical name that rolls off your tongue? (Don’t forget Fine Gardening’s plant pronunciation guide if you want to hear how a Latin plant name is pronounced.)

Garden of Pompeii

2012-01-31T10:51:00.000-08:00

For your enjoyment, Froeberland Landscape Architecture and Showscapes, Inc. are creating a peristyle garden from the Roman Empire. Peristyle gardens are courtyard designs with a columned porch or colonnade that connects inside and outside spaces and serves as a central gathering space. In this garden, the water feature and fountain on the central axis also incorporates a fire bowl. A boxwood labyrinth is shaded by a trellis. Cobblestone walkways and colorful pots accent the crisp, clean lines of this formal garden. Your eyes are drawn around to the many small shrines or focal points in the garden, and the overall feeling should be one of relaxation and tranquility. Inspiration from this style of garden rings true in today's modern landscape with our desire for connecting the home with our outdoor living spaces and entertaining friends and family.

Peristyle Garden, Getty Villa, Santa Monica, Calif.

Sniff Away the Winter Blues

2012-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

By Gardennia nutii

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’

A very cool thing happened while walking my dog the other day early on a dark, rainy, foggy morning. I was greeted by the lovely scent of witch hazel (Hamamelis), a row of which is planted along a nearby street. This time of year, I spend more time sniffing shrubs than my dog…and who can blame me? Hamamelis, Sarcococca and even some Viburnum are all proudly showcasing their enticing scents.

If you’re not lucky enough to have these plants in your yard, visit Elk Rock Garden as I did recently. Also known as The Bishop’s Close, the garden has a great collection of winter-blooming scented plants and a mass of other early bloomers like Crocus, Eranthis (winter aconite, a buttercup relative), hellebores, and Galanthus (snowdrop).

Next time the winter slows you down, I recommend seeking out a winter treat and sniffing away the blues.

Best Bargain in Town

2012-01-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Dennis’ 7 Dees is the generous presenting sponsor of the Yard, Garden & Patio Show. They are creating the Chinese Garden, one of the seven wonderful world-themed Showcase Gardens at the show this year and they want you to be there to enjoy it with them.

To celebrate the show and the kickoff of spring gardening, Dennis’ 7 Dees is selling show tickets for only $7. It’s the best price in town (tickets at the show are $12; $10 with a $2 off coupon; kids 12 and under are free). The $7 tickets can be purchased at their four locations while supplies last (SE Powell Blvd in Portland, Cedar Hills, Lake Oswego and Seaside).

Garden of Perpetuity

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

Travel the world at this year's Yard, Garden & Patio Show, presented by Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping & Garden Centers. The seven Showcase Gardens are influenced by gardens from around the world. Expect these garden styles: French, Japanese, English, Portuguese, Grecian, Persian and Chinese. Each will offer ideas to use in your own gardens. The garden creators—designers and contractors—will be on hand to answer your questions and as resources for your future landscaping plans.

Just reading the description of the Chinese Garden brings a sense of calm and timelessness:

Transcend time with a visit to a garden of perpetuity. Like the familiar bamboo, which symbolizes past and future, Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping unites over 3,000 years of traditional Chinese garden design with modern resources and local Northwest materials to create a space that honors tradition through innovation.

Your personal journey begins with an alluring first glimpse of "nature in miniature" through leak windows. As you enter this hidden space, soothing reflections of shimmering water beckon you into a timeless retreat, where the traditional five elements speak to all your senses in harmony of Qi, the balance of energy in all things.

Feel strength in the rockeries. Experience softness at the water pond. Appreciate integrity and courage in the resilience of plants. Integrate with nature as you sit under a pergola enjoying refinement and reflection in classic Chinese poetic inscriptions.

Where will timeless inspiration take you?

Ahhhh. I’m still amazed that “gardens of perpetuity” can be created in just four days for those willing to step through the doors of the Yard, Garden & Patio Show (check out the time lapse video from last year; we’ll be doing another time lapse video this year, too). Somehow—with lots of muscle, imagination, bark dust and probably a bit of fairy dust—they manage it every year! I hope you’ll join us to see how elements from the world’s iconic garden styles can be embraced and incorporated into our own Northwest gardens.

Do you have a favorite world garden style?

Flower Power

2012-01-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

Greengable Farms Co.

In the February issue of Better Homes & Gardens, the magazine cited a recent study that found that women--I assume this applies to men, too--who wake up to the sight of fresh blooms enjoyed a rise in happiness, optimism, and energy that lasted the entire day. That tells me that enjoying beautiful flowers in our homes shouldn’t be limited to special occasions—though this might serve as a good reminder that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

Flora Pacifica

Oregon is known for its ornamental nursery industry, but we also have cut flower growers in our midst. If you want to buy local, check out these online floral retailers. They might be your ticket to happiness.

Greengable Farms Co.
Flora Pacific
Lambs Tales Farm

Of course, you can always grow your own!

Garden Events & Classes

2012-01-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

EVENTS

February 5, 1-3pm – Spring Garden Book Soiree, Garden Fever! – For the 8th year, Garden Fever! is gathering inspiring people and books together for an afternoon of garden merriment, including (1pm) Tom Fischer, Timber Press Editor in Chief; (1:30pm) Patty Cassidy, author and horticultural therapist; and (1:45pm) Willi Galloway, author, radio commentator and blogger. After the speakers, meet more local authors for book signings.

February 8-12 – Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Seattle, Wash.

February 17-19, the 2012 Yard, Garden & Patio Show! – Showcase gardens, plant sales, educational displays, free seminars, garden art, wine and beer, live music, kid's activities, and you'll find every imaginable supplier of garden goodness at the Oregon Convention Center, Friday and Saturday, 10am-7:30pm and Sunday, 10am-5pm.

CLASSES (unless noted, classes are free)

January 21
10am (Woodburn) & 1pm (Sherwood) – All About Fruit Trees, Al's Garden Center—Have you always wanted to grow your own fruit? Learn how to plant, fertilize and care for a variety of fruit trees.

11am (Lake Oswego) & 2pm (SE Powell) – Fairy Gardens, Mini Gardens & Mini-scapes, Dennis' 7 Dees—Class includes selection of containers, appropriate small plants to use (indoors or out), design ideas as well as care and maintenance for your creations. Cost: $25 fee for class will be used toward your purchases for your project or to purchase a finished garden. Register Now.

11am - Houseplants 101, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Learn the basics and leave confident in how to keep your indoor plants happy and thriving! Class will cover lighting conditions, watering and fertilizing methods, correct soils to use, humidity issues, and common pests as well as
some popular houseplant varieties and helpful troubleshooting tips. Click here to register for this class.

1pm – Indoor Gardening, Bauman Farms (Gervais)

1pm – How to Build a Terrarium, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Genevieve Layman will demonstrate the basics of creating a little ecosystem in a glass container! She will discuss terrarium "ingredients", lighting and moisture requirements, and choosing the right plant combinations for a healthy, thriving terrarium. She will also give great tips for how to use different container styles and decorative additions to spice up your little green scene. Click here to register for this class.

1pm – Orchids 101 with Michael Jenne of the Oregon Orchid Society, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—What's the number one secret of keeping your orchids happy? Knowing what orchid you have and where they're from. Orchids are marvelously diverse, and beautifully adapted to very specific habitats. Michael can help you understand what sort of surroundings (humidity, temperature, light, potting medium) will best simulate the orchid's happy place. Click here to register for this class.

January 22, 1pm – Build Your Own Terrarium with Genevieve Layman, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Learn to create a little ecosystem in a glass case and how to keep it healthy. Genevieve will talk about materials, lighting, moisture, and choosing the right plants for the magical little green scene you'll make and take home. Hands on class; space is limited. Cost: $30 materials fee. Click here to register for this class.

January 28
10am-noon – Beginning Bonsai, Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark (Salem)—Sign up for a fun and interesting journey into the world of Bonsai. Class includes instruction, Bonsai starter tree, a pot, a book, and the tools and supplies needed to get the tree started. $40 pre-registered; $45 at the door. All tools and materials supplied. Call 503.581.0441 to register.

10am (Woodburn) & 1pm (Sherwood) – Growing Small Fruits and Berries, Al's Garden Center—Bradley Weeks, Weeks Berry Nursery, will help you be a successful small fruit and berry gardener. Learn how to plant, grow and care for a variety of fruit.

11am – Sow Your Garden Now - Reap the Rewards Later, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)—Late winter is the perfect time to prepare for a productive spring garden. Learn how to identify what type of soil you have in your garden and how to amend it before the gardening season begins. A quick start guide, garden shed essentials check list and helpful garden habits that you can start now to save time and money later will be discussed. Cost: $20 fee for the class to reserve your spot, which will be given back to you in the form of a gift card to be used on your gardening needs. Space is limited. Register Now.

3pm – Pruning & Dormant Spraying of Your Fruit Trees, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Learn fruit tree pruning techniques that are employed by gardeners to control growth, remove dead or diseased wood or stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds. Learn the proper use of dormant spray for fruit trees and deciduous shrubs to prevent the spread of fungal diseases and control harmful insects. Register on-line.

11am-12:30pm – Early Spring Seed Starting: Indoors & Out, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)— Tim Lanfri, Community Garden Creators, will share tips and techniques for starting your garden from seed, raising your own transplants for early spring plantings and much more! Click here to register for this class.

11am (Lake Oswego) & 2pm (Cedar Hills) – Terrarium Making, Dennis' 7 Dees—Create a unique, customized terrarium that you can enjoy all year. Learn how to create these mini ecosystems and how to care for them. You will select from a variety of glass containers, choose appropriate small plants, recieve design ideas as well as care and maintenance information for your creation. Cost: $25 fee for class will be used toward purchases for your project. Register now.

3pm – Pruning & Dormant Spraying of Your Fruit Trees, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Learn fruit tree pruning techniques that are employed by gardeners to control growth, remove dead or diseased wood or stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds. Learn the proper use of dormant spray for fruit trees and deciduous shrubs to prevent the spread of fungal diseases and control harmful insects. Register on-line.

Winter Dinner at the Oregon Olive Mill, Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—Enjoy a four course dinner in wine country. For more details about the dinner, click here. Seating is limited and reservations are required. $75/ person. Wine and Gratuity included. Please call 503.864.8502 for reservations.

January 29
11am – Let the Worms Do the Work: Vermiculture 101, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Learn how to turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost with help of worms! Katie Gwynn will talk about various styles of worm bins, necessary materials to make your worm friends happy, the benefits of worm castings, and the incredible work that worms do. Click here to register for this class.

1pm – Introduction to Mason Bees, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Mason bees are non-aggressive North American bees that emerge in the spring and do a great job of pollinating early spring flowers – like those on your fruit trees. Learn about the supplies and techniques you can use to attract and make them at home in your yard. Click here to register for this class.

February 4
11am (SE Powell store) and 2pm (Cedar Hills store) - Learn to Prune Like the Pros, Dennis' 7 Dees—Learn the ins and outs of pruning. From dormant pruning perennials in the winter to opening up Japanese maples that turn them from ordinary to priceless. Bad pruning practices and how to retrain plants that have been mispruned will also be discussed. Participants who register will receive a special offer of 25% OFF Felco pruners. Register here.

11am – Maximizing Your Veggie Garden Space, Dennis' 7 Dees (Lake Oswego store)—Does your garden space always seem too small for your appetite for fresh produce? Tim Lanfri, of Community Garden Creators, will share great space saving tips, season extenders, and vertical growing methods to maximize the harvest from any size garden. Learn the "tricks" for producing more vegetables from any garden space. Registration is encouraged.

February 5
Noon – What to do in the Garden Now, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)—Spring is just around the corner. We all have an itch to get our gardens going but what should we start off with? Is it too early to start our seeds? Should we start pruning? Garland Nursery experts explain just what you can get your hands dirty with this month to get the most out of your garden in spring.

1pm – Get Ready for Veggies, Portland Nursery (Stark Street store)—It's chilly and wet out, but it's finally time to start planning for your veggie garden! Corina will walk you through deciding what will work in your space, picking varieties, scheduling rotations and prepping your beds so you can have a productive season. Click here to register for this class.

1-2:30pm – Maximizing Your Veggie Garden, Portland Nursery (Division store)—You don't need a huge yard to produce massive amounts of vegetables! Tim Lanfri, of Community Garden Creators, will share great space saving tips, discuss plant spacing and vertical growing methods, and illustrate how to interplant your crops to maximize harvests. He will also talk about how container gardening can improve your yields of certain crops. Click here to register for this class.

February 11, 1pm – Custom Hanging Baskets, Bauman Farms

Herban Gardening

2012-01-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

I just saw the term “herban gardening” in a trade publication. It’s perfect for reflecting two trends: gardening in the urban environment and a surge in the interest in herbs. Edibles are no longer considered just a trend, but rather a lifestyle. Herbs are a way to enrich the flavor of your food and to garden on a very small scale. As I’ve mentioned before in Random Acts of Gardening blogs, I’m new to the food growing world. This will be my third year as an urban “farmer.” I’m better at it than I was three years ago, but still I have so much to learn.

The Yard, Garden & Patio Show seminars, February 17-19 at the Oregon Convention Center, are designed to help you find inspiration and instruction on how to garden successfully. There’s a robust selection of educational offerings devoted to growing food and herbs (and don’t forget to mix your edibles with your ornamental plants). Two seminars are at the top of my list. On Friday, Feb. 17, Karen Wolfgang, Independence Gardens, talks about “Planning the Vegetable Garden.” Willi Galloway, author of the hot-off-the-press book Grow Cook Eat and former west coast editor of Organic Gardening magazine, discusses on Sunday, Feb. 19, “Succession Planting 101: Getting the Most Food from Your Garden.”

There are plenty of other food-to-table seminars being offered…and don’t forget to stop by the incredible edible “Garden-to-Table” garden inspired by French potagers. The garden will host short educational talks throughout the show and have experts on hand to answer your garden
questions.

Friday, Feb. 17:
• Rose Marie Nichols McGee – “First the Seed: Sowing Your Garden”
• Karen Wolfgang – “Planning the Vegetable Garden”
• Bill Thorness – “10 Steps to Your Best Tomato Year Yet”

Saturday, Feb. 18:
• Jim Gilbert – “Grow Your Own Fruit

Sunday, Feb. 19:
• Vegetable Gardening Panel featuring Glen Andresen, Lori Vollmer, and Willi Galloway
• Willi Galloway – “Succession Planting 101: Getting the Most Food from Your Garden”

Bulbs are starting to peek out of the ground. Any minute I’m expecting to smell the wafting fragrance of Sarcococca. The silvery buds on my Edgeworthia are plumping. All are sure signs of spring!

Over-the-Top Hanging Basket

2012-01-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

What is 20 feet wide by 10 feet tall, weighs half a ton, contains 100 different varieties of plants and flowers, and took a team of people over three weeks to create? Why the world’s largest hanging basket, of course! I thought this might provide you with some much needed spring inspiration. The hotel plans to change plants in the basket to keep it fresh and seasonally appropriate. For more pictures and a video of its installation, click here.

Photo by Ken Lennox

A Portuguese Garden: Praça Ibérica!

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Bem-vindo! In the 15^th and 16^th century, Portugal, a small country located south and west of Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, was a global power. Its influence didn’t reach as far as the northwest during its heyday, but you can discover a little bit of Portugal in Portland this year at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show.

Garden designer Izzy Baptista, Lapis Lazuli Tile & Garden Design, and Professional Grounds Management, Inc. will give you a flavor of Portugal with a garden inspired by courtyards often found in small towns and villages. These courtyards are rooted in the Moorish culture where tile and water are traditional elements.

An open rustic arch and gate will welcome you and the garden’s rooms will be revealed in due time. Herbs, stone, inviting seating spaces and water work together to create intimate spaces for entertaining and enjoying friends and family. Hand-painted blue and white Portuguese tiles abound. After a visit to this garden, you may feel that you’ve been transported to another world.

Veggie Tales

2012-01-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

“It’s not graceful, and it makes one hot,” wrote Elizabeth Countess von Arnim, busily planting her German garden in the 1890s, “but it is a blessed sort of work, and if Eve had had a spade and known what to do with it, we should not have had all that sad business of the apple.”

This is a quote from the introduction of How Carrots Won the Trojan War: Curious (but true) stories of common vegetables, a book I am reading by Rebecca Rupp. Recommended to me by both garden designer Lucy Hardiman and Maurice Horn, co-owner of Joy Creek Nursery, how could I resist with a title like that!

I thought it might be fun to start a Random Acts of Gardening conversation about the book, sort of an online gardening book club. What do you think?

“Asparagus Seduces the King of France” is the title of the first chapter. The ancestral heritage of asparagus is in question, but is likely a native of the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Two years ago, at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show, I bought a few asparagus plants then read—belatedly—that a trench is required and it takes three years before edible stalks are produced, both of which prompted me to give them away to a more hardy and willing gardener. Today, I might be up for giving it a try.

Do you ever think about how the food you put in your mouth came to be in its modern form? I didn’t, but I’ll be more apt to now. The history is fascinating.

Here are a few things that I didn’t know about asparagus. If you read the book, tell us what you found fascinating (please!).

The ferny foliage looks leafy but, strictly speaking, isn’t; the narrow fronds are modified photosynthetic stems called cladodes or cladophylls.
The flowers of asparagus are gender-specific; male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.
Male asparagus is generally bigger, tastier and several times more productive than female plants.
Historically, asparagus was considered to have aphrodisiacal properties (not too surprising I suppose given its shape).
Peru is the world’s asparagus capital.

Next up is a chapter about “Beans Beat Back the Dark Ages.”

Garden Events & Classes

2012-01-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

EVENTS

February 5, 1-3pm – Spring Garden Book Soiree, Garden Fever! – For the 8th year, Garden Fever! is gathering inspiring people and books together for an afternoon of garden merriment, including (1pm) Tom Fischer, Timber Press Editor in Chief; (1:30pm) Patty Cassidy, author and horticultural therapist; and (1:45pm) Willi Galloway, author, radio commentator and blogger. After the speakers, meet more local authors for book signings.

February 8-12 – Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Seattle, Wash.

February 17-19, the 2012 Yard, Garden & Patio Show! – Showcase gardens, plant sales, educational displays, free seminars, garden art, wine and beer, live music, kid's activities, and you'll find every imaginable supplier of garden goodness at the Oregon Convention Center, Friday and Saturday, 10am-7:30pm and Sunday, 10am-5pm.

CLASSES (unless noted, classes are free)

January 7
• 10am (Sherwood) and 1pm (Woodburn) – What to do in the Garden in January, Al's Garden Center—Learn what to do in the garden this month. There are a few things that you can do now to give your yard and garden a headstart.

• 1pm – Rainwater Harvesting, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Portlanders get rainwater aplenty through the winter; collecting it is one way to turn that bounty from a liability to an asset. Learn about how to plan and assemble the appropriate rainwater harvesting system for your needs. Click here to register for this class.

January 8
• 11am – Mason Bees: Fruit's Best Friend, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Discover how these non-aggressive, hard-working mason bees pollinate apple, cherry and other fruit trees and increase your harvest, even in the cold and wet of early spring! Brenda Calvert, of Halfmoon Farms, will walk you through setting up nesting boxes and blocks, the benefits to your garden or home orchard, and the minimal yearly maintenance and supplies involved in keeping mason bees. Click here to register for this class.

• 1pm – Intro to Backyard Beekeeping, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Learn how to make honey in your own backyard! Brenda Calvert, of Halfmoon Farms, will cover the basics of backyard beekeeping and bring her own honey for tasting. She will discuss the different styles and supplies needed to start your own colony, organic techniques, and how to get the most out of your honey production. Click here to register for this class.

• 1pm – Indoor Herb Gardening, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Don't have much room outside? Dream of having fresh herbs at your fingertips in the kitchen? This class will highlight which herbs are easiest indoors and what supplies you will need to be successful. Click here to register for this class.

January 14
• 10am (Woodburn) & 1pm (Sherwood) – Growing from Seed, Al's Garden Center—Growing from seed can be economical and rewarding. Learn how to start your garden from seeds.

• 11am – Basics of Indoor Gardening and Seed Starting, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—In the dark cold months of January and February it's hard to not start dreaming of the coming sunny days of spring. This is a great time to start planning what you want to plant in your garden. Get a jump start on the planting season. We will show you how to get the herbs and vegetable that you have been craving started right in your home. Register on-line.

• 11am (Cedar Hills) & 2pm (Lake Oswego) – Houseplants as a Winter Hobby, Dennis'7 Dees—Learn the ins and outs of houseplants and pick the perfect one for any setting in your house. Bring your questions and even a photo or two of spaces you are looking to fill with a houseplant. You'll go home with a beautiful solution and the knowledge to keep your houseplants happy and healthy! Cost: $20, which will be given back to you in the form of a gift card to be used on your houseplant purchases. Register here.

• 11am – Growing Citrus in the Pacific NW, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Join Jim Gilbert of One Green World Nursery and learn how to successfully grow citrus in containers in the Pacific Northwest. He will discuss winter and summer care, lighting requirements, fertilizing and pruning tips. Jim's talk can help bring your citrus into full production! Click here to register for this class.

• 1pm – Common Garden Plants for Common Illnesses, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)— Gradey Proctor, Arctos School of Herbal and Botanical Studies, will discuss common plants that are available in the winter garden and various remedies and sample teas for such common ailments as sore throats, colds, fevers and stress. Click here to register for this class.

January 15
• 11am-12:30pm – Planning Your Year of Vegetables, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Get the most out of your vegetable garden with a planting plan! Learn about cool vs. warm weather crops, keeping a garden journal, the basics of succession planting and crop rotation, and other great tips for growing a well-planned garden. Click here to register for this class.

• 1pm (Woodburn & Sherwood locations) – Terrarium Workshop, Al's Garden Center—Plant up a selection of houseplants and learn tips to keep your terrarium growing. Registration is required; space is limited. Cost: $25.00 per kit, which includes a glass container, 3 small houseplants, soil and decorative stones. To register call the appropriate store (Woodburn at 503-981-1245, or Sherwood at 503-726-1162).

• 1pm – Vermiculture: the Art of Working with Worms, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—If your main source of compostable materials is the kitchen, there's a great alternative to outdoor compost bins: a worm bin! Learn how to get a worm bin running right and keep the little workers happy. Worm castings make great fertilizer, and the worms themselves are intriguing to children and adults alike. Click here to register for this class.

January 21
• 10am (Woodburn) & 1pm (Sherwood) – All About Fruit Trees, Al's Garden Center—Have you always wanted to grow your own fruit? Learn how to plant, fertilize and care for a variety of fruit trees.

• 11am (Lake Oswego) & 2pm (SE Powell) – Fairy Gardens, Mini Gardens & Mini-scapes, Dennis' 7 Dees—Class includes selection of containers, appropriate small plants to use (indoors or out), design ideas as well as care and maintenance for your creations. Cost: $25 fee for class will be used toward your purchases for your project or to purchase a finished garden. Register now.

• 11am - Houseplants 101, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Learn the basics and leave confident in how to keep your indoor plants happy and thriving! Class will cover lighting conditions, watering and fertilizing methods, correct soils to use, humidity issues, and common pests as well as some popular houseplant varieties and helpful troubleshooting tips. Click here to register for this class.

• 1pm – How to Build a Terrarium, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Genevieve Layman will demonstrate the basics of creating a little ecosystem in a glass container! She will discuss terrarium "ingredients", lighting and moisture requirements, and choosing the right plant combinations for a healthy, thriving terrarium. She will also give great tips for how to use different container styles and decorative additions to spice up your little green scene. Click here to register for this class.

• 1pm – Orchids 101 with Michael Jenne of the Oregon Orchid Society, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—What's the number one secret of keeping your orchids happy? Knowing what orchid you have and where they're from. Orchids are marvelously diverse, and beautifully adapted to very specific habitats. Michael can help you understand what sort of surroundings (humidity, temperature, light, potting medium) will best simulate the orchid's happy place. Click here to register for this class.

January 22, 1pm – Build Your Own Terrarium with Genevieve Layman, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Learn to create a little ecosystem in a glass case and how to keep it healthy. Genevieve will talk about materials, lighting, moisture, and choosing the right plants for the magical little green scene you'll make and take home. Hands on class; space is limited. Cost: $30 materials fee. Click here to register for this class.

January 28
• 10am (Woodburn) & 1pm (Sherwood) – Growing Small Fruits and Berries, Al's Garden Center—Bradley Weeks, Weeks Berry Nursery, will help you be a successful small fruit and berry gardener. Learn how to plant, grow and care for a variety of fruit.

• 11am – Sow Your Garden Now - Reap the Rewards Later, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)—Late winter is the perfect time to prepare for a productive spring garden. Learn how to identify what type of soil you have in your garden and how to amend it before the gardening season begins. A quick start guide, garden shed essentials check list and helpful garden habits that you can start now to save time and money later will be discussed. Cost: $20 fee for the class to reserve your spot, which will be given back to you in the form of a gift card to be used on your gardening needs. Space is limited. Register Now.

• 11am – Pruning & Dormant Spraying of Your Fruit Trees, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Learn fruit tree pruning techniques that are employed by gardeners to control growth, remove dead or diseased wood or stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds. Learn the proper use of dormant spray for fruit trees and deciduous shrubs to prevent the spread of fungal diseases and control harmful insects. Register on-line.

• 11am-12:30pm – Early Spring Seed Starting: Indoors & Out, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)— Tim Lanfri, Community Garden Creators, will share tips and techniques for starting your garden from seed, raising your own transplants for early spring plantings and much more! Click here to register for this class.

• 11am (Lake Oswego) & 2pm (Cedar Hills) – Terrarium Making, Dennis' 7 Dees—Create a unique, customized terrarium that you can enjoy all year. Learn how to create these mini ecosystems and how to care for them. You will select from a variety of glass containers, choose appropriate small plants, recieve design ideas as well as care and maintenance information for your creation. Cost: $25 fee for class will be used toward purchases for your project. Register now.

January29
• 11am – Let the Worms Do the Work: Vermiculture 101, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Learn how to turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost with help of worms! Katie Gwynn will talk about various styles of worm bins, necessary materials to make your worm friends happy, the benefits of worm castings, and the incredible work that worms do. Click here to register for this class.

• 1pm – Introduction to Mason Bees, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)—Mason bees are non-aggressive North American bees that emerge in the spring and do a great job of pollinating early spring flowers – like those on your fruit trees. Learn about the supplies and techniques you can use to attract and make them at home in your yard. Click here to register for this class.

Hedging Your Bets

2012-01-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

My neighbors cut down their huge laurel hedge. Generally, I’m not a fan of overgrown laurel and I can’t blame them for wanting to reclaim a significant portion of their yard, but...it did hide their garden shed and screened the view of their and their neighbor’s home from my living room picture window. Conifers have been planted on my side and their side of the fence; however, it’s going to take some time before they are of sufficient size to act as meaningful screening devices.

Marty Wingate, a Seattle-based garden writer and speaker, might have some ideas to enhance my recently diminished privacy. Her newest book, Landscaping for Privacy: Innovative Ways to Turn Your Outdoor Space into a Peaceful Retreat, was released just this past December. An entertaining lecturer, she’ll be sharing some of her insights with a Yard, Garden & Patio Show audience on Friday, February 17, as part of the show’s free seminar series. (PS: Marty will be helping judge the showcase gardens.)

Other design-oriented seminars include Lucy Hardiman’s “Editing Your Garden: Time marches on in the garden” and Eamonn Hughes’ “Bring the Tranquility of a Water Feature into Your Garden, both on Friday, Feb. 17. Saturday’s design seminars feature Sadafumi Uchiyama, the Garden Curator of the Portland Japanese Garden, talking about “Japanese Garden Elements for the Home Garden.” Selecting small conifers for the garden (Dave Leckey and Anne Marsh) and building or revitalizing a mixed border (Jolly Butler) are options as well. On Sunday you’ll be inspired to make the most of your garden space from sidewalk to treetop (Lucy Hardiman).

Zen-Inspired Contemporary Tea House Garden

2011-12-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia: The underlying structure of a Japanese garden is determined by the architecture; that is, the framework of enduring elements such as buildings, verandas and terraces, paths, tsukiyama (artificial hills), and stone compositions.

Photo courtesy of http://www.zen.thetao.info/

This year’s Yard,Garden & Patio Show offers seven gardens of the world plus other landscaped areas around the show floor such as the Garden-to-Table educational garden. Le Confort Française was the first stop on our Random Acts of Gardening world garden tour. Japan is today's stop.

In the Tea House Garden, you’ll experience a modern interpretation of an authentic Japanese garden. The garden will be created by Iftikhar Ahmed, Treeline Designz, and Baseline Landscapes LLC. Tradition will be interpreted with a contemporary flare. Many elements are hand made by local artisans using locally-sourced material, such as the hand-crafted bonsai gate where you’ll be warmly greeted.

Each step reveals a world of healing, relaxing and therapeutic elements. Linger on the circular path; the stones and green moss will bring your senses to life. Every view and perspective will transport you into a world of ancient comfort with a contemporary touch. Take in your peaceful surroundings as you pass by stone, water elements, raked sand, bamboo foliage and Buddha’s statue on your journey to the tea house and the authentic tea ceremony inside. Caution: the intoxicating effects of this Zen-like garden may cause you to linger and lose track of time.

Stay tuned for the next Random Acts of Gardening for a peek at a Portuguese courtyard garden.

Finding Enjoyment in Gardening

2011-12-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Barney, my adorable golden retriever, loves to help me in the garden. When I am digging a hole or examining a plant close-up, he’s right there with that big nose of his wondering what I’m doing. He’s also been known to pull up what looks to him to be a twig but in reality is a dormant deciduous plant I just put in the ground. And he loves to pick apples off the two columnar trees (he picked 10 or more while I got to pick the one remaining one…next year the trees will get some protection). He also likes to nibble strawberries, shred the old nylons I’ve used as plant ties and he breaks or pulls out of the ground any wooden plant stakes to gnaw on them. But other than that, he’s perfect and his antics add a joyous dimension to gardening.

Often there are many chores that need to be done to keep a garden healthy and behaving well. But as Barney demonstrates in the video, if we learn to enjoy the simplest aspects of being in the garden, we’ll love gardening even more.

You’ll find much to enjoy at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show, presented by Dennis 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Centers. There will be knowledgeable experts, plants, tools, art, garden designers and contractors, and so much more to help make your gardening experience a joyous one. Please join us February 17-19 at the Oregon Convention Center to kick off spring surrounded by the goodness of gardening.

Tree Structures

2011-12-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

Have you heard this before?

Q: When is the best time to plant a tree?
A: Twenty years ago. The next best time is today!

A new project in Milan, Italy, envisions creating a two story structure out of 10 flowering cherry trees…and it will take 60 years to “build!” Probably not something most of us would be willing to attempt in our own gardens, but what fun it would be to watch people interact with it as it grows in girth, presence and function. An allée of espaliered apple trees, a secret garden teepee made from trellised vining vegetables for kids, or gothic beech arches are possibilities within reach for the urban yard. Be imaginative. Plants are very often willing to play along.

Courtesy of Al’s Garden Center.
For how-to instructions, click here.

Garden Events and Classes

2011-12-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

EVENTS

December 9 (Lake Oswego) and 10 (Cedar Hills), 10am-5pm - Reindeer Magic, Dennis' 7 Dees—Santa's reindeer help kick off the holiday season. Enjoy apple cider, cookies, holiday music and wine tasting from Hip Chicks Do Wine while visiting the live reindeer. Frosty will bring his pal and children can have a free picture taken with the reindeer.

December 10 - The Taste of the Holidays, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)—Sample foods perfect to share with your guests this holiday season while sipping wine and shopping for holiday décor to light up your season. Mia Sonatina wine and fudge pairing (noon-4pm, $1/taste); sample The Bag lady dips and cheeses (10am-2pm); music noon-2pm; and more.

CLASSES (unless noted, classes are free)

December 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 1pm – Make Your Own Holiday Wreath, Portland Nursery (Start Street)—Take advantage of their lovely selection of greens to make a unique and eye-catching wreath for your door. Portland Nursery staff will supply the technical know-how; you bring your own special style, gloves and pruners. You'll make a 12-inch wreath with fresh greens and other decoration. Dress warmly. Cost: $25. Class is limited to 10. Register here.

December 10
• 9am-1pm – Holiday Garden Bootcamp, Rosemound Farm (Hillsboro)—Whether you are a novice to the wonderful world of horticulture or a gardening guru, Jenna Bayer's Garden Bootcamp is a fun and interactive way to help you create the garden of your dreams. Learn the basics of maintaining plant health; soil structure and chemistry; how mulch can be your best friend; design and layout; plant selection; and how to deal with pests and pathogens. The class is held at the 30-acres Rosemound Farm (13395 SW River Road, Hillsboro). Cost $140. Refreshments are served. Call 503.468.2103 or register here.
• 1pm – Wreath-Making, Bauman Farms (Gervais)—Cost $25.
• 1pm – Decorating Centerpieces & Wreaths for the Holidays, Al's Garden Center (Gresham and Woodburn)— Learn how to add ornaments, ribbons and candles to fresh cut wreaths and centerpieces to create your own unique holiday décor.

December 11
• 1pm - Festive Christmas Wreaths, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Floral designer Francoise Weeks will demonstrate how to create a festive Christmas wreath to display during the holidays. You will leave with a creation that is sure to deck your doors with falalala fabulous fun! Cost: $45 to cover materials. To register call 503-885-1934.
• Noon-5pm – Holiday Open House, Dennis' 7 Dees (Lake Oswego)—Cookies and hot drinks will be provided as you browse their newly decorated trees and exclusive European ornaments and décor by calling 503.636.4660.
• 1pm – Holiday Kissing Balls, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Spice things up with kissing balls, a refreshing addition to any holiday environment. You'll create your very own kissing ball using a variety of seasonal cut floral and decorations. Cost: $20. All materials included. Please bring gloves and hand pruners if you have them. Click here to register for this class.

December 15
• 6-8pm – Tiny Gardens for Fairies, Frogs and Ferns, Garden Fever! (Portland)—Nancy Goldman has been creating tiny gardens for years. Some in shoes, some in extra cabinet drawers, most in recycled or re-purposed stuff she finds inspiring. There are many ways to express yourself as a gardener. This is a hands-on class. Cost: $30; fee includes container and materials to make a tiny garden. Registration required by calling 503.287.3200.
• 6-8pm – Create your own gift, Garden Fever! (Portland)—Some folks like to make their own gifts, some like to shop. On 15th, Garden Fever! will have workshop areas set up to guide you in creating your own holiday gift. Make a terrarium, a pot-o-greens, perfect for a hostess gift, or customize a garden poetry box.

December 17
• 10am-3pm – Holiday Classes, Bauman Farms (Gervais)—Enjoy an hour or the day getting in the holiday spirit. 10am, Bow making; 11am, Kids Cookie Decorating; 1pm, Centerpiece-making; and 3pm, cooking demonstration.
• 11am – Beginning Bonsai, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash)—If you've been intimidated by the art of bonsai and no quite sure where to start or what to ask, this class is for you. Tsugawa's experts will show you where to begin, what plants, pots, soils and tools are needed. Register online.
• 1pm – Bonsai Group, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash)—All skill levels welcome. Learn tips and techniques from experienced bonsai enthusiasts. Meetings are free and open to everyone interested in the art of bonsai. Register online.

December 18
• 10am-noon – Make Your Own Outdoor Bonsai, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Learn the basics and start your own outdoor bonsai. Store manager George Bowman will walk you through plant selection, reporting, trimming and training. Cost: $30. All materials included. Please bring hand pruners if you have them. Class size is limited to 10. Click here to register for this class.
• 1pm – Terrarium Building Workshop, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Build a one-of-a-kind terrarium with Heidi Brinnich of October Hill. The class will provide all material and instruction for a living miniature garden encased in glass. You can build your very own Fairy or Gnome garden, or little greenhouse accented with mini garden accessories, insects or birds. Cost: $40 (payable to instructor). Click here to register for this class.

Garden to Table

2011-12-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

Imagine strolling down a cypress-lined French country road that leads your gaze to rolling hills of pasture, fragrant fields of lavender, and your destination: a rustic estate. Your footsteps echo on cobbles as you meander behind an aging chateau. Chickens clucking in the distance accompany you as you enter a rustic potager, the lifeblood of the French country kitchen. An arching allée offers respite from the sun-drenched sky. Berries and espaliered apples tempt you to sample their fruit. And the savory aroma of sage and rosemary awaken your appetite. The scene before you is a feast for the mind, body and soul. Picture yourself at our table filling your plate with the garden’s bountiful harvest.

Photo from agefotostock.com

You are in for a very special treat. The Incredible Edible Garden at the 2012 Yard, Garden & Patio Show is being transformed by garden designers Karen Schwartz and Carol Senna into a lovely French jardin potager. The goal of the potager, an ornamental vegetable or kitchen garden, is to make the function of providing food aesthetically pleasing. Plants and garden structures are chosen as much for their functionality as for their color and form to offer year round interest.

Raised beds, charming wattle fencing, tucked away dining spaces and creative, edible screening options will be on display. We hope you’ll be enticed into the growing garden-to-table movement. Experts will be on hand to provide bed preparation, planting, plant selection, preserving and other food and gardening-related tips and information. Even if food gardening isn’t in your future, you’ll be inspired by the design elements the garden offers. We’re very excited for you to see it so save the date: February 17-19.

Bon appétit!

The Flower of Christmas

2011-12-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

Adapted from information provided by http://www.poinsettiaday.com/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_pulcherrima

Celebrate the best selling potted plant in the U.S. and Canada on Poinsettia Day, December 12. The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American botanist, physician and Minister to Mexico who in 1828 sent cuttings of the plant he'd discovered in Southern Mexico to his home in Charleston, South Carolina. Botanically, the plant is known as Euphorbia pulcherrima.

Photo courtesy of Al’s Garden Center
greenhouses, Hubbard, Ore.

In Mexico the plant is called La Flor de la Nochebuena, or Flower of the Holy Night, and is displayed in celebration of the December 12th Dia de la Virgen. Use of the plant to celebrate Christmas in Mexico dates back to the 17th century. The flower connects to the legend of a young girl, distraught about not having anything with which to honor the Baby Jesus in a Christmas Procession. An angel tells her that any gift given with love is a wonderful gift. Later the weeds she gathers by the roadside to place around the manger miraculously transform into the beautiful red star flower we think of as Poinsettia. But Mexico's relationship to the plant goes back even further. The Aztecs called the plant Cuitlaxochitl meaning "star flower" and used it to produce a red dye. The sap was also used to control fevers. Montezuma, last of the Aztec kings, had Poinsettias delivered to him by caravan to what is now Mexico City. (For a more detailed history of the Poinsettia, click here.)

In July of 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives created Poinsettia Day, passing a Resolution to honor Paul Ecke, Jr., who is considered the father of the poinsettia industry. Until the 1990s, the Ecke family of Encinitas, Calif., had a virtual monopoly on poinsettias owing to a technological secret. The Ecke family's key to producing more desirable poinsettias was to create a fuller, more compact plant by grafting two varieties of poinsettia together. A poinsettia left to grow on its own will naturally take an open shrub form. The Eckes' technique made it possible to get every seedling to branch, resulting in a bushier plant. Poinsettias contribute upwards of $250,000,000 to the U.S. economy at the wholesale level.

There is a common misconception that the poinsettia is highly toxic. People sensitive to latex, the milky fluid found in cut poinsettias and other plants, may experience irritation in the form of a rash if they come in contact with the sap. POISINDEX, a major source for poison control centers, says it would take 500 bracts for a 50-pound child to eat an amount found to be toxic in experiments. An Ohio State University study showed no problems even with extremely large doses.

It's the leaves, or bracts, that give the plant its color. Because the flowers are unassuming and do not attract pollinators, brightly colored leaves—aka bracts—developed. (The poinsettia's flowers are the brightly colored buds in the middle of the bracts.) The colors come from photoperiodism, meaning that they require compete darkness for 12 hours at a time for at least 5 days in a row to change color. At the same time, the plants need a lot of light during the day for the brightest color.

The species is native to Mexico in deciduous tropical forest at moderate elevations from southern Sinaloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. It is also found in the interior in the hot, seasonally dry forests of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. There are more than 100 cultivated varieties of poinsettia available, (not including the blue-tinted glittery ones now found for sale at your local retailer!).

Naturally-Shaped Christmas Trees

2011-11-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

Larry Arendt, owner of Arendt’s Christmas Tree Farm, planted Noble and Frasier firs a few years back as part of his retirement strategy. He decided he wanted to let the trees grow in their natural shape; no trimming allows the naturally wide-spaced branching to show off all those beautiful ornaments you are collecting. He also decided not to spray his field of trees. Benefits of this practice include grass growing between the rows to minimize mud on the trees (and your shoes and knees). Most all the trees are beautifully shaped just as nature intended. For the past three years, I found the perfect tree in minutes instead of the typical longer-than-a-few-minutes traipsing around a u-cut field because I’m picky about my Christmas trees.

Arendt’s Christmas Tree Farm is easy to find. Exit off I-5 at the Aurora exit (#278) and turn west (right if you are coming from Portland; left under the overpass if you’re coming from Salem). Turn left on Case Rd.; the tree farm will be on your right. Address is 20757 Case Rd., Aurora, Ore. Cell phone is 503.318.7977. Cost is $25 a tree regardless of size. Larry says “they’re looking great!” They have saws you can borrow, too.

More colorful, or just my imagination?

2011-11-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

This year in Portland, Ore., the official first frost occurred on October 25. Leaf color depends on weather, so were conditions this year better than many for producing the stunning fall color I’ve seen around my neighborhood? Barney, my adorable golden retriever, was very patient with me while I snapped photo after photo in the past few weeks of the brilliant color of the maples and oaks.

Interestingly, one website suggests that fall color is an exception to the rule that most things in nature are the way they are for a purpose. Brilliant fall leaf color, on the other hand, doesn’t help a plant to survive; it’s merely “part of an orderly shutting-down of plants for the winter. The compounds that remain in leaves and create the attractive colours are the ‘left-overs’ that the plant could not resorb or recycle. Unlike the familiar animal signs of autumn, such as squirrels burying nuts or flocks of geese heading south, which are clearly beneficial to [the survival of] those species, the spectacular scenery afforded by the death of leaves appears not to have any benefit to the plants. The answer to the question of why fall colours are so beautiful lies more in the eyes of the beholders, us, than in some grand scheme of nature. Fall colours are a wondrous coincidence!”

While I adore and appreciate the color, I often forget the fascinating science behind it. Read on for the scientific version of fall color (thanks to information found on www.naturenorth.com):

Deciduous plants, those that drop their leaves for winter, allow their leaves to die in an orderly fashion, a process called ‘leaf senescence’. These photosynthetic factories are shut down and much of the water and nutrients within are reclaimed by the plant, and transported to the root system for storage.

It is during leaf senescence, the shutting-down and recycling of the leaf's contents, that we witness fall colours. One of the first events in senescence is that production of photosynthetic pigments stops. As the existing chlorophyll in the leaf breaks down, it is not replaced. As a result, the green colouring begins to fade. The always-present carotenoid pigments, which break down more slowly, are now revealed. The green of chlorophyll gives way to the yellow of carotenoids. For plants whose leaves turn yellow in the fall, the explanation of fall colours is just that simple.

For plants that produce darker orange, reddish or purplish colours the story is more complex. During senescence these plants are producing anthocyanins, a red pigment, inside the leaves. Sugars, which continue to be produced until all the chlorophyll breaks down, can become trapped in the leaves as the transport system that would normally move them out of the leaves shuts down. In the presence of sugars a group of already-present, colourless compounds called flavonols are converted to anthocyanins by the action of sunlight. Leaves which contain roughly equal amounts of yellow carotenoids and red anthocyanins can appear bright orange. If the anthocyanins predominate the leaf will appear bright red. Because sunlight must hit a leaf in order to produce anthocyanins and there is little movement of this pigment within the leaf, shaded or partially shaded leaves may develop unique patterns.

As senescence progresses further even the carotenoids and anthocyanins decay and their colour fades. By the time the leaf falls, or shortly thereafter, the once vibrant colours will have faded to a dull tan or light brown. As with the other colours there are various compounds in leaves that act as brown pigments. One of the most common is tannin. Tannin and other such compounds are among the slowest to decay, giving colour to leaves even after they have fallen. Plants whose leaves turn brown before they fall often contain large concentrations of such compounds.

Cool nights with sunny days in early autumn makes for good anthocyanin production. Low, but not freezing temperatures, help slow the movement of sugars out of the leaves at night. Sunny days help produce sugars initially, then drive the process that converts sugars and flavonols into anthocyanins. A cloudy autumn with warm nights will not produce good fall colours, at least not for plants that develop red colouring.

Weather can affect fall colours in other ways, too. An early frost can help to break down chlorophyll more rapidly and bring about a more coordinated fall colour display. If the frost affects all the plants in a given region they will tend to become more synchronized in the development of their colours.

Spirea japonica 'Shirobana'

2011-11-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

Ashley Gangle, Pleasant Hill Nursery

Photo courtesy of Pleasant Hill Nursery

'Shirobana' spirea is most often recognized for its flower color. Well, I should say flower "colors," as this plant produces different colored flower clusters on the same plant. Some are deep pink and some are white. However, after seeing this plant in the fall, it's clear that its contribution to the landscape doesn't end with the summer blooms. Bright red, orange, and burgundy foliage stands out in the fall landscape. In the spring, you will notice nice green foliage tinged with burgundy.

Photo courtesy of Pleasant Hill Nursery

'Shirobana' grows best in full sun, but it will tolerate light shade. It is a tough and carefree plant, tolerating less than ideal soil conditions: 'Shirobana' and other Spirea japonica like heavy clay soils. When planted together, they make a nice, informal hedge that has quite an impact when in bloom. 'Shirobana' grows to 3 feet high and wide. If you'd like it to stay smaller or to revitalize an older shrub, cut it to the ground after it is done blooming.

Located in Pleasant Hill near Eugene, Pleasant Hill Nursery is a wholesale nursery that also sells retail. They offer 'Shirobana' in #3 pots. Find them on the OAN's online Retail Nursery Guide, at http://www.pleasanthillnursery.com/ or by calling 1-888-373-0318.

Garden Events and Classes

2011-11-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

EVENTS

November 13, 1-4pm - Pre-Holiday Taste Fest, Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—This is a first-ever chance to sample a delicious assortment of appetizers featuring our gourmet food products, while sipping Durant Vineyard wines. Mingle and munch through themed food tables showcasing tastes from sweet to savory. Cost: $10/person; includes a flight of three Durant Vineyard wines, abundant appetizers, recipes and 10% off all additional purchases made the day of event.

November 18-20 - Olio Nuovo Festa (New Olive Oil Festival), Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—The weekend events at the Oregon Olive Mill focus on the newly pressed olive oil and give guests a chance to see first-hand how olive oil is made on the imported Italian olive press. Guests will also enjoy tastes of a variety of freshly-pressed olive oils.

November 19, 8am-5pm – Holiday Greens & Wreath Workshop and Fundraiser, Rosemound Farm (Hillsboro)—Have fun and shop for wreaths and garlands, participate in a wreath-making class ($30 fee), or take part in Garden Bootcamp and learn about winterizing your perennials, plant divisions, and cutting holiday foliage from your garden ($65 fee). The barn will be festive, refreshments will be served and 10% of sales will be donated to “Heat for the Holiday,” providing PGE gift cards to local families in need of heat this winter. For more information contact Jenna Bayer at 503.468.2103 at Rosemound Farm, 13395 SW River Rd., Hillsboro, Ore. Register online.

November 19, 11am-3pm – Holiday Open House, Tsugawa's Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Come in to see holiday decorations, poinsettia, wreaths, centerpieces, greens, and workshops that will give you lots of great ideas for holiday gift giving: Tabletop Fountains (11am), Wreaths & Centerpieces (1pm, Cost: $25, includes materials), Bonsai Workshop (3pm, Cost: $35, includes materials). At Tsugawa Nursery, they love the holidays and enjoy bringing a season filled with natural beauty to you. Register online.

December 3 – Ladies Day Out, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)—Grab a girlfriend and escape the holiday chaos for a day filled with girly delights including wine sipping, wreath decorating demonstration, centerpiece making ($20/centerpiece), lunch ($12, reservations required by Nov. 28), fashion show and special savings! 10% of sales (excluding wine and food) go to benefit Samaritan Cancer Resource Center to provide bras for cancer patients.

December 3 (Eastside location), Dec. 9 (Lake Oswego), and Dec. 10 (Cedar Hills), 10am-5pm - Reindeer Magic, Dennis' 7 Dees—Santa's reindeer help kick off the holiday season. Enjoy apple cider, cookies, holiday music and wine tasting from Hip Chicks Do Wine while visiting the live reindeer. Frosty will bring his pal and children can have a free picture taken with the reindeer.

CLASSES (unless noted, classes are free)

November 12, 1-2:30pm - Fruit Trees: Natural Insect & Disease Prevention, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Hoping for a more bountiful fruit harvest next year? Winter is the time to give your fruit trees some love! Join John Lott of Fruitful Labor to learn how dormant season prevention of common insects and diseases can increase the health and vigor of your trees. John will discuss basic winter maintenance, various natural and non-toxic treatments, and introduce you to some of the fruit trees' biggest foes. Register online.

November 13, 1pm – Winterizing Your Garden, Portland Nursery (Stark Street)—Before you go inside to hibernate, it's time to do a few last autumn and winter projects to put your garden to bed so it wakes up happy and healthy in spring. Learn about pruning, mulching, spraying and other year-end maintenance tasks that can make spring 2012 brighter and more fun! Register online.

November 19, 1-3pm – Winter Container Arrangements, Garden Fever!—Enjoy a hands-on class with Linda Beutler as she shares tips from her most recent book Garden To Vase. She'll show you the steps to create a winter container arrangement with trimmings from the garden. Linda's techniques are easy, inspirational and your arrangement will last all season long. Cost: $40/person, includes container and materials. Registration required by calling 503-287-3200.

November 19, 2-4pm – Ikebana Class, Dennis' 7 Dees (Eastside location)— This is a "make 'n take" class in which you will make a beautiful fall arrangement. Ikebana is an Asian style of floral arranging that emphasizes all areas of the plant, such as stems and leaves, as well as the bloom. It draws emphasis toward shape, lines and form. Cost: $20 covers all the supplies (vessel, pin frog, and fresh flowers). Space available; contact Linda Harrison to reserve your spot in the class at 503.297.1058.

November 20
• 10-11:30am – Bonsai Forests 101, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Learn how to create a miniature forest throught the art of bonsai. George Bowman will discuss deciduous, conifer, evergreen and mixed forest styles, and demonstrate how to make a bonsai forest. He will also cover the basics of plant selection, placement, and general bonsai care, giving you the tools and knowledge you need to create your own. Register online.
• 1pm - Thanksgiving Centerpieces with Francoise Weeks, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Looking for something unusual to highlight your Thanksgiving table? Spend the afternoon with Francoise Weeks, an amazing European floral designer, creating a unique and unusual arrangement that will have your guests oohing and ahhing. Cost: $45, includes materials. To register call 503-885-1934.
• 1pm – Medicinal Herbs for Winter Health, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—There are lots of plants in your garden and your kitchen that can be used to boost immunity or ward off the sniffles as the seasons shift. Join Missy Rohs, a community herbalist and avid gardener, as she walks you through how to use some of your favorite plants, including rosemary, sage, garlic and more as home remedies. Register online.

November 26
• 11am – Winter Birding, Tsugawa's Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Feeding the birds is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby in the midst of chillywinter weather. Join Dale Combs for some easy winter bird feeding tips that can help both novice and experienced backyard birders make the most of their feeders during the coldest months of the year. Register online.
• 11am – Kids' Craft: Making Pine Cone Bird Feeders, Portland Nursery (Stark Street)— This fun and easy project for kids will lead to more enjoyment later in the season as the winter birds flock to your backyard. Limit 10 children, must be accompanied by an adult. Register online.

November 27, 1pm – Make Your Own Holiday Wreath, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Create your own fresh and beautiful wreath for the holidays. You will be guided through the process of making a wreath that is unique to you and guaranteed to bring holiday cheer into your home! Feel free to bring your own special decorative elements to add to your wreath. Cost: $30 (pay at register on day of class). All materials included. Please bring gloves and hand pruners, if you have them. Class limited to 12. Register online.

December 3 & 4, starts at 10am – Winter Wreath Creations, Dancing Oaks (Monmouth)—Create your own holiday wreaths from the bountiful selection of evergreens and unusual selection of berries and twigs at Dancing Oaks. You will be able to create as much as you want from our amazing array of materials. The price for two wreaths is $45 with all materials provided. Tea and treats provided. Registration required by calling 503-838-6058; class size is limited to 12.

December 3
• 1pm – Wonderful Winter Plants, Al's Garden Centers (Woodburn store)—Learn about some great plants for winter that will add color, structure or texture in your yard during the winter months.
• 1pm – Build a Holiday Centerpiece Workshop, Al's Garden Centers (Sherwood)—You'll learn how to strip fresh greens, preserve them and create a holiday centerpiece. Step by step instructions on how to add ornaments and candles to create a customized centerpiece perfect for your holiday table. Registration is required. Cost: Small centerpiece, $20.00; large centerpiece, $30.00; includes materials to make one centerpiece. Registration is required by calling 503-726-1162; space is limited to 25 people.
• 1pm – Winter Containers, Tsugawa's Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—During the cold months of winter, when the setting is bleak and the sky is gray, winter containers can cheer up the soul and provide a dash of color to the landscape. Many gardeners give up on their potted containers in the fall and winter, but that is such a waste because winter is when color, texture and form are at their most vital. Come learn to create vibrant winter containers for your landscapes. Register online.

December 11, 1pm - Festive Christmas Wreaths, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Floral designer Francoise Weeks will demonstrate how to create a festive Christmas wreath to display during the holidays. You will leave with a creation that is sure to deck your doors with falalala fabulous fun! Cost: $45 to cover materials. To register call 503-885-1934.

Think Global. Garden Local.

2011-11-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

Café Terrace at Night by
Vincent Van Gogh

Garden styles from around the world will be interpreted in the showcase gardens at Yard, Garden & Patio Show presented by Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping & Garden Centers. Show dates are Feb. 17-19, 2012 at the Oregon Convention Center. We'll tease you with descriptions in the coming months, starting with Le Confort Francaise (French Comfort), by L Meyer Design and JP Stone Contractors.

Luminescent foliage sparkling with lights creates a quaintly European courtyard complete with a rustic yet up-to-date outdoor eating/cooking area reminiscent of the café in Arles, the inspiration for Van Gogh's 'Café Terrace at Night.' Deeply saturated colors accent a purely sensual garden. This garden will exhibit a bit of French flavor mingled with Pacific Northwest plants and materials. A cobblestone patio replicates the streets of France and an old world-styled kitchen will make you believe you're enjoying the aromas of a French patisserie.

Join us, won't you?

A Top 10 Perennial!

2011-11-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

When asked at the 2011 Gardenpalooza (April) to select one of her favorite plants, Pat Thompson, owner of Secret Garden Growers, chose Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace'. The specialty retail nursery is known for its rare and unusual plants that do well in the Northwest. I couldn’t resist and now have one planted in a container near my front door. The blossoms look as fresh today as they did when they started blooming a few weeks ago (see photo) and the leaves still look great, too.

Trees with Character

2011-11-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Contorted trees and trees with character are a distinguishing feature of formal Chinese gardens. The Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon, is no exception. John Stone was the landscape installation project manager for the garden 12-13 years ago (the garden opened in 2000). He worked closely with the garden’s landscape designer and architect to find mature plants full of character.

They wanted mature trees so that the garden made a favorable impression. Instead of the perfectly shaped trees that the U.S. market demands, they wanted trees that had a story to tell. Some trees they found serendipitously, others were purposefully sought after. John invited me to the garden in late October to share some of the stories of the trees that populate the garden. In addition to the stories he tells in the video, there were a few others, not necessarily about trees, that I wanted to share.

• The beautiful tiles that cover the building roofs are made by bending malleable clay over the leg of an artisan. The men doing this work have a certain leg size to ensure consistent dimensions. Every fifth tile is secured with a copper wire for earthquake protection.

• The Bamboo found in the garden were donated by Ned Jaquith, Bamboo Garden, the hardy bananas by Burl Mostul, Rare Plant Research, and the Crepe Myrtles by Lucille Whitman, Whitman Farms.

• The Three Friends of Winter can be found at the entrance to the garden: Pinus, Prunus mume (plum blossoms) and Bamboo. The stone work in the scholar’s garden enclave is a mosaic of the plum blossoms on cracked ice because they dare to bloom in winter.

Name this Plant

2011-10-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

You name your children and pets. You can even have a star named after someone (or you). Now you have an opportunity to name a plant.

Encore® Azalea is having a contest to name one in a series of four new varieties, all of which will debut in retail stores next fall. The new varieties offer more color and size options, and are hardy to USDA Zone 6A.

The contest runs through November 14th. The winner of the naming contest will receive 10 3-gallon Encore Azaleas. Check out the variety and name it here. The winner will be announced on the Encore Azalea Facebook page.

Encore® Azalea Autumn Starlite™
Photo courtesy of Encore® Azalea

Year of the Heuchera

2011-10-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

H. 'Peach Crisp'
Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries

The National Garden Bureau Inc. (NGB) is declaring 2012 the Year of the Heuchera, Herb and Geranium (actually Pelargoniums). Each year representatives of the professional horticulture industry select one flower/bedding plant and one vegetable to be showcased. In 2012, they are adding a perennial to their selections. The plants are chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile...all of which perfectly describe Heuchera.

Fine Gardening's plant pronunciation tool pronounces Heuchera as "Hew-ker-uh," but the plant was named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an Austrian professor of medicine and botany, whose last name was pronounced "Hoyker." According to the NGB, the plant should be pronounced "hoy-ker-uh." Relatives of Heuchera include Bergenia, Tiarella, Saxifrage, Mukdenia and Rodgersia all of which are in the Saxifrage family.

H. 'Southern Comfort'
Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries

Nearly 50 species of Heuchera originate from islands off the California coast to mountains in the Rockies to the Gulf of Mexico. What started out as a plant commonly known as coral bells (H. sanguine) for its delicate sprays of flowers emerged with the introduction in 1980 of H. villosa "Purple Palace" as a garden powerhouse because of its colorful foliage. Florists are beginning to use the long-lasting Heuchera leaves in floral arrangements to add pops of color. Today, breeders are combining species to create stronger, more adaptable and colorful plants.

Terra Nova Nurseries, located in Canby, Ore., has developed a rainbow of Heuchera adaptable to virtually every region of the U.S. As with other breeders, they use five species:

H. americana – survives extreme hot and cold with mounding habit and the most exciting leaf patterns
H. villosa – hairy large leaves take heat and humidity
H. micrantha – source of wavy foliage and has the best tolerance to wet roots
H. cylindrical – compact form with rigid flower stems
H. sanguine – extremely drought and heat tolerant with excellent flower color range

For example, Terra Nova Nurseries introduced Heuchera 'Peach Crisp' as part of their Crisp™ series. Its breeding relies most heavily on micrantha, but also sanguine and americana. Offering a similar cinnamon peach color but very different in leaf form is 'Southern Comfort', which relies most heavily on americana, but also micrantha and villosa breeding.

H. 'Delta Dawn'
Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries

Because I love, love, love chartreuse in my garden, I wanted to share a 2011 exclusive Terra Nova Nurseries introduction: H. 'Delta Dawn'. Here's how Terra Nova describes it in their catalog: "'Delta Dawn' has large, round leaves with red centers in the spring and fall; in summer its red veins run like rivers to the sea. The gorgeous gold to lime main leaf color highlights the venation. Strong, vigorous habit. Perfect for a shade container or to add color to a dark area."

Heuchera require well-drained soil and do well in raised beds, on a berm, or in containers. According to NGB, "even mounding the soil slightly where you plant them will help." In the Northwest, many do well sited in sun to partial shade. As they grow, their crowns rise up and out of the soil. Mulch to protect the crown, or lift, divide and replant every two to three years in the spring.

For more information on NGB's "Year of" selections, visit their web site. Terra Nova Nurseries' web site offers good information to home gardeners.

Singing the Blues

2011-10-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Nylon Girls

Perhaps blue M&Ms, which were introduced in 1995, started the love affair with things-that-shouldn't-be-blue. I, for one, wasn’t in favor of adding blue to the M&M palette (but I seem to eat them just fine now). Blue-dyed poinsettias—some with glitter—have been selling, and selling out, since 2005. It's positively unnatural!

Speaking of unnatural, earlier this year Silver Vase Inc. introduced Blue Mystique, touting it as the first blue orchid. Similar to the dyed poinsettias, the company website says it is "the result of a patented process that infuses white orchids with a special medium." Or, in the words of a new label for the orchid "...with a little bit of magic we turn a white orchid blue." Seems to me, orchids are amazing and enthralling enough without needing to dye them blue (in my opinion anyway).

A blue rose has been the Holy Grail in rose breeding for many. According to Wikipedia’s blue rose entry, "Due to the absence in nature of blue roses, they have come to symbolize mystery and longing to attain the impossible..." But that hasn't stopped—or perhaps it’s what has encouraged—Japanese company Suntory from introducing a blue rose named Applause. It is touted as the world's first rose with nearly 100% blue-pigmented petals. The photo that accompanied the recent press release looks mauve(ish) to me, but perhaps that's because I'm a skeptic. What do you think?

From the Suntory website: "The hue of the dawn sky, with a refined and colorfully refreshing scent, blue rose APPLAUSE captivated the international audience when it first went on sale in Tokyo in 2009. Now, Suntory brings this breathtaking flower to the United States and Canada...the blue rose APPLAUSE will be sold in North America at select florists." It doesn't sound like you'll be able to plant it in your garden any time soon (would you want to?!?!). They go on to say: "Suntory embarked on research with the aim of developing a blue rose in 1990 with their Australian subsidiary, Florigene, now Suntory Flowers. Success was finally achieved in 2004 after introducing a gene for blue pigment from a pansy. In 2009, after nearly two decades of research and developmental work, sales of the blue rose began for the first time." FYI...it typically takes nine years or so to bring a new rose to market.

Best of the Rest

2011-10-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Photo taken at Swan Island Dahlias

Best Flower Name – Swan Island Dahlias still has thousands of dahlias in bloom. I had to laugh when I saw a dahlia named Bed Head! It immediately took me back to when I had a perm in the ‘80s and my dad wondered why anyone would pay good money to look like they just got out of bed.

It All Started with 84 Baskets – The nursery industry is filled with interesting and wonderful people and stories. Lisa Meddin, Harmony Design Northwest, tells the story of The Garden Corner and Jonn “J-Dog” Karsseboom, its passionate-about-gardening owner.

Life-Changing Cabbage Feeds 275 – Everyday Health has a new TV series that profiles ordinary people who overcome extraordinary obstacles and who are helping others lead healthier, happier lives. Episode 5 aired October 1 and featured Katie Stagliano, an inspirational 13-year-old girl who founded Katie’s Krops, a movement designed to gets kids to grow food and feed the less fortunate in their communities. Catch a glimpse of the episode. We know you’ll find it inspiring.

Encyclopedia of Life – This Website’s mission is to provide global access to knowledge about life on Earth. Did you know that "because butterflies and moths are always at risk of flying into spider webs, their wings are covered with detachable scales. When these insects are caught in a web or held in the grasp of a predator, the scales pull away freely and thus enable the moth or butterfly to slip away."

Yard, Garden & Patio Show – Save the date for the 2012 gardening show that kicks off of the spring gardening season in Portland, Ore., February 17-19 at the Oregon Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Think Global. Garden Local” so expect to see wonderful showcase gardens, each with the flavor of a faraway location. Thank you to Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping & Garden Centers and our other sponsors and volunteers that make it possible for the Oregon Association of Nurseries to bring the show to you.

Gardening Events & Classes

2011-10-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

EVENTS

Fall Harvest Festivals – Check Websites for activities...there are loads of them!

Bauman Farms – Pumpkin Patch through October 30
French Prairie Gardens – Harvest Festival through October 30
Fresh to You Produce & Garden Center – Autumn Festival through October 31
Smith Berry Barn – Heirloom Apple Festival, October 15-16
Wooden Shoe – Pumpkin Fest through October 31

Oct. 14-16 and 21-23, 10am-5pm - 24th Annual Apple Tasting Event, Portland Nursery (Stark Street)

October 15 & 16, 10am-4pm – Home Orchard Society All About Fruit Show (Clackamas County Fairgrounds, Canby)—One of the areas' largest exhibits of fall fruit varieties. See and taste many, including apple, pear, grapes, and quince. Get advice on selecting the right variety, tips on growing, pruning, and harvesting. Fee: $4 members, $6 non-members (free admission with new membership).

October 16, 3pm – Fall Color Preview Tour, Hoyt Arboretum (Portland)—Join a celebration of fall color with Curator, Martin Nicholson, on a special route designed for optimum color viewing. He'll answer all of your questions along the way. Meet at the Visitors Center, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd.

October 19, 6-7:30pm – Fall Twilight Lantern Walk, Leach Botanical Garden (Portland)— Glimpse the Garden's colors in the glow of a setting sun and experience the magic of a twilight lantern walk. Space is limited; pre-registration required. To register contact education@leachgarden.org, call 503-823-1671 or pay for your event online. Cost: $15 general/$10 Leach Garden Friends Members.

October 29 (9am-6pm) & Oct. 30 (9am-3pm) - Portland Chrysanthemum Society Show & Sale, Portland Nursery (Division Street)

October 29, 4-6pm – The Great Pumpkin Event, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)—Music apple cider pressing and tasting, homemade cookies and ginger bread, pumpkin carving demonstration and contest. Costumes encouraged (but not necessary). Door prizes will be provided.

November 18-20 - Olio Nuovo Festa (New Olive Oil Festival), Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—The weekend events at the Oregon Olive Mill focus on the newly pressed olive oil and give guests a chance to see first-hand how olive oil is made on the imported Italian olive press. Guests will also enjoy tastes of a variety of freshly-pressed olive oils.

CLASSES (unless noted, classes are free)

October 15
• 10am-4pm – Willow Furniture Workshop, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)— Construct your own one-of-a-kind garden furniture. Under the guidance of the folks from The Willow Station, you will have fun creating your own whimsical garden bench, chair, plant stand, end table, plant trough, or trellis. A guaranteed finished project by the end of the day! And for those who have taken this class before, you will be able to make more advanced projects of your choosing; please inquire about those options. Cost: $125 plus $10 registration fee. Registration required.

• 10am – Fall Bulbs for Spring Color, Dennis' 7 Dees' (Seaside location)—Okay, let's get this straight...Spring flowering bulbs are called "fall bulbs"? That's exactly right! One of Karen's favorite gardening chores is to plant her spring color on a sunny crisp fall day! Learn how to lay out your flower garden, so that it blooms from late February to early May, and what fertilizers to use to give them that extra boost!

• 11am - Halloween Containers! The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Have fun with your containers! Build front porch containers for Halloween. Anything goes. They can't wait to see the spooky creations that this unleashes!

• 11am - Create Your Own Bonsai Workshop, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—If you like the idea of having a plant in miniature but have no idea of how it can be done then this is the workshop for you. Just about any plant can become a bonsai. Tsugawa Bonsai staff and experienced members of Tsugawa Bonsai Group will be on hand to show how the process begins. Workshop includes all materials necessary to create a bonsai. Please come early to pick out your supplies. Class is limited to 10 participants. Cost: $35.00 for supplies. Registration required.

• 2-3pm – Build a Glorious Floral Bulb Spectacle, Dennis' 7 Dees (Eastside location)—Join Ed Hobs from Simple Pleasures to build a glorious floral bulb spectacle. Learn how to pair a variety of bulbs for a piece of art that will bloom late winter until late spring. You will leave with a pot full of bulbs to be excited about! Cost: $25 to purchase everything needed to create a fabulous fall potted display. Registration required; call or stop in the Eastside store to pay and secure your spot in the class.

October 22

• 11am – Pruning Japanese Maples, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Japanese maples are elegant in all seasons, with delicate leaves, fine fall color and lovely branch patterns. Simple pruning can help maintain and enhance their natural form, bringing out the best for summer and winter viewing. Join Brian Tsugawa as he shows you the tips and techniques to get the most from your Japanese maple. Registration required.

• 11am – Tea in the Garden, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Did you know that water temperature is important when brewing a cup of tea? Learn about the different types of tea, their proper brew times, a few caffeine myths, and how to let a simple cup of tea bring out the beauty of your garden. Joanna Derungs of Natural Whisperings will be here to create a new experience of drinking tea in the garden.

• 4:30-6pm – Intro to Urban Fruit Trees, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Learn some great tips and techniques for successfully growing fruit trees with Monica Maggio of the Home Orchard Society. Monica will discuss site requirements & preparation, pollination needs, maintenance requirements of different fruits, and how to select a good fruit tree. She will also talk about general care, maintenance, and common pests. Click here to register for this class.

October 23, 1pm – Season Extenders: Hoop Houses, Cloches & Cold Frames, Portland Nursery (Division Street)— Join Tim Lanfri of Community Garden Creators to learn all about hoop houses, cloches, frost blankets & cold frames, and how they can increase your garden's bounty. Tim will discuss different types of season extenders, design ideas, plants that benefit from protection, and tips for getting your spring crops in early. Click here to register for this class.

October 29

• 10am-5pm – Winterizing Your Landscape: The Mini-Series, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)— Come for one class or plan to spend the whole day. Seminars last no longer than one hour and will concentrate on what to do when the cold weather hits. Winterization of: Ponds and Fountain - 10:00 am; Bonsai - 11:00 am; Perennials – Noon; Tender Plants and Roses - 1:00 pm; Fruit Trees and Spraying - 2:00 pm; Seeds and Cover Crops - 3:00 pm; and Extreme Conditions, Below Freezing - 4:00 pm. Registration required. [Print Winterization Seminar Flyer]

• 11am – Pumpkin Planter Children's Outing, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Nothing says Halloween like a pumpkin. Bring in your little goblins and have fun creating a Halloween pumpkin planter.

• 1pm – Fall Lawn Care, Portland Nursery (Stark Street)—Attention paid to your lawn at this point in the year can set you up for healthy soil and turf next year. Paul Hastings will cover the necessary steps to getting the grass ready for its winter rest: taking care of weeds, thatch, and bare patches, fertilizing and liming, will all add up to more vigorous and resilient green in summers to come. Click here to register for this class.

• 1-2:30pm – Composting Basics, Portland Nursery (Division Street)--Fall is a great time to start composting. Join Beth Wieting to learn all about converting your kitchen scraps and yard debris into productive compost piles. She will discuss various styles of composting, proper "ingredients", the food-soil web, and give you a taste of what biodynamic gardening is all about. Click here to register for this class.

October 30

• 10am-2pm – Fall Woodland Floral Workshop, Dancing Oaks (Monmouth)—Francoise Weeks of European Floral Design will lead this inspiring seasonal workshop. After a demonstration of techniques and mechanics, you'll be encouraged to listen to your intuition with the guidance of this unusual and accomplished designer. The workshop will utilize the bounty of the many fall flowers, leaves, berries and lichen encrusted twigs in the garden of Dancing Oaks. This workshop will change the way you look at your own garden, our abundant landscape and the world around you. Cost: $35; includes materials. Space is limited; registration is required by calling 503.838.6058.

• 1pm – Children's Pumpkin Floral Bouquets, Portland Nursery (Stark Street)—Join Jolie for Halloween fun creating a unique seasonal floral arrangement in a pumpkin. The arrangements will make lovely centerpieces or gifts. Children 3 and older. Limited to 10 children with adult supervision. Click here to register for this class.

November 6, 1-3pm – Building Your Own Rain Barrel, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—Learn how to harvest the rain by making your own rain barrel. Join Brad Crowley of Harvest the Sky to learn the tools and techniques for creating your own rain harvesting system to supplement your gardens irrigation. Brad will walk you through the process step-by-step, as he builds a rain barrel in class. He will have various parts available for sale after class. Click here to register for this class.

November 19, 2-4pm – Ikebana Class, Dennis' 7 Dees (Eastside location)— This is a "make 'n take" class in which you will make a beautiful fall arrangement. Ikebana is an Asian style of floral arranging that emphasizes all areas of the plant, such as stems and leaves, as well as the bloom. It draws emphasis toward shape, lines and form. Cost: $20 covers all the supplies (vessel, pin frog, and fresh flowers). Space available; contact Linda Harrison to reserve your spot in the class at 503.297.1058.

November 20, 1pm – Medicinal Herbs for Winter Health, Portland Nursery (Division Street)—There are lots of plants in your garden and your kitchen that can be used to boost immunity or ward off the sniffles as the seasons shift. Join Missy Rohs, a community herbalist and avid gardener, as she walks you through how to use some of your favorite plants, including rosemary, sage, garlic and more as home remedies. Click here to register for this class.

Mulch that Garden!

2011-10-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

Every spring and every fall I ponder purchasing a huge mound of garden compost (I need more than a unit—7 yards—to cover my garden). From a practical standpoint, spring seems a good time because it’s easier to work around perennials, which either haven’t emerged or they are relatively small and haven’t spread their “wings,” so to speak. But it often is wet and there’s not much heavier than rain drenched mulch (unless its gravel or rock). Mulching in the fall typically offers better weather making it a more enjoyable (ha!) experience. I have to confess: I haven’t mulched in years. I haven’t been able to talk myself into lugging dozens of wheelbarrow loads from the driveway in front to the garden in back (and down the hill and over the stairs). I get tired just thinking about it.

My soil and plants are telling me it’s time to take the plunge. In the maritime Northwest, it really doesn’t matter when we mulch. A 2009 Quick Poll says Random Acts of Gardening readers are most likely to mulch in both the spring and fall (55%). There isn’t a dramatic difference between mulching just in autumn (22%) or just in the spring (16%). Nine percent fall into my camp and don’t mulch at all. According to a 2010 Quick Poll, when readers do mulch, they most often use a combination of compost and bark dust (41%). Thirty-three percent use compost (12% use their own compost) and 17% use bark dust.

There are many “pros” to mulching and not many “cons.” On the con side, it is hard work (though mulch can be blown in making it a lot easier, albeit more expensive) and weed seeds are likely to come along as part of the package. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks (I’m definitely talking myself into another unit of garden compost).

Benefits of mulching:

Keeps weeds down (bare soil tends to attract unwanted vegetation) and makes it easier to weed when they do appear (it’s easier to pull roots out of mulch than soil).
Conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation and makes it easier for water to penetrate the soil.
Helps prevent soil compaction and erosion caused by rain and wind.
Keeps soil from splashing onto leaves (plants look better and it helps to prevent soil-borne fungal diseases).
Decomposing organic matter adds humus to the soil, encourages the growth of microorganisms and keeps the soil loose and airy, which is good for root growth.

Fall mulching helps soil retain heat, especially helpful in areas prone to cycles of freezing and thawing. Woody plants continue absorbing water, allowing plants to go into winter with more moisture, which in turn minimizes foliage desiccation. If you mulch in spring, do it after the soils warm up, otherwise plant growth may be delayed. Also, stepping on wet soils in early spring to spread the mulch likely will cause soil compaction.

Courtesy of Madison Tree Care & Landscaping

Layer the mulch two to three inches over the soil—slightly deeper if you have sandy soils—but keep it from having direct contact with tree and shrub bark because excess moisture can cause rot and make the plant more susceptible to disease. Warning! Mulch volcanoes (aka mulch mounds) are a “no-no!”

Here’s a mulch spreading tip to help with your perennials and smaller plants: If you happen to have a few spare one- or two-gallon nursery containers, put them over top of your plants and then shovel the material right onto your bed.

A few sources for bulk garden mulch and gravel: Boring Bark & Landscape Materials (Boring), Farmington Gardens (Beaverton), Grimm’s Fuel Company (Tualatin), Lane Forest Products (Eugene and Springfield), Marr Bros. Bark (Monmouth, 503.838.11830), McFarlane’s Bark Inc. (Milwaukie), Mt. Scott Fuel Co. (Portland), Phillips Soil Products Inc. (Canby), Prineville Landscaping Materials & Nursery (Prineville), and Rexius (multiple locations). Be sure to ask about the source of the material for the compost; you don’t want Verticillium to be invited into your garden.

Ibuprofen here I come!

Persian Ironwood

2011-09-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Garden World
http://www.gardenworldonline.com/

Bark, structure, flower composition and color, leaf shape and fruit all contribute to make plants interesting. The “back story” can often be just as interesting and informative, too.

I planted two Parrotia persicas, commonly known as Persian ironwood, in my garden three or four years ago because I wanted the brilliant fall color I’d seen in photos (like the one the right). The structure of the trees is pleasing with or without leaves, but I have yet to see the bright fall leaf color. I thought the lack of color might be because of something I was—or wasn’t—doing. Now this is where the “back story” comes in...

In the September 2011 issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine, published by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), writer Constance Casey wrote about “Iran’s Loveliest Expat,” the Parrotia persica. The tree originates in northern Iran between the Alborz Mountains at an elevation of 3,000 feet down to the Caspian Sea. As a member of the Hamamelidaceae family, Parrotia is a relative of witch hazel, Corylopsis and Fothergilla, all of which share the same scalloped leaves and late winter flowers.

Unbeknownst to me, my Persian ironwoods should be producing early spring flowers with red stamens surrounded by chocolate-brown bracts before the leaves appear. I’ll have to pay closer attention because I’ve never noticed them before.

I was anticipating that the leaves would welcome autumn with brilliant crimson, yellow and amber color, maybe even a splash of purple. According to the article, however, not everyone gets the great fall color. Now they tell me! The trees planted in the New York Botanical Garden don’t color and they speculate that it’s due to the harsher climate. On the other hand, England’s Kew Gardens sees “an unbeatable array of autumn leaf colours.” The article goes on to say that Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum boasts the largest specimen in North American; it was planted in 1881 and shows its autumn color quite nicely. In Portland, Ore., we have the milder climate of its native habitat so we can’t blame it on harsh winters. I guess I’ll keep hoping that the leaf color will intensify as the tree matures. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy everything else about the lovely Persian expat.

Wonder Weeds?

2011-09-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Each of these definitions captures the troublesome nature of weeds:

1. A wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.

2. A plant considered undesirable, unattractive, or troublesome, especially one growing where it is not wanted, as in a garden.

3. A plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants

4. A valueless plant growing wild, especially one that grows on cultivated ground to the exclusion or injury of the desired crop.

But what if the “weed” has broad, boldly ribbed leaves (sound like a hosta?), subtle blooms from June to September, and is known to have medicinal properties? Kinda sounds like we should celebrate its ornamental value and healing qualities. The plant I just described is plantain (Plantago major). It thrives in compacted, disturbed soil, apparently like what remains of the lawn in my backyard.

I’m usually not in the mood to celebrate plantain; instead I’m more likely to take pleasure in ripping it out of my lawn and garden beds. But then I read about how it was once honored as a medicinal herb. In the Middle Ages it could be found by the side of the road—even then they had disturbed, compacted soil—and was used as a balm for sore feet. The Website http://www.herbalencounter.com/, says that to keep the feet free from blisters on long walks, put some leaves in your shoes. (The name comes from planta, Latin for the sole of the foot.)

Apparently, the leaves of the plantain contain allantoin, an emollient ingredient in moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory salicylic acid. Crushed plantain leaves have been used to soothe poison ivy rash, old wounds and insect bites. Leaves also are said to be high in vitamins and iron. I haven’t tried adding them to my diet even though an herbalist friend believes plants that we need appear in our lives. As Constance Casey writes in her column “Notes from the World of Living Things” in the September issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine, “People are already paying good money for similarly astringent dandelion greens, and traces of plantain were found in the stomachs of Northern Europe’s mummified 3rd century AD bog people.” As Casey suggests, it’s not that hard to see the plantain as beautiful if not palatable. I’ll try to remember that the next time I head into the garden and share space with the encroaching plantain.

Lucy Hardiman's Plant Picks

2011-09-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Contemplation

2011-09-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we get too busy—even if it’s as simple as being distracted by the last weeds that need to be pulled—and we forget to be in the moment. For me, the approaching autumn helps me slow down and be more reflective. I take time to curl up on a garden bench and watch the dragonflies bob their way between garden beds.

Last year, I acquired a piece of art that included a short poem (or quote) by Rabindranath Tagore, a mystic and winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1913. For some reason, it brought tears to my eyes when a first read it. Now it hangs near my front door so I see and read it every day, and every day it creates a brief moment of stillness and awe for me. I’d like to share it with you:

Faith is the bird that feels the light
and sings when the dawn
is still dark.

Enjoy the coming weeks and brief moments of glorious light and color as Earth begins to quiet herself.

Gardening Events & Classes

2011-09-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

EVENTS

Through September 10 – 2012 Red Carpet Plant Premier , Bauman Farms (Gervais): Rate over 150 hanging baskets as your favorites. Also view new 2012 plant introductions from growers and plant breeders such as Terra Nova Nurseries, Skagit Garden, Ball Horticulture, Proven Winners, Suntory and more. At 1:00 pm, Sat. September 10, Kym Pokorny, Laura Rowles, and Brian Bauman will do a round table of their favorite basket combinations, annuals, and perennials.

September 10

10am-3pm – Hardy Plant Society of Oregon Fall Plant & Art Sale (Portland Expo Center)—One of the largest fall plant sales in the region. Many specialty nurseries, some of which are not open to the public, will be offering plants that often are difficult to find. Garden art for sale by regional artists. Free event, all welcome (fee for parking).
11am-4pm – 9th Annual Tomato Festival, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—Sample dozens of varieties of tomatoes to find your favorites, enter our tomato contest, join in the fun in the Kid's Corner. Scheduled activities include: (9am) What to do in the Garden in September; (11am) Tomato Talk – learn which are the best varieties and how to grow them; (2-4pm) Cooking with Chef Dan, from the Oregon Culinary Institute, returns with his favorite seasonal tomato recipes. Samples and recipes included.
6pm – Walk in the Garden of the September Full Moon, Dancing Oaks Nursery (Monmouth)—Smell the night blooming flowers, enjoy finger food, Airlie wines for tasting & sale, guitarists Maria Olaya and Phil Kaufmann, walking through the display gardens of Dancing Oaks Nursery. Fee: $25. Reservations required by calling 503.838.6058.

September 17

9am-3pm – 14th Annual Fall Salem Hardy Plant Society Plant Sale (Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall)—Over 20 specialty nurseries from around the valley, artisans of garden art, and tool sharpening. Plus bring your plastic nursery pots for recycling. Free event, all welcome.
10am-3pm – 7th Annual Tomato Tasting Festival, Dennis' 7 Dees (Lake Oswego location)—Taste the flavors of harvest time and make plans for next year's tomato planting! Sample new, heirloom and unusual tomato varieties and vote for your favorite.

September 24, 4pm – Wicked Bugs...and Some Good Ones, Too, sponsored by the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (PCC Rock Creek Campus)—Nationally acclaimed author Amy Stewart who wrote about poisonous flora in "Wicked Plants" and comes to Portland to share stores about her new book "Wicked Bugs". She will be joined by OSU Master Gardener Jean Natter who will discuss the bugs we encounter living here. Fee: $10 HPSO members, $20 non-members. Registration required by calling 503.224.5718.

September 24 (Sherwood & Gresham locations) & 25 (Woodburn location) – Fall Festival, Al's Garden Center (all three locations)—Kick off fall with fun activities, including Slick's Big Time Bar-B-Que available for sale, Colorful Crape Myrtle seminars, sauerkraut making demonstrations, "Iron Planter" competitions, and enter to win a $100 gift card from Al's. Check their website for details.

Fall Harvest Festivals

Bauman Farms – Pumpkin Patch Kick-off Weekend, September 24 & 25 and into October

French Prairie Gardens – 2011 Harvest Festival, September 24-October 30.

Wooden Shoe Pumpkin Fest – October 1-31

Smith Berry Barn – Heirloom Apple Festival, October 15-16

October 15 & 16, 10am-4pm – Home Orchard Society All About Fruit Show (Clackamas County Fairgrounds, Canby)—One of the areas' largest exhibits of fall fruit varieties. See and taste many, including apple, pear, grapes, and quince. Get advice on selecting the right variety, tips on growing, pruning, and harvesting. Fee: $4 members, $6 non-members (free admission with new membership).

October 16, 3pm – Fall Color Preview Tour, Hoyt Arboretum (Portland)—Join a celebration of fall color with Curator, Martin Nicholson, on a special route designed for optimum color viewing. He'll answer all of your questions along the way. Meet at the Visitors Center, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd.

CLASSES
(unless noted, classes are free)

September 10

10am – Water Gardening in Containers with Fall & Winter Interest Plants, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Learn to create beautiful small water features with fall and winter interest for your patio or balcony.
11am – Fall Containers, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Get tips on how to build a fall container that will provide color through the fall season.

September 11

1pm – Basics: Path Construction, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Does your home site challenge you with changes in elevation? Have you ever wondered how professionals build paths that last for years? Co-owner Mike Smith will show you construction methods and materials used in building paths for Joy Creek Nursery's landscape clients, from the most formal to something casual for a woodland. Construction demonstration will concentrate on building informal stone steps.
2pm – Mums: Our Favorite Fall Flower, Egan Gardens (Salem)—Tips on selecting and growing these traditional autumn plants.
2-4pm – Preserving the Harvest, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—Chef Dan Brophy from the Oregon Culinary Institute will give this class on putting up your own food. Learn the basics of canning, drying, and pickling. Samples and recipes included.

September 17

10am – Fall Containers, Al's Garden Centers (Woodburn and Sherwood locations)—Keep your containers looking fantastic in the fall. Let Al's Experts show you how to design and plant a beautiful container.
10am-noon – Cornish Stone Wall Building, Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark (Salem)—On a recent trip to England, our hardscape professional was inspired by the beautiful, old world stone walls he saw in Cornwall and Devon counties. Join in the experience as he recreates a wall from the past. In the stone yard.
10am-noon – Intro to Rain Gardens, Portland Nursery (Division Street location, Portland)—Explore the critical role rain gardens can play in restoring our urban streams, all while adding beautiful landscaping to your yard. Join expert Candace Stoughton of East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, for a great introduction to the various steps involved in planning a rain garden project at your home or work place. She will also lead a fun site assessment exercise together as a group for hands-on planning experience. You will get to take home a comprehensive manual that shows all the steps to constructing a rain garden. Click here to register for this class.
1pm – Edible Landscaping, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Have you seen how blueberry foliage creates a bright and colorful fall shrub or how an espaliered fruit tree can provide an intriguing and beautiful living fence? Experts will be sharing how to incorporate some edible beauties into your landscaping. Feel free to bring in photos or a rough drawing of your yard. Register on-line.
1-2:30pm – Garlic, Onions & Early Spring Planting, Portland Nursery (Division Street location, Portland)— Vegetable gardening season is winding down, yet there are still some essentials to get ready for next year! Tim Lanfri of Community Garden Creators will discuss what veggies you can still plant, and how to prep your garden space for early spring plantings. Fall is the perfect time to plant overwintering garlic, onion and shallot sets, and Tim will share his years of growing experience to help you maximize your success! He will also walk you through the essential steps of preparing your beds in the fall so you can plant earlier in the spring and avoid digging and destroying your soggy spring soil. Topics will include amending, composting, prepping and protecting your beds. Click here to register for this class.

September 18, 1pm – Designing for Conifers, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Learn the qualities and characters of dwarf conifers and come to appreciate how they can function as shrubs in a home garden. Susan LaTourette, landscape designer, will share her experiences growing some of her favorite dwarf conifers and show examples of plant combinations that can provide year round interest.

September 24

10am – Building Ponds and Waterfalls, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Tips and ideas on building your own pond and waterfall.
10am – Bonsai Basics, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)—For the beginning to intermediate bonsai enthusiast, this hands on workshop will outline in straightforward fashion the essentials of the care, creation and display of these lovely pieces of art. You, too, can become a Bosai Master! Starter kits will be available starting around $25.00 each.
11am – Bonsai Collections of the Pacific Coast, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Join Gregor Buel for an interesting and informative presentation on some of the beautiful bonsai collections he has had the privilege to visit throughout Washington, Oregon and California. Register on-line.
1pm – Fall Containers, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Are your containers overgrown? Out of hand? It's time to rip out the old, and plant something new! Their container professionals will share some great plants that will get your container gardens flourishing through fall and into the winter months. Register on-line.
1pm – Creating Fall & Winter Interest Containers, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Take home a stunning container that will wow your holiday guests and brighten up the darkest of winter days! Learn how to put together a container with lasting color and seasonal interest plants in this hands-on workshop led by Jolie Grindstaff. Class will cover the basics of container design, offer planting and maintenance tips, and guides you in your own creation of a 10" planter. Please bring gloves and a trowel. All other supplies provided. Fee: $30. Please pay cashier before class. Click here to register for this class.
1pm – Holiday Edible Container, Portland Nursery (Stark Street location)--Maggie Stuckey, author of The Bountiful Container, will show you how to put together a container garden with plants that you can integrate into your festive fall and winter dinners. Make your holidays extra special by serving something you've grown yourself, even if your only growing space is a container. And one lucky person will take home the demonstration container! Maggie will be signing copies of her book after class. Click here to register for this class.

September 25

1pm – Pruning 101, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)—To keep healthy trees, fruits and shrubs, you need to keep them pruned. Our knowledgeable staff will cover pruning of fruit trees, Japanese maples, roses, and hydrangeas. We will share the best techniques to keep your plants growing healthy and strong. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 541.753.6601 to register.
1pm – Winter Containers for Year-Round Interest, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Basic container maintenance and a strong design element are essential to having breathtaking containers throughout the winter. Create a winter container combination that will delight you through the cold weather months and the year ahead.
1pm – Planting Bulbs Now for Spring Blooms, Portland Nursery (Division Street location)—Brighten your garden using stunning spring-blooming bulbs with the help of Mark Hopkins of Van Bloem Gardens. Mark will discuss the basics of amending, planting, and fertilizing as well as tips for tricky areas (shade, wet soils). He will go over planting for extended bloom & fragrance, the best varieties for containers and cut flowers, and layering techniques for a big impact. He will do a planting demo layering bulbs in class, and one lucky person will get to take the pot home! Click here to register for this class.

October 1, 10am – Aromatherapy in the Garden, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)—Gardeners
have been practicing aromatherapy for hundreds of years. Whether just by planting fragrant creeping thyme along a wall, a planter box of scented geraniums or a gourmet kitchen herb garden, one is treated to an exceptional aromatic experience. This class will also touch on the medicinal value of essential oils derived from your garden favorites!

October 8

10am-noon – Beginning Bonsai, Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark (Salem)—Class includes Instruction, Bonsai starter tree, a pot, a book, and the tools and supplies needed to get the tree started. Come join us for a fun and interesting journey into the world of Bonsai. Fee: $40 pre-registered or $45 at the door. All tools and materials supplied.
11am – Introduction to Bulb Displays, Dennis' 7 Dees (Cedar Hills location)—Learn how to pair a variety of bulbs for a glorious floral spectacle that will last all spring. The focus will be planting long-lasting bulb displays in pots with ideas for fall/winter planters so you don't have to look at barren pots all winter. Plus tips on what plants will keep planters looking fresh till your bulbs burst to life. Bring your bulb questions for the Q&A session. Register at the Cedar Hills store. Fee: $25 (after attending the class you'll receive a $25 coupon to spend on pottery, soil and bulbs).
11am – The "Magic" Terrarium, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)—Terrariums are wonderful & magical environments. Decorative, attractive and easy to care for, just plant and forget. A closed terrarium can often go a month between watering. Now even those of you who tend to neglect plants can develop a green thumb. This hands-on workshop will walk you through the easy steps of creating your own terrarium. Bring your own glass container or purchase one at the nursery. A variety of miniature plants starting at $2.99 will be available for purchase and the potting soil is complimentary!

October 15, 10am – Fall Bulbs for Spring Color, Dennis' 7 Dees (Seaside location)—Okay, let's get this straight...Spring flowering bulbs are called "fall bulbs"? That's exactly right! One of Karen's favorite gardening chores is to plant her spring color on a sunny crisp fall day! Learn how to lay out your flower garden, so that it blooms from late February to early May, and what fertilizers to use to give them that extra boost!

New Plants

2011-09-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

New seems to be the mantra of the nursery industry these days, even though there are lots of wonderful plants that have proven themselves in the landscape. But new captures people’s attention and imaginations and plant breeders and growers are determined to deliver.

The New Varieties Showcase was filled with 51 new varieties this year at the 2011 Farwest Show, produced by the Oregon Association of Nurseries and one of the nation’s largest wholesale trade shows. These varieties will be found in garden centers this fall and in spring 2012.

Flutterby Grandé™ Peach Cobbler
Nectar Bush

Judged to be “Best in Show” was Flutterby Grandé™ Peach Cobbler Nectar Bush (Buddleia x ‘Podaras #5’ PPAF) from Ball Ornamentals. This choice reflects the importance of Buddleia as part of the sales mix for Oregon nurseries. It is certified by the Oregon Department of Agriculture as sterile, which means Oregon nurseries can add Buddleia back into their growing inventory. The wonderful fragrance, full-sized inflorescences and silvery leaf color would be welcome in any garden. The fact that the plant also attracts pollinators, a popular gardening trend, is an added bonus. One garden center owner said home gardeners really want the intense color of past Buddleia cultivars that Oregon nurseries can no longer grow. I’m sure those colors will appear in future sterile varieties at some point. In the meantime, Peach Cobbler offers me the soft sunset-like colors I enjoy throughout my garden.

Sombrero Salsa Red Coneflower

The overwhelming favorite of those visiting the New Varieties Showcase was Darwin Perennial’s Sombrero Salsa Red Coneflower (Echinacea hybrida ‘Sombrero Salsa Red’ PPAF). I must admit, the plants in the showcase were stunning.

Solar Eclipse Foamflower

Other favorites of mine were Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ PPAF) grown by Blooming Nursery (an adorable grass with brush-like flowers); Solar Eclipse Foamflower (Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ PPAF, EU-derived variety) from Terra Nova Nurseries (wonderful red-brown leaves rimmed in lime green); Sparkler® Willow-Leaf Stachyurus (Stachyurus salicifolia ‘MonEmeri’) from Monrovia (strappy, leathery foliage); and You-Me Passion Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Rie 4’ USPP #16653, COPF) from PlantHaven (sweet double blooms).

To see Kym Pokorny’s favorites, garden writer for The Oregonian, visit her blog Dig in with Kym.

Readers Tour Farwest Show

2011-09-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Richard Bitner in the
Conifer Display

The Farwest Show wrapped up last week. It’s produced by the Oregon Association of Nurseries and is one of the largest wholesale trade shows in the country. Some of our Random Acts of Gardening readers got a tour of the show, which focused this year on conifers, one of my favorite family of plants. They met Richard Bitner, author of several books on conifers, who answered some of their questions (we didn’t have nearly enough time to answer them all). Eric Bizon, grower for Bizon Nursery and someone that’s passionate about conifers, showed the group some of his favorites at his booth (Bizon Nursery is one of the suppliers to Garden World in Hubbard). Carol Nehring, Iseli Nursery, spoke on "Conifer Chameleons: Choosing Conifers with Seasonal Interest," which are listed below.:

Eric Bizon, Bizon Nursery,
sharing some of his favorite conifers

• Pinus contorta ‘Chief Joseph’ – bright yellow winter color
• Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Lemon Twist’ – new foliage is a warm, rich yellow
• Picea pungens ‘Hoopsii’ – bright silver-blue needles year round
• Abies koreana ‘Blauer Pfiff’ – colorful cones and low, spreading habit
• Picea abies ‘Rubra Spicata’ – deep red new growth
• Tsuga canadensis ‘Albospica’ – showy white tips
• Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Blue’ – a clear blue Doug Fir
• Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ – dense fan-shaped foliage and yellow fall color

Carol Nehring, Iseli Nursery, talks
about conifers with multi-season
interest

• Picea glauca ‘Pixie Dust’ – new yellow growth contrasts with deep green mature foliage
• Picea orientalis ‘Aureospicata’ – chartreuse new growth
• Picea abies ‘Pusch’ – bright red cones
• Cryptomeria japonica ‘Mushroom’ – russet winter color
• Juniperus communis ‘Kalebab’ – light green undersides and white tops in spring, medium green summer color changes to bronze in autumn, in winter foliage turns orange-yellow
• Pinus contorta ‘Taylor’s Sunburst’ – golden yellow new growth and red cones

Dave Grotz, Peace of Mind Nursery,
shares his enthusiasm for conifers

Then there was a brief stop at Peace of Mind Nursery where owner Dave Grotz showed everyone the conifers in his booth (he has two locations—West Linn and Silverton—that are open to the public by appointment; and check out his photo gallery which is very informative). Finally, the group was turned loose in the New Varieties Showcase. We plan to do the tour again next year so stay tuned!

Fall Veggie Plans

2011-09-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

I’m ready to pull out the some of the summer veggies that have bolted or withered and plant my fall and winter crops. One of my co-workers passed this Lettuce Pots blog link along to me and it made me think how fun it would be to have a brunch or dinner party and use smaller pots stuffed with lettuce as centerpieces, something that would be decorative and edible.

If you’re as new to food gardening as I am, Independence Gardens might be a helpful resource for you. Their regular emails and blog are very helpful and they can help you develop a plan for crop rotation to maximize your gardening space (you just have to tell them what fruits and vegetables you like to eat).

I have beans to pick, the tomatoes are ripening (finally!), onions are begging to be pulled out of the ground, fava beans are growing pods like mad, and the kale I planted in the spring is still looking good and is ready for another round of harvesting. The only disappointment this year was the Romanesco cauliflower, which didn’t make the beautiful tight heads I anticipated, and the basil I planted in the ground that is about the same size as when I planted it months ago (the basil in the containers did just fine).

Are you going to try something new in your fall vegetable garden?

Question: What is 750?

2011-09-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Answer: The estimated number of tree species that are native to North America.

Oregon's McKenzie River

I’m an unabashed tree lover and tree hugger (literally). I wish I had a bigger yard so I could plant more trees (good thing I like the shady plant palette and a woodland environment is one of my favorites, because I have LOTS of shade!). Even though I love trees, I’m not very good at tree identification.

Trees are indentified by studying their leaves, seeds, and fruit. If, like me, you are tree identification challenged, there are some fun and wonderful tools at your disposal. The Arbor Day Foundation makes tree identification fun for the kids and grandkids, too! Check out their animated version of mystery tree identification.

Southern Oregon's Rogue River

Oregon State University has its own version of “What tree is that.” The site also lists the common trees found in the Pacific Northwest. Each genus page also includes descriptions of the species that occur, within each of the 56 genus, that are native to this region.

In the words of J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., one of the largest wholesale nurseries in Oregon and bare root tree growers in the country: Trees are the Answer!

Question: When is the best time to plant at tree? Answer: Twenty years ago. The next best time is today!

What’s your favorite tree? Personally, I can’t decide...

Milk. It does a [plant with powdery mildew] good.

2011-09-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Photo: gardener.wikia.com

If you see powdery-looking patches on the foliage of your plants, or leaves that look like they have been dusted with flour, you are most likely looking at powdery mildew fungal disease. Rarely fatal, it is unattractive and stresses the plant. If enough of the leaf surface is covered in the mildew, photosynthesis will be impaired, a particular problem with edibles because it can affect crop production and quality. Lilacs, crabapples, phlox, monarda, roses, grapes, squash and cucumbers are all susceptible; look for resistant varieties.

According to OrganicGardening.about.com, “Powdery mildew fungi are host-specific, meaning the different powdery mildew fungi infect different plants. The powdery mildew on your lilacs will not spread to your grapes or your roses.” Conditions that encourage the fungi’s growth and spread include dampness or high humidity (watering in the morning rather than after noon will help), crowded plantings and poor air circulation.

Once plants are infected with powdery mildew, OrganicGardening.about.com recommends the following:
• Remove and destroy all infected plant parts.
• Improve air circulation by thinning and pruning.
• Don’t fertilize until the problem is corrected. Powdery mildew favors young, succulent growth.
• Don’t water plants from above.
• Apply a fungicide: There are many fungicides available. Check the label to be sure they are safe and effective on the type of plant that is infected. Look for ingredients such as: potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, sulfur or copper, or use home remedies using milk, baking soda or other readily available kitchen ingredients.

Researchers in Bazil found that weekly sprays of milk controlled powdery mildew in zucchini just as effectively as synthetic fungicides. They also found that milk acted as a foliar fertilizer, boosting the plant’s immune systems. A concentration of 10-30% significantly reduced the severity of powdery mildew by 90%. Scientists aren’t 100% sure how milk works to control powdery mildew; it appears to be a natural germicide and possibly boosts the plant’s immune system to prevent the disease.

Sharon Sweeny wrote in “Dealing with Powdery Mildew – 7 Home Made Remedies that Really Work” that before using any natural remedies, plants should be hosed off “to remove as much mildew from the surface as you can. Be sure to cover all parts of the plant with the treatment spray, including the undersides of the leaves and the stems. Spray some on the soil around the plant as well. Finally, spray for mildew early in the morning before the sun rises too high in the sky. Spray plants once or twice a week in dry weather and more often if rainy.”

Milk-based recipe: Real Simple magazine (Sept. 2011) – 1 part skim milk to 9 parts water. Spray on plants dotted with powdery mildew. Repeat weekly to keep leaves fungus-free. [Note: Skim milk has no fat content so there is less chance of odors.]

Baking soda recipe: Mix 1 gallon of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid or castile soap (e.g., Dr. Bronner’s). Mix the ingredients together and add them to a spray bottle. Spray weekly.

Laurelhurst Landscape Makeover

2011-08-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

Information and photos provided by Lisa Meddin, Harmony Design Northwest

The client knew what she wanted. A recent transplant to Portland, she was ready to transform the front, back and side yards of her new home in Laurelhurst into a lively landscape that accomplished three objectives:

1. Create a landscape with curb appeal as charming as their Craftsman Bungalow

2. Transform the backyard into an outdoor living space for a growing family and entertaining friends

3. Incorporate raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, and blueberry bushes into the design

The collaborative design process included the client, Lisa Meddin of Harmony Design Northwest, and Landscape East & West's design and sales associate Christin Bryk. The result in front was an asymmetrical, four-foot wide walkway that lends visual interest and provides easy access to the front door from the sidewalk and driveway.

The small size and slope of the backyard required creative design choices. The solution was a curved cultured stone patio wrapping from the back of the house to the side of the garage. A low retaining seat wall was added on one end and a deck leading from the house to the patio was added on the other side. The deck and patio offer three distinct seating areas to accommodate a large gathering or intimate groups.

Reducing turf to a small "island" in the middle of the yard, allowed three raised beds, a composter and blueberry bushes to be incorporated into the back yard. The client followed the designers' suggestion to hang Woolly Pockets (modular planting containers made from 100% recycled materials) on the fence to increase growing space in a whimsical, child-friendly way. To maximize the use of every square inch of space, a narrow strip along the driveway was planted with raspberries and columnar apples.

Enter to Win – 2nd Annual Farwest Show Tour

2011-08-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Farwest Show, one of the nursery industry’s largest wholesale trade shows (and the largest show held at the Oregon Convention Center), is fast approaching. For the second time, we’d like to give Random Acts of Gardening readers an opportunity to meet some of Oregon’s finest wholesale growers. This year, the emphasis is on conifers. The Oregon Association of Nurseries, the producers of the trade show, declared this the “Year of the Conifer” because we believe conifers are underutilized in the landscape and Oregon is the largest growers of grafted conifers in the U.S.

You’ll be escorted to the conifer display and its 100 different conifers where you’ll meet Richard Bitner, author of Designing with Conifers (2010, Timber Press). He’ll point out some outstanding varieties that he thinks are particularly useful in the landscape. We’ll have a drawing for a signed copy of his book. We’ll also take in the New Varieties Showcase, where 51 new plants will be displayed and you’ll be encouraged to vote for your favorite. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to a representative from Iseli Nursery talk about Conifer Chameleons: Choosing Conifers with Seasonal Interest. And you’ll be introduced to several exceptional conifer growers.

When: Saturday, August 27, 12:30-2pm (you’re welcome to walk the show, which closes at 4pm, after the tour wraps up)

Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd., Portland (meet outside the Farwest Show Office, RmC120, near the dragon boat entrance to the exhibition hall)

Thank you for your interest! Space for this tour was limited and we have already reached capacity.

Gardening Events & Classes

2011-08-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Events

August 12-14, store hours – Oregon Fuchsia Society Sale, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—The Oregon Fuchsia Society Sale will hold its annual plant sale at Portland Nursery on Stark.

August 13, 6-9pm – Twilight in the Garden, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—As the sun goes down, gardens take on a transformation. Enjoy the display gardens of Joy Creek and watch the changes in light as the sun sets. Music and light refreshments. Free event, all welcome.

August 14 – Dog Day in the Summer: An Event Just For Dogs, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—They have always welcomed dogs at the nursery, but this is the first time they've had a day just for them. Join a round-table to discuss ideas for planting and design with dogs in mind. Bring your problems and ideas to share. In addition, they're planning some games and contests for dogs and their owners. Bring a donation of pet food for the Columbia County Humane Society and come ready for fun.

August 20-21, store hours – Greater Portland Iris Society Sale, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—The Greater Portland Iris Society will hold its annual plant sale.

August 20, 11am-4pm – Green on Green Garden Tour (Portland)—A benefit for the Portland Reading Foundation. Six Portland SE private gardens are showcased on this tour. Included are the Wright garden where one of the owners is a horticulturists with Portland Parks and Recreation, the well known garden of Lucy Hardiman, the garden of Sandra Adams who works at Portland Nursery and creates the wonderful display garden along Stark St., and the garden of Liz Stepp which incorporates pebble mosaics, dry stacked walls and raised vegetable beds. Tickets: $20 are available online and at Portland Nursery (both locations, 5050 SE Stark and 9000 SE Division), Garden Fever (3433 NE 24th), Oxalis (1824 NW 24th), and Market of Choice (8502 SW Terwilliger Blvd).

August 25, 5-9pm - Al's Ladies Night Out, Al's Garden Center (Sherwood)—Indulge in an evening of fun, food and friends at Al's Ladies Night Out. Enjoy delicious food and wine for sale; listen to the summer sounds of Sambafeat quartet from 6-8pm; enter to win sizzling prizes; sample delicious gourmet food products; see cooking demonstrations using fresh herbs and products; experience a relaxing Wellspring mini-spa massage ($6 for 10 minutes, $10 for 15 minutes); and get a preview of fall fashion as models stroll through the store in fresh fall styles from Habitat, Abbie Mags and Two Dog Island. Registration is required. Register online before 5pm Tuesday, August 23, or call 503-726-1162. There is no admission charge to attend the event.

August 27, 5-8pm - An Evening with Mike Darcy and Kym Pokorny, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—Mike and Kym will show some of their favorite gardens and plants. Enjoy food and drink, prizes and silent auction. Tickets: $25; order in advance 503-645-6401. A benefit for the Beaverton Chapter of P.E.O.

September 10, 11am-4pm – 9th Annual Tomato Festival, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—Sample dozens of varieties of tomatoes to find your favorites, enter our tomato contest, join in the fun in the Kid's Corner. Scheduled activities include: (9am) What to do in the Garden in September; (11am) Tomato Talk – learn which are the best varieties and how to grow them; (2-4pm) Cooking with Chef Dan, from the Oregon Culinary Institute, returns with his favorite seasonal tomato recipes. Samples and recipes included.

September 10-11, 10am-3pm – Hardy Plant Society of Oregon Fall Plant & Art Sale (Portland Expo Center)—One of the largest fall plant sales in the region. Many specialty nurseries, some of which are not open to the public, will be offering plants that often are difficult to find. Garden art for sale by regional artists. Free event, all welcome (fee for parking).

Classes
August 13

10am-12:30pm – Concrete Leaf Casting Class, Dancing Oaks Nursery (Monmouth)—Participants will learn how to make their own concrete leaf cast and will go home with their casting. Fee: $35, includes all supplies. Registration required by calling 503-838-6058.
1pm – Leaf Casting Class, Bauman Farms (Gervais)—Fee: $30. Registration required.
1pm – Plant a Succulent Container, Wild Ginger Farm (Beavercreek)—Create a succulent garden in a container. Bring your own trough or other container or purchase one. Fee: $15, includes potting mix, accent rocks, and three plants. Registration required by calling 503-632-2338.
1pm – Ornamental Grasses, Portland Nursery (Start Street, Portland)—There's nothing that approaches grasses for grace in the garden. Tall or short, evergreen or deciduous, they can offer structure, color and movement to your design. Abigail Pierce, Groundswell Garden Design, will talk about some of the great grasses available to gardeners for different situations, and how to integrate them with your vision. Registration required.
2pm. – Drought-Tolerant Plants for Low Water Bills, Egan Gardens (Salem)—Can you say "xerophyte"? Ellen will tell you about types of plants and growing techniques to reduce worry and water both.

August 14

1pm – Trouble Shooting in the Veggie Garden, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—The veggie garden in summer is a celebration of your work invested –but who invited those bugs to the buffet? How come that squash is flowering but doesn't seem to be setting fruit? What's the best way to control powdery mildew? Jolie will help with tips on diagnosing and safely treating those little problems that come up. Registration required.

10:30am-12:30pm – Red Ridge Walking Tour, Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—Join owner, Paul Durant, for a walking tour through the picturesque and unique setting of Red Ridge Farm. This is an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at their vineyards, olive grove and state of the art olive mill. The tour will include private wine and olive oil tastings, a picnic luncheon, and an opportunity to ask Paul questions about the property, wine, and oil. Fee: $30 per person. Call for reservations (503.864.8502).

August 20 - National Honey Bee Day!

10am - Pondless Urns & Bubbling Rocks, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Design and construction techniques for these popular garden accent features.
11am – Fall Edible Gardening, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)—It's easy to forget that there is still a great growing season in the fall. You'll discover the best vegetables to grow into the fall and when to harvest them.
11am – Basic Summer Bonsai Care, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Learn to careyou're your Bonsai during the summer months by providing sun protection and watering and fertilizing them for optimum health. Gregor is also excited to share some of his "weirder" bonsai, for those interested in the unique and unusual. Registration required.
1pm – Finding Health Through Honeybees, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—The
humble honeybee is not just a pollinating powerhouse, but the source of a wealth of beneficial substances. Discover the health benefits and uses of raw honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom. Free tasting! Registration required.
1pm – Soil Prep 101, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)—With a little bit of work now, you can reap big rewards in the early spring. Learn to prepare your soil to ensure optimal health for spring gardens.

August 21

1pm – Learn to Love Honeybees, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—Brian Lacy of Livehoneybees.com, will help you understand and love these gentle, misunderstood and mistreated insects. Journey with Brian on a flight visiting the history, mythology, biology and "let's save them" info about bees that will inspire you to love and help bees! Lots of opportunity for Q & A. Registration required.
1pm – Crocosmias and Other Summer Bloomers, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Meet Meet some of the newer and less familiar Crocosmia cultivars from Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson's extensive collection as well as other perennials of summer interest. Their focus will be on plants that are uncommon. Some will be downright rare but all (well, mostly anyway) are very growable in Northwest gardens. The workshop is rated PG for Plant Geek.

August 23

5:30-8pm – Floral Arranging from the Backyard, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Learn to look at your garden through different eyes! Francoise Weeks, an amazing floral designer specializing in European floral design, will spend the evening demonstrating how to create a gorgeous and stunning arrangement from the everyday flowers and foliage in your own backyard. She will show you how to recognize and showcase the beauty of nature in its charming simplicity. This is one of those fun opportunities where after you learn from the master, you will then have the opportunity to create your own masterpiece! Fee: $35, covers materials.

August 27

10am – Building Ponds & Waterfalls, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Learn how to design and construct natural rock water features using flexible liner.
11am - Pond Construction, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—If you are thinking about adding a pond to your landscape or improving an existing water feature this class is for you. Doug King, Tsugawa's certified pond specialist, will walk you through the process from conception to completion, explaining the nuts and bolts of pond construction and the design elements that will enhance your landscape. This should be an informative and entertaining class for all levels of garden enthusiasts. Registration required.
1pm – Taking it Vertical: Living Walls, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—Curious about living walls? Bring some of those beautiful plants to eye level. Anne Taylor, Living Elements Landscape, has been designing, building, and installing living walls for three years. She will talk about different wall systems, choosing the right plants, and siting and maintaining your wall. Registration required.

August 27-28

10am-4pm – Surface Design: Eco Printing with Plants from an Oregon Summer, Dancing Oaks (Monmouth)—If you love plants and fabric, this is the class for you. Explore the windfall bounty of Dancing Oaks Nursery picking up leaves and petals that can magically transfer their images onto fabric and even paper. The process doesn't happen instantaneously so you have to wait for the second day of class to see how each different plant works its magic. But it is definitely worth it! In addition, you will use plant material to make natural dye baths that will color and make patterns on fabric using some simple shibori techniques. Students will become familiar with how different leaves, flowers and even bark can color wool and silk. Instructor Ilsa Perse offers this two day workshop with about 12 hours of class time. Fee: $100, plus a $15 materials fee paid directly to the instructor. Limited enrollment of 12. Register by calling 503-838-6058.

August 28

1pm – Portable Gardens: Fern Tables and Tiny Shade Gardens, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Join Richie Steffen, curator of the Elizabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, as he demonstrates the principles and techniques for creating unique displays of shade loving plants on table tops and in unusual containers. Richie's naturalistic style uses plants, moss and weathered wood to form a miniature woodland garden perfect for the patio.

September 4

1pm – Neglected Beauties: Manzanitas, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Manzanitas are often called the ultimate shrub of the West. These evergreen beauties range in size from ground covers to large garden shrubs. With their lovely flush of ericaceous flowers in spring, their often attractive fruit, sinuous branching and attractive bark, Paul Bonine wonders why they are still uncommon in local gardens.

September 10

10am – Water Gardening in Containers with Fall & Winter Interest Plants, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Learn to create beautiful small water features with fall and winter interest for your patio or balcony.

September 11

2pm – Mums: Our Favorite Fall Flower, Egan Gardens (Salem)—Tips on selecting and growing these traditional autumn plants.
1pm – Basics: Path Construction, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Does your home site challenge you with changes in elevation? Have you ever wondered how professionals build paths that last for years? Co-owner Mike Smith will show you construction methods and materials used in building paths for Joy Creek Nursery's landscape clients, from the most formal to something casual for a woodland. Construction demonstration will concentrate on building informal stone steps.

Gardening Pleasure

2011-08-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

I think we need to find a new word for “working” in the garden. Of course there is the occasional muscle strain involved and perhaps more than a little perspiration, but the benefits to a gardener’s mental and physical health (assuming you don’t fall off a ladder or snip your finger with those new, very sharp clippers) seems more deserving than the equivalent of laboring and toiling in the garden.

Parade offered a happiness quiz and one of the questions was: “You have a little free time. Which activity will bring you the most pleasure? (a) Working in the yard; (b) Tackling home improvements; (c) Catching up on DVR’d TV Shows; or (d) Hitting the mall. The answer: (a). In a University of Rochester study, 90 percent of subjects got a boost in energy and had their outlook brightened by spending time outdoors around trees, grass, and living creatures.“ I suppose instead of saying, “Honey! I’m going to go work in the yard,” we could say, “Honey! I’m going to increase my happiness in the garden!”

What verb do you think best describes actively brightening your outlook in the garden? Please share.

Putting Out the Welcome Mat

2011-08-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Pollinators are in crisis. Because of that, I’m trying to create a more hospitable habitat for pollinators in my garden. In addition to adding sources of water, I’ve added butterfly host plants and significantly increased the number of native plants. I’ve also tried to add plants—natives and ornamentals—that berry or provide seeds for visiting birds. The biggest pollinator attraction right now seems to be the Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin glorybower).

In searching for resources, I came across the Portland Plant List, which is produced by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. I thought Random Acts of Gardening readers in the Portland area might find it interesting. You’ll find information on plant communities, e.g., the plants you would find naturally in a hemlock/Douglas fir forest, and specifics on native plants, invasive plants and noxious weeds.

The hemlock forest is one of my favorite ecosystems so I found this tidbit from the publication interesting:

In many places you may find a predominance of Douglas fir trees. These are the fastest–growing of the conifers, and tolerate light shade or full sun. Douglas fir seedlings do not grow well in dense shade. A predominance of Douglas fir generally indicates a past fire or clearcut which created a large opening in the forest.

An abundance of shade–tolerant western hemlock or grand fir indicates the forest canopy has been undisturbed for quite some time. Deciduous trees such as cottonwood or ash often indicate frequent disturbance by flood or inundation.

Let us know what plant is doing the best job of attracting pollinators to your garden.

Pollinators

2011-07-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

I saw the most amazing sight. While touring a garden, I peered into the bright yellow flower of a cactus in bloom. At that moment, in dove—and I mean literally—a bumblebee into the froth of pollen covered stamens. It proceeded to tumble and roll around the flower until it was itself a ball of pollen. If bumblebees feel joy, this is what bumblebee joy must look like.

The human race can’t live without water and we can’t live without pollinators. To see beauty and magic in action, watch the video clip of Louie Schwartzberg’s “The Hidden Beauty of Pollination” and revel in the miracle of pollinators.

Gardening Events & Classes

2011-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Are you relaxing in your garden yet? Peruse the extensive—but by no means comprehensive—list of gardening events and classes. Unless noted, all classes and events are free.

Events:

July 16
• 10am-4pm - Garden Conservancy Open Days Program (Portland area)—Visit five private gardens. Tickets ($5/garden) can be purchased at each garden on the tour; it might be best to start at the lead garden: Chapin Garden, 1130 River Forest Road, Oak Grove, Ore. This tour is a joint fundraiser for the Garden Conservancy and Hardy Plant Society of Oregon.
• 10am-3pm - Growing Gardens 2011 Tour de Coops (Portland area)—This is an annual tour of visiting gardens with chicken coops. Booklets are the ticket and one booklet is good for a group of people. Booklets are $15 and are on sale through 1pm on Saturday, July 16 at Garden Fever (3433 NE 24th) and Urban Farm Store (2100 SE Belmont).
• Berry Festival, Fresh To You Produce (Stayton)—Enjoy berry desserts and sampling berries, jam and syrup.

July 19 - 20, 10am-8pm - Crackedpots 12th Annual Art Show (Troutdale)—Enjoy the work of 90 regional artists who create art made from at least 80% recycled materials. McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey Street, Troutdale.

July 22-31 - Waterlily Festival & Art Show, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—This annual event takes place in the beautiful water gardens and nursery owned by Eamonn Hughes, renowned water feature designer. Artwork has been created for this show by over 30 regional artists. Gala opening reception is Friday, July 22, 6:30-8:30p.m. Stroll through the water gardens to meet the artists and enjoy light appetizers, music and wine tasting. It's a perfect time to see hardy and tropical day and night blooming waterlilies and the (huge) Victoria waterlilies.

July 23, 10am-4pm - The Gresham Garden Tour—This self-guided tour through five private gardens and nurseries in the Gresham area benefits Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center Healing Garden. Tickets: $25, available at Al's Garden Center (7505 SE Hogan Road, Gresham)

July 30, 9:30am-4pm - Dancing Oaks' Summer Garden Festival (Monmouth)— Enjoy the day meandering the garden and visit the many artists with beautiful items for sale. Music under the gazebo of the pavilion, silent auction and delicious pies carefully made by the Pedee Women's Club to satisfy every sweet tooth. This annual event benefits local Charter Schools.

July 30 & 31, 10am-4pm - 12th Annual Art & Wine in the Garden, Garland Nursery (Corvallis)—Over 20 artists and crafters will be displaying and selling their wares. Food and wine from four local vineyards will be available for purchase.

August 4-6 – American Conifer Society Annual Conference (Silverton)—The theme of the conference is Best of the West Classic Conifer Collections of Oregon featuring tours of Iseli Nursery, Porterhowse Farms and the Oregon Garden, interesting and educational presentations, and a visit to Rare Tree Nursery.

Classes:

July 16
• 10am - Building Ponds & Waterfalls, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Learn how to design and construct natural rock water features using a flexible liner.
• 11am - Perennials for Containers, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—Many perennials not only adapt well to containers, they truly shine! Explore with Dan Heims, co-owner of Terra Nova Nurseries, an array of colorful perennials and learn how to care for them. Tips on maintaining fertility and winterizing pots will be discussed. Walk away with some great "recipes" to use in your own garden.
• 1pm - Succulent Gardening Class, Bauman Farms (Gervais)— We will teach you the ins and outs of succulent gardening and help you create your own fantastic planter. Bring a container from home or pick one out at the farm.
• 1pm - Unusual Shrubs, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—Shrubs lend structure and volume to your landscape. Paul Bonine, co-owner of Xera Plants, will introduce us to some of the rarer types available to make your garden really stand out! Registration required.

July 17
• 10:30am-12:30pm – Lavender Festival at Red Ridge Farms (Dayton)—A day to celebrate all things lavender! Start the Day with Lavender 101, learning the basics of how to grow, what varieties to choose, how to prune & harvest your lavender plants. Then head down to the lavender field and harvest enough from your favorite variety for a wreath and extra to take home. Finally, we'll show you have to create a beautiful fragrant lavender wreath (all materials, clove and clippers provided). Includes one free 4" lavender plant included (one per person please), 10% off any lavender & outdoor nursery plants and enjoy lavender lemonade and another lavender-inspired goodie. Cost: $35/person.
• 1pm - Small Water Features, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Having the glint of sunlight off water in your garden, as well as its liquid purl, is not difficult. Nadine Black will present ideas for adding this dimension to your garden that can be easily implemented.
• 1pm - Screens for Privacy, Portland Nursery (Stark Street, Portland)—By hiding unsightly views or creating a cozy private space, living screens beautifully solve common problems of the urban garden. Sean will showcase a range of options. Registration required.

July 21, 5pm – Container Gardening with Water Plants, Portland Nursery (Division St., Portland)—Are you interested in water plants but don't have the space or the desire for a pond? Explore the world of container water gardening with expert Annie Beadle of Hughes Water Gardens. Annie will share her tips and techniques for creating beautiful water bowls, tabletop fountains, and incorporating water plants into your landscape. She will also do some hands-on demonstrations of how to create a stunning container water garden, repot water plants and more! Registration required.

July 23
• 10am – Create a Concrete Leaf, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville). Create a concrete leaf with Ann Kenkel in this leaf casting class. Class size is limited. Call to register.
• 11am - Caring for your Hanging Basket, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Keep your hanging baskets looking fantastic. The Garden Corner has created Portland Metro Area hanging baskets for over 20 years. Did you know that those city baskets never need to be dead-headed? Learn about using fertilizer and the easiest treatment for bug control.
• 11am – Ornamental Grasses, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Grasses add variety to many types of gardens, including water, Japanese, rock, wildlife and even containers. Ornamental grasses add two elements to the garden experience that are not readily obtained from other plants: movement and sound. Join in this class to learn about these versatile plants and their many uses. Registration required.
• 1pm-3pm - Table Top Fernery, Garden Fever! (Portland)—Nancy Goldman will demonstrate and guide you through the steps to create a fabulous fern garden for a tabletop, or to just set in the garden as an objet d' art! All supplies included for making your own garden piece. Following the class, there will be a tour of Nancy's home garden and fernery (two miles from Garden Fever). Participants must attend the class to participate in the tour and provide their own transportation to Nancy's garden. Cost: $45/person. Reservations required.
• 2pm - Flower Arrangements from Your Garden, Egan Gardens (Salem)—Bring the bounty from outside in. Misty will discuss choosing plants with great keeping quality when cut and a variety of flower types for making beautiful bouquets, along with basic arranging techniques.

July 24
• 11am - Watergardening in Containers, Hughes Water Gardens (Wilsonville)—Annie Beadle will teach how to create beautiful, small waterbowls for your patio or balcony.
• 1pm - A User's Guide to Diagnosing Plant Problems, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—Learn how to assess your own plants' problems. Knowing how plants become susceptible to disease and damage will help you garden in ways to avoid problems as much as possible.
• 1pm - Not All Shade is Created Equal, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose) - Shade is a tricky subject because it involves not only degrees of darkness, but, depending on the source of the shade, it can involve degrees of dryness as well. By understanding the type of shady environment you have, it is possible to make an educated guess as to what plants will work in an area. The fantastic team of Judith Jones, owner of Fancy Fronds Temperate Fern Nursery, and Diana Reeck, owner of Collectors Nursery, show you the possibilities of making lovely gardens no matter how dark and dry!

July 30, 1pm – Bamboo, Portland Nursery (Stark St., Portland)—Ian Connor, owner of Connor Bamboo, a true bamboo expert. He'll talk about what you need to know about bamboo varieties and habits before you plant this classic, elegant (and varied!) plant. Registration required.

July 31
• 1pm - Shrubs for Later Season Interest, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest can grow so many different shrubs, even in smaller gardens. But one thing they often forget when they go to the nurseries in the spring and early summer is to think about fall interest. Imagine a shrub that blooms in the spring but also has glorious foliage color, brilliant fruit, attractive bark and maybe even colorful stems later in the season! Roger Gossler leads you to the best shrubs for multi-season interest.
• 1pm - Northwest Natives, Portland Nursery (Stark St., Portland)—The Pacific Northwest offers a wide variety of plants for the gardener's palette. Whether you want to plant an all-native garden, provide wildlife habitat, or just meet some of the colorful locals, Brent will get you excited about natives. Registration required.

August 6
• 11am - Tropicals in the Backyard, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—We're not in Kansas anymore… Our moderate climate allows us to grow all sorts of tropical-looking plants outdoors, giving rise to fun garden combinations. Not to mention the I-can't-believe-that's-hardy moments. Come and find out how you can create that tropical effect in your backyard.
• 11am - Japanese Maples, Tsugawa Nursery (Woodland, Wash.)—Japanese maples are elegant in all seasons and can enhance any landscape with their beautiful shapes and forms. Brian Tsugawa will discuss the attributes of these beautiful trees and how they contribute so much to the garden. Registration required.
• 1-3pm - Chef in the Garden: Enjoying the Abundance of Summer Fruits, Farmington Gardens (Beaverton)—L earn how Chef Dan Brophy likes to utilize the delicious bounty of fruits we enjoy in August. Dan will cook up spiced plum butter, backyard applesauce, peach chutney, and pears poached in red wine. This class is being offered through Portland Community College; to register, go to: www.pcc.edu/community/schedule/print-schedule.html.

August 7, 1pm - Roses and Clematis as Ornamental Shrubs, Joy Creek Nursery (Scappoose)—Rose devotee and clematis worshipper Linda Beutler shares her knowledge about two plants she truly loves. First, she will talk about roses - with their hips, bark and foliage - as ornamental shrubs. From years of experience, she knows that if you make the right selections (and there are tens of thousands to choose from), you can have roses that provide interest for more than just the flowering season, like any other good ornamental shrub. Linda will share her criteria for picking the roses that work best in organically grown mixed shrub and herbaceous perennial gardens. And Linda says, believe it or not, there are also clematis which can be grown as ornamental shrubs. Since they tend to bloom during the dog days of late July and August (when most other clematis are napping in anticipation of their autumn rebloom), this is the perfect time to get acquainted with them.

August 10, 11am - Gardening with Ornamental Grasses: See what's missing in your life, The Garden Corner (Tualatin)—Grasses come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and have been transformed over the past several years from simple utility plants to must-haves in the garden. There is a grass out there for everyone and they are going to help you find that missing part of your life (and landscape).

August 13, 2pm - Drought-Tolerant Plants for Low Water Bills, Egan Gardens (Salem)—Can you say "xerophyte"? Ellen Egan will tell you about types of plants and growing techniques to reduce worry and water both.

Old Fashioned? Or Out of Fashion?

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

In the nursery industry, I keep hearing that demand for certain types of plants is cyclical. The “run-of-the-mill” rhododendron appears to fall into that category. Perhaps roses do, too. Do iris?

I was at Joy Creek Nursery for a new plant introduction workshop put on Maurice Horn and Mike Smith, co-owners of Joy Creek Nursery (they have experience introducing a variety of plants to the market, perhaps most notably Miscanthus sinensus ‘Gold Bar’). They have suspended their breeding of iris due to lack of demand for the plant. On the other hand, author, florist and retail nursery owner Thomas Hobbs is starting to breed bearded iri—perhaps just for himself—even though there are hundreds (thousands?) available to the home owners through mail order catalogs like Schreiner’s Garden. Mr. Hobbs mentioned as one of his favorites Iris ‘Champagne Elegance’, a subtle apricot and white bearded variety that he swears—and according to Scheiner’s—reblooms in late summer.

According to Wikipedia, “Iris is a genus of 260 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. They are perennial herbs, growing from creeping rhizomes (rhizomatous irises), or, in drier climates, from bulbs (bulbous irises).” Some of the flowers are exceptionally subtle and others are as colorful as a circus. Tall and diminutive also describe various irises. Culturally and visually diverse, one would think any gardener could find an iris to suit their fancy and garden environment. I planted a native iris and was rewarded with a sky blue flower on a stalk that was only about a foot tall; a lovely surprise. [Note: In Oregon, yellow flag iris, Iris pseudacorus, also known as yellow water iris, is invasive in wetlands and shorelines. Not only does it grow in dense mats, spread by broken stem fragments and by seeds that float in water, all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals.]

Walking the neighborhood and on garden tours, my eye was drawn to clumps of iris because they provide a strong punctuation point with their stiff upright foliage and unmistakable flowers. Use them in your landscape and in a few years you’ll have rhizomes or bulbs to share with your precious friends and neighbors. There’s no reason iris, rhododendrons or roses need to go out of fashion when you know they perform well and can add beauty and structure to any style of garden.

Garden Magic

2011-07-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Every year, there are a few extra special magical moments in the garden. Clematis created the magic moment last year with ‘Josephine’ (read the “Anticipation” RAG blog) and a clematis is doing it again this year. This time it’s C. florida Sieboldii. I planted it at the base of a yew and each year it winds its way a little differently through the yew to appear in a different place. This year, it’s front and center facing the house. And as the plant matures (I think this is its fourth or fifth year in my garden), more blooms appear. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its beauty feels like a miracle...

What magic is happening in your garden right now?

Discovering New Nurseries

2011-07-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is visit nurseries. My bank account doesn’t benefit from this passion, but my garden and soul rejoice!

Since February, I’d been thinking about visiting Magnolia Manor in Lake Oswego, one of Oregon’s newest garden centers (they call themselves a boutique nursery). Karen Schwartz, staff landscape designer at Magnolia Manor, designed and helped create the Incredible Edible Garden at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show and she designed the container display that received the first place prize. I thought I was going to visit in April for an event that sounded like a lot of fun: the owner, Jane Coombes, is English and in honor of the recent royal marriage, Magnolia Manor celebrated with High Tea. I finally managed to get there a few weeks ago, prompted by a comment made by one of the home/garden owners on the ANLD Behind-the-Scenes Garden Tour. He told me Magnolia Manor had very helpful staff and great plants. Since I was just a few blocks away, I made two left turns and was greeted by a colorful display of plants and owner, Jane. The homeowner was right: she was helpful and the nursery had some lovely, healthy plants. I left with the perfect houseplant I needed. They also offer a nice gift selection.

Out with the Old. In with the New.

2011-07-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Flutterby Grande™ Peach Cobbler
from Ball Ornamentals, bred by
Peter Podaras of Cornell University, N.Y.

In Oregon, the Oregon Department of Agriculture officially classified the species butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii, as a class "B" noxious weed in 2004. It is also considered a noxious weed in Washington. According to Oregon State University (OSU) Extension, it has been a problem in England where it is one of the top 20 weeds and in New Zealand. The China native invades disturbed areas, particularly riparian areas, and can overtake native vegetation. Efforts will be made in Ore. to eradicate butterfly bush in the wild, but not from people's yards.

Even though it is not listed as invasive in most states in the U.S., its status as an invasive plant in Oregon means Oregon’s wholesale nurseries can no longer grow the popular crop—even though nurseries were not considered a major source of the invasion because of their pruning production practices—and you won’t find Buddleia davidii or its cultivars in Oregon garden centers. To learn more about tips on keeping butterfly bush from spreading, visit the OSU Extension Web site.

Flutterby™ Pink

from Ball Ornamentals,

bred by Peter Podaras

of Cornell University, N.Y.

A few buddleia crosses resulting in almost seedless varieties are starting to be introduced into the market. Once approved by the ODA, nurseries can begin growing them and retailers can begin selling them. The Flutterby™ series introduced by Ball Ornamentals has been approved by the ODA and will make its appearance in the New Varieties Showcase at this year’s Farwest Show (produced by the Oregon Association of Nurseries, it is one of the largest horticultural trade shows in the country). Soon we’ll be able to grow with a good conscience the honey scented flowers that are so good at attracting butterflies to our gardens. Don’t look for butterfly bushes, however; they are more likely to be called nectar bushes.

For a fascinating, detailed history of the genus Buddleia, visit Plant Delights Nursery’s Web site.

Why Did My Plant Die?

2011-06-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

It’s inevitable that we lose plants along our gardening journey. But thank goodness, in spite of the many things that could go wrong, many plants survive and thrive. I consider it one of the many miracles of creating a garden.

This poem has been around for awhile but I saw it for the first time today so I thought I’d share it with you. It really needs a line or two about Barney, my adorable golden retriever, and his help in the garden…something along the lines of pulling up plants he thought were sticks, or racing around the garden with a neighbor dog oblivious to the newly planted bed(s). I wish you the antithesis of this poem in the years of gardening you have ahead of you.

Why Did My Plant Die?
Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

You walked too close. You trod on it.
You dropped a piece of sod on it.
You hoed it down. You weeded it.
You planted it the wrong way up.
You grew it in a yogurt cup
But you forgot to make a hole;
The soggy compost took its toll.
September storm. November drought.
It heaved in March, the roots popped out.
You watered it with herbicide.
You scattered bonemeal far and wide.
Attracting local omnivores,
Who ate your plant and stayed for more.
You left it baking in the sun
While you departed at a run
To find a spade, perhaps a trowel,
Meanwhile the plant threw in the towel.
You planted it with crown too high;
The soil washed off, that explains why.
Too high pH. It hated lime.
Alas it needs a gentler clime.
You left the root ball wrapped in plastic.
You broke the roots. They're not elastic.
You walked too close. You trod on it.
You dropped a piece of sod on it.
You splashed the plant with mower oil.
You should do something to your soil.
Too rich. Too poor. Such wretched tilth.
Your soil is clay. Your soil is filth.
Your plant was eaten by a slug.
The growing point contained a bug.
These aphids are controlled by ants,
Who milk the juice, it kills the plants.
In early spring your garden's mud.
You walked around! That's not much good.
With heat and light you hurried it.
You worried it. You buried it.
The poor plant missed the mountain air:
No heat, no summer muggs up there.
You overfed it 10-10-10.
Forgot to water it again.
You hit it sharply with the hose.
You used a can without a rose.
Perhaps you sprinkled from above.
You should have talked to it with love.
The nursery mailed it without roots.
You killed it with those gardening boots.
You walked too close. You trod on it.
You dropped a piece of sod on it.

Tips for Blueberry Success

2011-06-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Information courtesy of Fall Creek Farm & Nursery

Blueberry lovers rejoice! A straightforward, non-technical guide to growing blueberries anywhere in the U.S. will have you picking your favorite berries in no time. Fall Creek’s A Gardener’s Guide to Blueberries will help ensure your success with these famously unfussy shrubs.

A Gardener’s Guide to Blueberries is based on three decades of field-tested wisdom gleaned from the Brazelton family and their team of experts. Their Fall Creek Farm & Nursery in Oregon’s fertile Willamette Valley is the world’s leading wholesale producer of blueberry stock, with presence in the blueberry industries across North and South America, Europe, and Africa. In this 40-page, full-color guide, the Brazeltons share their insight and enthusiasm for what they consider the perfect plant. Their guide even offers two treasured Brazelton family recipes: Overnight Mini Blueberry Sweet Rolls and Aunt Bev’s Blueberry Muffins.

Written by the world’s leading blueberry experts at Fall Creek Nursery, the compact but comprehensive guide outlines steps to success with blueberries, from planting to plucking and everything in between. Topics include blueberry varieties, site selection, soil preparation, planting, pollination, mulching, fertilizing, watering, pruning, pests, cold protection, container plantings, troubleshooting, online resources and the health benefits of eating your blueberry bounty.

Fall Creek's Amelie Aust

Amelie Brazelton Aust, daughter of Fall Creek’s co-founders, Dave and Barbara Brazelton, oversees the company’s new product development. Fall Creek’s market research has shown that home gardeners are intimidated by blueberries. “Either they’re convinced they can’t grow them in their area, or perhaps they had planted them before but failed,” Aust says. “This simple guide offers those tried-and-true tricks we’ve shared with fruit growers for decades. We wanted to make them available to every home gardener in a way that was simple, fun and affordable.”

Aust notes that while blueberries have won a very special place in the hearts of berry-lovers around the world, they’re much more than a shrub bearing summer fruit. “They’re perfect for every season and every garden. They offer beautiful bell-shaped flowers in spring, an abundance of luscious berries in summer, brilliant foliage in fall and vibrant cane color in winter,” she says. “Blueberries come in all shapes and sizes, from dwarf varieties suitable for patio pots to tall varieties that are great for hedges.”

Fall Creek’s A Gardener’s Guide to Blueberries is available to the public at the retail price of $4.99 through select garden centers, nurseries and retail stores. It is also available through Amazon. In addition, a digital e-book version of the guide is available online now through Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Sony Reader Store and iTunes.

Growing a Noble Industry

2011-06-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Certain areas of the country are good at growing particular crops: corn in the mid-west, citrus in Florida and California, and nursery stock (and many other agricultural crops) in Oregon. As the second largest nursery state in the country and the largest exporter of nursery stock, Oregon is a leader in the nursery industry. To be better and more profitable and to understand and minimize the impact to the environment, many Oregon growers are undertaking projects to reduce energy use, resource inputs and greenhouse gas emissions.

I thought you might enjoy reading about the efforts of a few of Oregon’s premier nurseries to make their plants even “greener.” The story comes courtesy of Edible Portland. I’m always amazed when I visit nurseries at the complexity of the industry, something most of us take for granted when we’re buying that beautiful tree, blueberry bush, perennial, annual or vegetable. My hope is that we all learn to have a greater appreciation for how our food and ornamental plants are grown.

Great Garden Events!

2011-06-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

There are lots of "put it on the calendar because I really want to go to this" garden event stuff happening in the coming weeks. One's that's a little further out but is "get it on the calendar" worthy is the annual American Conifer Society conference, August 4-6, at The Oregon Garden (and a five day, four night tour going to various places around Oregon, August 7-11). Click here for brochure, post meeting tour information and registration form.

Now for the best of the rest...

June 11 - Learn to Build Willow Furniture, Hughes Water Gardens, Tualatin—Class is 6-8 hours long and when you leave, you will have your own piece of willow furniture. Fee: $125 includes materials and instructions. Call 503.897.7387 to register.

June 11, 1pm - The Cutting Garden, Portland Nursery (Stark Street), Portland—A fabulous cutting garden is not limited to full sun annual plants. Linda Beutler, author of From Garden to Vase will give suggestions of great plants for bouquets for all types of garden situations. She will bring some of her inspiring bouquets to showcase different styles of arranging flowers. Click here to register for this class.

June 11, 10am - Companion Plants, Al's Garden Center, Woodburn—Learn how to interplant vegetables and flowers and herbs to attract beneficial insects. Learn which plants make effective companions.

June 11, 10am - Soil Science: How to amend your soil, Al's Garden Center, Gresham—Is your soil soggy, or full of clay? Do your plants have a hard time thriving? Attend this class and learn how to amend your soil so your plants can perform their best.

June 11 (9am-8pm) & June 12 (10am-5pm) – Berries, Brews & BBQ, French Prairie Gardens, St. Paul—Features Oregon craft brews, wines and barbeque produced by competitors from all corners of the state. Click here for more details.

June 11 & 12, 16 & 17, 18 & 19 – Strawberry Festival, French Prairie Gardens, St. Paul—U-pick strawberries, hay rides, farm animals and more. A family-friendly event that also includes strawberry shortcake and homemade strawberry pie. Visit their Website for details.

June 12, 1pm – Portable Gardens: Troughs the Easy Way, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose—Unlike traditional hypertufa troughs made with cement, which are heavy and require several weeks to cure, polystyrene troughs are light, fast and last for several years. Learn how to create these aesthetically pleasing and movable troughs, which are perfect for the rock gardener or anyone interested in creating miniature environments for special plants.

June 12, 1pm, Terrarium Craft, Portland Nursery (Division Street), Portland—Easy to make and a wonder to behold, terrariums are winning over a new generation of crafters and gardeners. Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant, authors of Terrarium Craft, offer up everything a beginning terrarium crafter needs to get started, from advice about tools and materials, information about plant choices and simple maintenance tips. Click here to register for this class.

June 17-19, Oregon Cactus & Succulents Show & Sale, Portland Nursery (Division Street), Portland—Find rare and hard to find specimen cacti and other succulents.

June 18, 10am-noon – Outdoor Pondless Water Features, Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark, Salem—learn how to set stone columns in place, plumbing, pump and pond liner replacement, and pump size calculation. In the stone yard.

June 18, 10am-4pm - Carol's Greenhouses & Gardens Open House, Salem—Enjoy viewing the tropical, luscious and unique plant selections (I suspect she'll have plants for sale). Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. RSVP to Carol at 503.399.7187 or email at cgg5135@msn.com.

June 18, 10am (Woodburn), 1pm (Sherwood) - White Hot: It sparkles by day and gleams at night...it's white! Al's Garden Center—The white garden creates romance, peace and elegance in the garden as well as luminescence at twilight. The addition of white flowers, foliage and bark is a sophisticated treatment for an entryway, courtyard, border or container. There is no better way to brighten up a shady location in the garden than incorporating white. Speaker: Lisa Annand, Landscape Designer.

June 18, 11am - Green Walls/Woolly Pockets, Garland Nursery, Corvallis—Indoors, outdoors, with limited space or no space at all, literally up a wall or down a fence, these eco-friendly pockets provide a unique gardening experience for everyone.

June 18, 10am-4pm, Flower Show, Shorty's Home & Garden, Vancouver—The Lewis & Clark District Garden Clubs in Vancouver, Wash., are holding a flower show (horticulture and design).

June 18, 10am-5pm - Railroads in the Garden, Summer Tour 2011, Portland metro area—Sponsored by Rose City Garden Railway Society, this is a self-guided tour of nine private homes with garden railroads. The gardens offer a wide diversity of garden railroads. Many of the plants used are small, dwarf, or miniature, pruned to look like full scale adult trees. There are mosses and thymes to create meadows and small blooming flowers to create a miniature world. Fee: $10/family. Tickets can be purchased at Al's Garden Center (Sherwood), Dennis' 7 Dees (all three metro locations), Hughes Water Garden (Tualatin), Yard 'N Garden Land (Vancouver), and Portland Nursery (both locations).

June 18, 10am-4pm - Over Hill and Dale: Hood River Garden Tour, Hood River—Seven diverse gardens were selected for their own distinguishing features and contrast to other gardens in the tour. You can start at any garden and go at your own pace. Local garden art will be displayed in some of the gardens. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 day of the tour and be purchased at Waucoma Bookstore, Good News Gardening, Columbia Arts Center, and the OSU Extension Office in both Hood River and The Dalles.

June 19, 1pm - The Simple Science Behind Organics, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose—Being organic is all the rage these days. But is it always the best way to go? Understanding the actual science behind gardening organically will help you make wise choices. Join Leslie Gover, propagator for Joy Creek Nursery, and Patrick Peterson from Marion Ag to explore this fascinating area of study.

June 24-26 – HPSO Study Weekend, Portland—Join other garden enthusiasts for an information and fun filled weekend of gardening immersion and garden tours. Visit the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon Website for details and registration.

June 25-26, Pink Days to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Farmington Gardens, Beaverton—Pink plants, guest speakers, live music, food, local wine tasting, children's activities, and more. Visit their website for details.

June 25, 10am-4pm - Seeding Our future Garden Tour + Art Show, Tualatin/Tigard—Explore 8 gardens featuring a mix of styles and purposes. From the whimsical to the classic, look for ideas on plants, water features, edible gardens, art and kid friendly design elements. Benefits The Foundation for Tigard Tualatin Schools. $20 tickets can be purchased from local retailers and schools. Visit http://www.foundation4smartkids.org/ for event details.

June 25, 10am - Living Walls: Easy steps to create a lush vertical garden, Al's Garden Center (all three locations)—Living walls are easy to build and add color and texture anywhere, indoors or out. Attend this class and learn how to build a wall using a pre-formed frame. You'll also learn how to plant the walls with various types of plants from succulents to herbs.

June 25, 11am-12:30pm, Year Round Vegetable Gardening, Portland Nursery (Division Street), Portland—Join Tim Lanfri, of Community Garden Creators, to learn techniques for growing and harvesting fresh produce throughout the entire year, even in the "dead of winter"! Tim will discuss topics such as timing your plantings, fall and winter growing techniques, and how to maximize your harvest without a greenhouse. Click here to register for this class.

June 26, 1pm - Big Bang Plants, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose—Big bang plants are extroverted plants that grab your attention and demand to be looked at. They offer a focal point in an area that needs a lift to take it from "Ho-hum" to "Wow!" Come and take a look at some big bang plants and learn how to use them effectively to add drama to your garden either as container plants or planted directly in the garden.

July 3, 1pm - Classic Hydrangeas, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose—Hydrangeas go mysteriously in and out of fashion on a regular basis. Yet they remain almost unparalleled in the world of shrubs for the length of their season of bloom. If you garden on a small or large plot, in the sun, part shade or in a woodland setting, there is a hydrangea that is perfect for your site. Explore the different species of hydrangea, learn easy care techniques and examine some ideal companion plants. You will never be without a hydrangea again no matter what the fashion.

July 4, 11am-4pm – 8th Annual Berry Festival, Smith Berry Barn, Sherwood—Enjoy family activities, good and live entertainment including fresh berry desserts, milkshakes and ice cream, grilled sausages, wine tasting.

July 9, 1pm - Hypertufa Pot Making Class, Bauman Farms, Gervais—Hypertufa is a new sensation in the gardening world. Handmade by you this will surely be your favorite piece in the garden. Hypertufa is made from a mixture of natural ingredients and dries up in a few days. To register, email baumans@baumanfarms.com.

July 9, 1pm - Growing Weird Plants: Cactus and Succulents, Portland Nursery (Stark Street), Portland—Luther Sturtevant of Kara Cactus will provide general guidelines for selecting succulents and cactus with an open discussion for what you need to know about growing them. Click here to register for this class.

July 10, 1 pm - What to do in the Garden in July and August, Farmington Gardens, Beaverton—New to gardening or to this area? Join this class to learn what can be done in the summer garden. Bring your questions!

July 10, 12-4 pm - Water-wise gardening, with the Regional Water Providers' Consortium, Farmington Gardens, Beaverton—Here in the Portland metro area we are fortunate to have a wide variety of spectacular native and well-adapted plants that thrive in our region. Explore their selection of water-wise plants and see how you can use them to add color, drama, and texture to your garden. Pick up a free waterwise plant guide, watering gauge kit, and other water efficient landscaping resources that will save you time, money, and water.

July 10, 1pm - The Long-Blooming Garden: Selecting and Caring for Plants that Will Give You Blooms Almost All Year Long, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose—When designing and buying plants for your garden, it's important to think of plants that bloom at different times of the year. Garden designers Anne Marsh and Gary Fear will discuss a broad palette of plants for year round blooming as well as pruning tips to prolong a plant's bloom cycle.

July 10, 1pm - Drought Tolerant Plants, Portland Nursery (Stark Street), Portland—Katie will highlight plants for a variety of dry situations and teach you some strategies for establishing and caring for drought tolerant plants. Click here to register for this class.

July 16 - Berry Festival, Fresh To You Produce, Stayton—Enjoy berry desserts and sampling berries, jam and syrup.

July 16, 1pm - Succulent Gardening Class, Bauman Farms, Gervais—If you made a hypertufa pot in last week's class at Bauman Farms, now is your time to fill it. We will teach you the ins and outs of succulent gardening and help you create your own fantastic planter. If you didn't make a hypertufa pot, that's okay; bring a container from home or pick one out at the farm.

July 16, 11 am - Perennials for Containers, Farmington Gardens, Beaverton—Many perennials not only adapt well to containers, they truly shine! explore with Dan Heims an array of colorful perennials and learn how to care for them. Tips on maintaining fertility and winterizing pots will be discussed. Walk away with some great "recipes" to use in your own garden.

July 16, 1pm - Unusual Shrubs, Portland Nursery (Stark Street), Beaverton—Shrubs lend structure and volume to your landscape. Paul Bonine, owner of Xera Plants, will introduce us to some of the rarer types available to make your garden really stand out! Click here to register for this class.

July 17, 1pm - Small Water Features, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappose—Having the glint of sunlight off water in your garden, as well as its liquid purl, is not difficult. Nadine Black will present ideas for adding this dimension to your garden that can be easily implemented.

July 17, 1pm - Screens for Privacy, Portland Nursery (Stark Street), Portland—By hiding unsightly views or creating a cozy private space, living screens beautifully solve common problems of the urban garden. Sean will showcase a range of options. Click here to register for this class.

July 17, 1-7pm - 'Summer Soiree' RAD Craft show, Portland Nursery (Division Street), Portland—Indie artisans and rad crafters bring you their summer collection of new styles in haute colors and must haves! From jewelry to fun and funky home décor in a Garden setting with live music and local brew! Spend an afternoon chatting and browsing sweet summer-y finds! With a variety of offerings to choose from, we're sure you'll be back for more.

August 4-6 – American Conifer Society Annual Conference, Silverton

Eight Gardens. A Million Ideas.

2011-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

I spent the day with a group of landscape designers, volunteers, artists and homeowners involved in the eighth annual Behind-the-Scenes Garden Tour, set for Saturday, June 18. Eight gardens, all professionally designed, are featured on the tour. You’ll see everything from small intimate NE Portland gardens to a very large garden tucked away in Lake Oswego. Artwork by regional artists is also on display and for sale in the gardens.

Here are a few highlights to, hopefully, entice you to visit the gardens.

Dryland gardens are featured in two locations. They receive no additional water now that the plants are established. Lucy Hardiman designed her garden in three water zones: no water, once-every-three-weeks watering and a more traditional garden on a regular watering schedule. See if you can tell which is which; the plants are all lush and colorful.

Two gardens feature major rainwater capture gardens in two very different styles: a large planted concrete basin and a large swale anchoring the corner of a front garden fed by copper rain chains.

A very fragrant ‘Miss Kim’ lilac appeared in at least three gardens. It’s amazing how clusters of such small flowers scent the air with their wonderful perfume. The best plant surprise for me was the Saxifrage and its frothy blooms. The best street tree was the ‘Venus’ flowering dogwoods. The blooms were the size of my hand and the trees were loaded with them.

Yellow foliage was a popular theme (not surprising because it’s a great way to add light to the garden). It appeared in wonderful plant combinations and a golden variegated elderberry. The graceful Japanese forest grass ‘Aureola’, my favorite perennial of all time, was spectacular in many of the gardens.

Pathways and the use of different paving materials added interest to each garden. Rock seems to add a definitive and finishing touch to garden spaces (makes me want to have a dump truck deliver a load of basalt to edge paths and build low retaining walls—that would be a good workout!). Ironstone was used successfully in several places.

And the best of the rest? You’ll just have to visit the gardens to find out what appeals to you! You’ll take away lots of ideas for your own gardens and the designers and artists will be on hand to answer your questions and tell you how they overcame the challenges of each space. It’s amazing what transformations can happen!

Tickets are $20. Proceeds benefit ANLD scholarship programs for aspiring landscape designers at Clark College, Clackamas Community College and Portland Community College. Purchase tickets online or at these garden centers: Dennis’ 7 Dees (SE Portland, Cedar Hills, Lake Oswego), Garden Fever!, Magnolia Manor and Portland Nursery (Stark Street).

Plant Collecting

2011-06-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

C. 'Fairy Blue' is often sold
as syn. 'Crystal Fountain'

Once upon a time, I was feeling smug about all the various plant groups I was collecting in my garden, so smug I was thinking about writing about my "collections" in Random Acts of Gardening. I was rather proud that I had accumulated 10 or so varieties of epimediums and 20 or so hydrangeas and hostas. Then I met real plant collectors that were deliberately assembling as many taxa, species and cultivars of one plant family as possible . Turns out plant collections—in essence a living museum—can help us understand the diversity and geographic dispersion of plants.

C. 'Nelly Moser' romps with a rhody

The Rogerson Clematis Collection (RCC) sits on about two acres at Luscher Farm in Lake Oswego, Ore. At approximately 500 taxa and just under 900 individual plants, it is one of the largest assemblage of clematis in the Western Hemisphere. Approximately 30% of the taxa in the collection are not currently available in the “trade” (which means you and I can’t buy them anywhere). The collection was started in the early 1970s in Kansas by Brewster Rogerson. He moved out to Oregon in 1981 to provide his collection a more hospitable environment (how’s that for devotion!). The Founder’s Garden is devoted to Mr. Rogerson’s favorite clematis, which I understand keeps growing in number.

C. 'Miss Cavell' was introduced
in 1918 and is named after a nurse

Around the historic farmhouse is The Historic Garden filled with plants that might have been available to Oregon gardeners before World War I (the plant tags show when the plants were introduced). Surrounding the historic 85 year old beech tree is a garden filled with species or hybrids from Japan, a country with a long tradition of clematis breeding focused on subtle shapes and colors. According to curator Linda Beutler, the beech tree is the only thing that “doesn’t get a clematis growing through it.”

Native C. integrefolia ochroleuca
hides behind Kitty

There are clematis that like it hot. In the south-facing Front Bank Gravel Garden, you’ll find North American natives in a genus known botanically as “the Viornae,” some of which live in oak savannah. To mimic the environment as closely as possible, volunteers collect and compost leaves from nearby oaks to add to the soils surrounding these plants. It should be no surprise that the collection is renown as a result of such devotion and attention to detail.

For the gardener just beginning to experiment with clematis, RCC is building a Beginner’s Garden that will feature 40 or so clematis selected by the International Clematis Society as varieties and cultivars that are not only beautiful, but also reliable, and easy to grow. Another garden features clematis from the Baltic (Poland, Estonia, Russia, Latvia and Lithuania) where the genus is enjoyed by avid hobbyists and plant breeders.

Best idea: Attract mason bees by creating a home that also provides support for a clematis!

The Friends of the Rogerson Clematis Collection is devoted to the preservation and continued expansion of the collection to present as fully as possible both the botany of the genus and the range of attractions that clematis have for gardeners, says the RCC’s brochure. They can use our help as volunteers and for financial support. Go for a visit and plan at least two hours to stroll the gardens with a docent. For more information, visit their website.

Pick your favorite Chelsea Garden

2011-06-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Chelsea Garden Show is over for 2011. But wait! We’d like to know which gardens you think are the most interesting and intriguing. Which gardens provide you with the most ideas and inspiration? Click here, spend a few minutes looking at the garden and let us know by writing a comment your favorites (maybe your top 3 if you have the time). We’re starting to plan for the showcase gardens at the 2012 Yard, Garden & Patio Show and want to build gardens that knock your socks off and offer you ideas that can apply to your gardens at home, not always an easy balance to achieve. Sharing your favorite Chelsea garden(s) will help us. Thank you!

Add Compost for Sustainable Landscapes

2011-05-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

The OAN publishes a monthly publication for the nursery trade called Digger magazine. In May, there was an article written by Oregon State University staff at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) on how landscapes can address three emerging challenges: Water scarcity, fertilizer usage, and compacted and stripped soils due to construction. (I know it doesn’t feel like there’s a concern about water scarcity when we’ve had above average rainfall—146 days with rain since Oct. 1, 2010, the start of the current water year—and the Columbia River is nearing flood stage but remember our dry summers where it rains very little from July through September.)

There’s been some controversy about whether or not it’s appropriate to add amendments to planting holes. Research done at NWREC "confirmed that adding compost to the soil, and using drought-resistant Mediterranean plants, both result in healthier landscapes." The article concludes "that compost addition is a valuable part of soil preparation for sustainable landscapes. All plants tested benefitted from compost application." Read the article in full or read more about "Improving Garden Soils with Organic Matter" in the OSU publications catalog.

Coccinellidae...who (or what) is that?

2011-05-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Reprinted with permission by All Seasons Plants from their May 18 e-newsletter

Answer: the much-loved ladybug. Otherwise known as ladybird, or lady beetle. Or lady cow. Or golden knop, or freyjuhena, or bishy-bishy-barnabee. It depends on where you're from and whom you've named it after. The Norse goddess Freyja? Saint Barnabas? If you opt for "ladybug," you're alluding to "Our Lady" Mary, whose red cloak and seven joys and sorrows correspond to the bug's red shell and seven spots. (But you have to admit, bishy-bishy-barnabee has a nice ring to it.)

Anyway, not all ladybugs are seven-spotted, and not all are red. There are something like 500 different species, some yellow, some grey, others brown or even pink; and each has its specific number of spots. You might have heard you can tell the ladybug's age by counting them, but that's not true. Spots fade with age, but the number stays the same.

So, how do you get ladybugs to live in your garden? Buy some wild-caught from your local nursery. (Farm-raised ladies won't survive in the wild.) Add a little water to their bag and let them rest in your crisper drawer for a few hours. Meanwhile, water your garden well. At dusk, release the ladybugs. If you have an aphid-infested plant, release them right there.

Ladybugs don't just eat aphids, of course. They eat other soft-bodied sap-suckers, too. And they eat pollen; it’s an important dietary back-up for when the pests aren't so numerous. So, if you want to make a ladybug haven, don't neglect to plant. Coriander's good. Red clover, legumes, mustards, geraniums, even dandelions. Our favorite? Coreopsis.

Oh, and by all means, don't crush the larvae! (Check the photo so you know what a lady baby looks like.)

All Seasons Plants is a wholesale broker, but they also sell retail (they exhibited at Yard, Garden & Patio Show and had some beautiful purple-flowering daphne for sale). Their Web site offers good plant information and you can search on a the plant characteristics of interest to you, e.g., bloom time, sun exposure, foliage color, etc.

Oregon: Rhododendron Paradise

2011-05-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

It was on a day like today—sunny and the perfect temperature—that I visited the Smith Garden as part of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) Annual International Convention. Hidden away in St. Paul, it’s a rhododendron and azalea wonderland in a woodland setting now owned by the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) and jointly cared for by the Portland, Willamette and Tualatin Valley ARS Chapters. I love (LOVE!) woodland settings so I was as interested in the other woodland plants as I was the species and hybrid rhododendrons. In fact, I found a woodland groundcover anemone I’d like to introduce to my own garden.

The air was scented by the huge blossoms covering the towering Rhododendron loderi ‘King George.’ It made me think that I should plant the tall evergreen shrub to shelter my woodland garden instead of another tree.

And then there was the delicate flower and pink-almost-white coloration of ‘Snow Queen’ azalea as I exited the garden.

On the same day, we also visited the Cavender Garden, a private garden near Sherwood, with its more than 600 rhododendrons and azaleas. I loved the rhododendron with its bronzey new leaves and pink flowers. I didn’t capture the name of it, so if any readers know the name, please let us know.

Water to the Weather

2011-05-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

According to the Regional Water Providers Consortium, the Portland metro area can use two to three times as much water in the summer months as in the winter months due to our dry Mediterranean-like summers. Hard to imagine with the wet winter we’ve had. The greatest waste of water is watering too much, too often, which isn’t good for the lawn, plants or planet. To help us conserve water, the Consortium derived The Weekly Watering Number, which is the amount of water in inches that your lawn will need each week based on changing weather conditions. Not surprising, it’s telling me that I don’t need to water my lawn! The number can also be used for other types of plants by using these general guidelines:

Shrubs & Perennials - adjust to 50% of the Weekly Watering Number
Vegetables - adjust to 75% of the Weekly Watering Number

Get the Weekly Watering Number emailed to you each week to help guide your water use. Other things to consider: (1) never apply water at a faster rate than will soak into your soil (Mother Nature hasn’t learned this lesson in my garden!), instead divide your watering time to ensure water is getting to the roots where it is needed; (2) if the water doesn’t penetrate the soil well, the lawn may need to be aerated or de-thatched; and (3) water early in the morning, if you can, to keep evaporation to a minimum (watering in the evening is the next best time). In general, water thoroughly, but infrequently to help roots go deeper, resulting in more water-efficient, drought-tolerant plants and grass.

Patience, my dear. Patience.

2011-05-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

As hard as it is to wait, let your soil dry out before you work it—or even walk on it very much—advises Carol Westergreen, owner of Out in the Garden Nursery. You’ll be glad you waited. Almost everyone in the Northwest has an abundance of clay in their soil. Clay is notorious for poor drainage and when wet, it is easily compacted. Without the addition of organic matter, when clay dries out it becomes hard and difficult to work. To determine when it’s a good time to work your soil, pick up a hand full and gently squeeze your hand into a fist. If you have a wad of soil when you open your hand it’s still too wet to work. If it crumbles, get planting!

Recently, I was able to get some of my garden planted in areas that are typically considered “dry shade” during the summer months, but the rest of the garden is still too wet to get much done (although plucking those early weeds is satisfying work at this time of year, as is pruning). Those ornamental Alliums I bought at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show, are just going to have to wait at least another week before getting tucked into their new garden home.

For information to help you improve your garden soil, click here.

Lots of Gardening Events!

2011-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Photo: Rare Plant Research

There are too many garden events to list all of them but this is a good selection of what's out there; many of them are free. Check your local garden center Web site for event listings. Enjoy!

May 6-June 5, Iris Festival, Schreiner's Gardens, Salem—Make a tour of Schreiner's Iris Gardens one of your springtime traditions. During bloom season, the 10 acres of display gardens are open from dawn to dusk. The gardens contain 500 named Iris varieties that will be in bloom. Bring the family for a picnic lunch (tables are available) or steal a romantic moment at the end of the day surrounded by blooms and sunset. Parking and admission is free. Schreiner's Cut Flower Show is 9am- 6pm. Cut flowers are available on site for $6.00 per dozen.

May 12, 19, 26 & June 2, 10am-2pm, Legacy Gardens Annual Spring Plant Sales—Rain or shine. Top quality, locally grown plants from N & N Garden Farm; they grow with healthy, safe, organic practices (cash and checks only to N & N). Plant sales benefit the healing garden maintenance funds and are at Good Samaritan Stenzel Healing Garden (5/12), Meridian Park Healing Garden (5/19), Emanuel Lorenzen Courtyard (5/26) and Good Samaritan Stenzel Garden (6/2). For more information, please contact Teresia Hazen, Legacy Therapeutic Gardens at 503.413.6507 or thazen@lhs.org. See the gardens at www.legacyhealth.org/gardens. Maps at www.legacyhealth.org/maps.

May 13 through August, The Oregon Garden —Help select the best of seven new flower varieties. The Oregon Garden plays host to a 2011 American Garden Award flower competition where the public is encouraged to vote for their favorites. For more information, log on to www.americangardenaward.com/.

May 15, 11am, What to do in the Veggie Garden: May & June, Portland Nursery (SE Division location), Portland – Discover what to do in the veggie garden for the months of May & June! Tim Lanfri, of Community Garden Creators, will talk about the ideal crops to plant and harvest, important garden tasks (cover cropping, watering, mulching, fertilizing, etc.), and the various undesirable pests that might patrol your garden. Click here to register for this class.

May 15, 1pm, Amplifying the Garden with Containers, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose—Lucy Hardiman will share how a well-chosen and well-planted container becomes much more than an art object with it is used purposefully in the garden as a focal point of a garden bed, as a complement to a plant vignette, screening an unsightly view or transitioning from one part of the garden to another.

May 18, 4-7pm, Garden's Night Out, Schreiner's Gardens, Salem—Enjoy music and merriment as part of the Keizer Iris Festival kick-off. There will be food, drinks, and wine for purchase and a drawing for a beautiful Iris collection or a rare private tour and tutoring by Schreiner brothers Steve and Ray. Special guest Sue Bielemeier of Green Thumb Florist will be providing free instruction on flower arranging with a focus on the use of Iris in arrangements. Parking and admission free; food, drinks, and wine for purchase.

May 21-22, 11am-4pm, Open Nurseries, Rare Plant Research, Oregon City—Gardeners have one weekend a year to join in the garden festivities on mile long Criteser Rd. near Oregon City, Oregon. Four specialty nurseries, including Amber Hill Nursery, open their doors for free garden design advice (bring photos), garden exploration, wine tasting, lunch and rare plant sales. For more information, directions and photos please visit http://www.rareplantresearch.com/.

May 21, 10:45am, Strawberry Care, Drake's 7 Dees Nursery (Stark Street location), Portland—There is nothing like fresh Oregon strawberries, and nothing better than getting them from your own garden. This mini clinic will give you insights you'll need to create your very own strawberry fields.

May 21, 1pm, Designing Your Garden: Pulling it all Together, Garden Fever!, Portland—Gary Marsh, Marsh & Fear Garden Solutions, will focus on the key elements that create good garden design, including assessing your garden site, determining your personal style, creating a site plan, dealing with hardscape issues and introducing plants for good scale and balance. He will also touch on how structures such as arbors, fences and decks can be integrated into your overall plan. A free event but reservations are required: call 503.287.3200.

May 21, 1-2:30pm, Building a Pondless Waterfall, Portland Nursery (SE Division location), Portland—George Bowman will be teaching you how to build a pondless waterfall. Topics covered will be design, installation, care, and troubleshooting. George has been ponding since 1976 and has been the past president of the local Koi and Goldfish Club. Click here to register for this class.

May 22, 11am, Native Plants in the Landscape, Portland Nursery (SE Division location), Portland—Discover the endless benefits of integrating native plants into the landscape. Jen Aron, of Peaceful Gardens, will talk about why native plants are so important to our urban landscape, and highlight how natives can attract beneficial wildlife to your garden. She will also discuss some great native plant selections for sun, shade and small urban lots. Click here to register for this class.

May 27-29, American Peony Society Convention—Peonies will be celebrated with the first ever west coast APS convention. There will be competition flower exhibitions for commercial growers and home gardeners, and if you're a member of the APS (there's a $25 fee to join), there will be tours and workshops. The public gets free admission to the flower displays and vendors on Saturday afternoon, May 28, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wilsonville (Ore.) Holiday Inn. Peonies will be shipped in from all across the country; it's a real treat to see what the different growers consider their best. For more information, click here.

May 28, 10am-4pm, Inviting Vines IV Garden Tour, Friends of the Rogerson Clematis Collection, Portland area—Tour five private gardens in SE Portland and the Rogerson Clematis Collection garden at Luscher Farm in Lake Oswego. See how local gardeners integrate these unique and beautiful vines in their versions of paradise. Tickets may be purchased on-line at http://www.rogersonclematiscollection.org/ or at Dennis' Seven Dees Nursery, Magnolia Manor, Garden Fever, Portland Nursery (SE Stark location), Joy Creek Nursery, Farmington Gardens, Gardener's Choice, Digs and 13th St Nursery in Salem. Ticket Price: $20.00; benefits the Friends of the Rogerson Clematis Collection.

May 29, 11am, Shade Gardening 101, Portland Nursery (SE Division location), Portland—Learn great tips and techniques for creating structure and beautiful contrasts in the shade garden with Jen Aron, of Peaceful Gardens. Jen will talk about the rewards and challenges of gardening in the shade, and the diversity it can bring to your landscape. She will go over the specifics of gardening in partial shade vs. deep shade, dry shade vs. moist shade. She will also share great plant picks and her favorite shade-loving flowers to brighten any shade garden. Click here to register for this class.

May 30, 11:30am-4pm, Memorial Day Chicken BBQ, Schreiner's Gardens, Salem—Features the culinary delights of the Gervais Knights of Columbus, and offers the lively music of the Capital City Jazz Band from 1-5pm. This annual event takes place every Memorial Day and is filled with fun for the whole family. Cost: $10.00.

June 4, 10am-4pm, Couples Workshop: Build Your Own Willow Furniture, Farmington Gardens, Beaverton—This has been a very popular workshop in the past, and this year they decided to make it for couples. Bring your sweetie and have fun creating a garden bench, chair, plant stand, end table, plant trough, or trellis. Have the satisfaction of taking home your unique piece of furniture at the end of the day! Class fee: $125; $10 registration fee.

June 5, 1pm, What to do in the Garden in June, Farmington Gardens, Beaverton—New to gardening? Need a little extra garden coaching? If you are new to gardening, it can be a puzzle to know what to do in the garden throughout the different seasons. Tony Van Houtin can help you learn when the right time is for different garden activities. Bring your questions!

June 11, 1pm, The Cutting Garden, Portland Nursery (SE Stark location), Portland—A fabulous cutting garden is not limited to full sun annual plants. Linda Beutler, author of From Garden to Vase will give suggestions of great plants for bouquets for all types of garden situations. She will bring some of her inspiring bouquets to showcase different styles of arranging flowers. Click here to register for this class.

June 12, 1pm, Terrarium Craft, Portland Nursery (SE Division location), Portland—Easy to make and a wonder to behold, terrariums are winning over a new generation of crafters and gardeners. Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant, authors of Terrarium Craft, offer up everything a beginning terrarium crafter needs to get started, from advice about tools and materials, information about plant choices and simple maintenance tips. Click here to register for this class.

June 17-19, Oregon Cactus & Succulents Show & Sale, Portland Nursery (SE Division location), Portland—Find rare and hard to find specimen cacti and other succulents.

June 18, 10am-4pm, Behind-the-Scenes Garden Tour, presented by the Association of Northwest Landscape Designers – Showcasing eight professionally designed private gardens in the Portland Metro and Lake Oswego areas. The landscape designer of each garden will be on hand to share their experience and inspire with fresh, new ideas for the landscape. Proceeds benefit ANLD's scholarship programs for aspiring landscape designers. $20 per person. Buy tickets online or at select garden centers.

June 18, 10am-4pm, Flower Show, Shorty's Home & Garden , Vancouver—The Lewis & Clark District Garden Clubs in Vancouver, Wash., are holding a flower show (horticulture and design).

June 25-26, Pink Days to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Farmington Gardens, Beaverton. Pink plants, guest speakers, live music, food, local wine tasting, children's activities, and more. Visit their Web site for details.

June 25, 11am-12:30pm, Year Round Vegetable Gardening, Portland Nursery (SE Division location), Portland—Join Tim Lanfri, of Community Garden Creators, to learn techniques for growing and harvesting fresh produce throughout the entire year, even in the "dead of winter"! Tim will discuss topics such as timing your plantings, fall and winter growing techniques, and how to maximize your harvest without a greenhouse. Click here to register for this class.

June 29, 3-7pm, Ladies Night Out, Drakes 7 Dees (Stark St. location), Portland—Annual ladies night out celebration event. Visit their Web site for event details and specials.

New Spring Stars

2011-05-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

I’m adding new plants to my garden all the time, but I’m not always very good at checking how they are doing, especially perennials. (In fact, sometimes I don’t even know whether they live or die because I don’t have a good system in place to track my where I put them, and their plastic plant tags are often lost or broken.) A few days ago during a sun break, I wandered around the yard to see how my plants were doing. A number of things I planted last year are proving to be delightful spring surprises.

Uvularia grandiflora (Great Merrybells, Bellwort)

I found this at Dancing Oaks Nursery because I was charmed by its nodding, yellow bell-shaped flowers. It’s native to the Eastern US and Canada; according to the USDA, it’s endangered in Connecticut and New Hampshire, perhaps because the deer find it tasty. The arching stems reach 12-24 inches tall and the flowers on my plant are almost two inches in length. Prefers shade to part-shade. I can’t wait to have this grow into a larger clump!

Erysimum capitatum (Western Wallflower)

Native to the western US, this tangerine-colored, short-lived perennial is supposed to attract butterflies. I sure hope so! I found it at Doak Creek Native Plant Nursery, a native nursery tucked in the hills southwest of Eugene.

Lamium orvala (Giant Dead Nettle)

This Lamium was recommended to me by Maurice Horn at Joy Creek Nursery (he assured me it was well-behaved and wouldn’t take over my garden like other Lamium are prone to do). A native of Europe, its hooded orchid-like flowers appear in whorls. It offers wide leaves and grows 26-30 inches high and 30 inches wide. Plant it in part shade.

Berberis thunbergii ‘Orange Rocket’

A new introduction that may be hard to find in the garden centers for a few years, but certainly worth asking about. ‘Orange Rocket’ is an upright, columnar form of Barberry. As you can see from the photo its new spring foliage is a vibrant coral-orange that ages to mid-green then offers bright orange-red fall color. Foliage colors best when grown in full sun. Deciduous and modest in size, it grows 36-48 inches tall and only 12-16 wide.

Viola glabella (Pioneer Violet)

I have been adding more natives to my garden, starting with those that are host plants for butterflies. The Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly (don’t you LOVE that name!) lays its eggs on the Pioneer Violet; the caterpillars eats its leaves to survive. This lovely yellow violet is now a bright spot in my shady woodland garden. This is one violet I’d be delighted to have spread as much as it wants!

Share what you consider to be spring stars with us.

Gardening ABC's—or rather NPK's

2011-05-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Adapted from the April e-newsletter from HydrangeasPlus®

The three essential components of fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the N-P-K numbers on any fertilizer. Nitrogen (N) is for healthy green growth; it helps the plant to grow chlorophyll. Phosphorus (P) helps a plant grow good roots and stems in the early growth season then in flower production. Potassium (K) helps your plants generate and process nutrients. A mix like 10-30-10 is great for flowers on your annuals and perennials.

Hydrangeas, as an example, do best with a balanced fertilizer. Kristin VanHoose, owner of HydrangeasPlus®, prefers the granular time-released kind that delivers nutrients to the plant over a three-four month period. Water breaks down the outside coating of the fertilizer slowly and nutrients don't dwindle out in the active spring growth season. Soil should be slightly moist when applying the granulated variety and keep the fertilizer off the foliage to prevent burn. When hydrangea leaves start showing through the leaf nodes, it's time for an application of time release fertilizer, according to Kristin.

If you prefer an organic or natural fertilizer alternative, your local garden center should be able to give you good advice (check the OAN’s online Retail Nursery Guide for garden centers near you).

Tip-toe Through the Tulips

2011-05-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was a beautiful day in Oregon so we slipped out of the office and headed to OAN member Wooden Shoe Bulb Company and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Spring bulbs turn stress and doom and gloom into smiles; it was a perfect way to end the week. With thousands of colorful tulips in the fields, there were smiles and laughter in abundance. I wanted to share a few of my blooming favorites with you. For best selection, download a catalog and order your bulbs now for fall planting.

Burning Heart – A white Darwin Hybrid with touches of red and yellow blooming mid-late spring. Grows to about 18 inches. (Not sold in this year’s Wooden Shoe catalog.)

Daydream – A Darwin Hybrid blooming mid-spring. Opens yellow and turns orange as flowers mature. Introduced in 1980. Grows to 20 inches.

Inzell – The catalog description describes the color as ivory-white but it looked like a brilliant white to me. A Triumph tulip that blooms mid-spring. Grows to 16 inches.

Jimmy – This was my favorite massed in the field. It’s a rose color edged in orange. Introduced in 1962, it grows 12-18 inches tall. A Triumph Tulip blooming mid-spring. [Jimmy-tulip photo credit: Courtesy of Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm]

New Design – A soft pink and cream Triumph Tulip with cream-edged leaves. Introduced in 1974, grows 12-18 inches and blooms in mid-season.

Orange Favourite – A fragrant Parrot Tulip with curled and serrated orange petals with a touch of green and yellow. This bulb was introduced in 1930, grows to 20-24 inches and blooms mid-late spring.

Prinses Irene – This orange with purple flame Triumph Tulip is stunning. It was introduced in 1949 and grows to 14 inches.

Pretty Woman – A Lily-Flowered Tulip, it is fire engine red, blooms mid-season and grows to about 16 inches.

I Remember You

2011-05-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

By Gardennia nutii

We had our first really brilliant day this past Saturday and like many avid gardeners, I spent the day in the yard weeding, planting, pruning, hauling, dividing, bending, kneeling, and…enjoying the sun. And like many avid gardeners I woke up the next morning remembering a few muscles I’d forgotten and that the sun can indeed burn skin if given ample chance.

There are some great websites to help gardeners combat the strains we put on our bodies. From general gardening safety, to great stretching exercises, to overall tips on how to protect your back when gardening. I think the most shocking site I found after limping into my office that next morning has to do with something I wasn’t inflicted with – injury associated with power lawn and garden tools. Wow…who knew that 135,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms in 1992 for injuries associated with power lawn and garden tools?

It is one thing to find this information, but quite another to internalize and use it. So I’m capturing my thoughts and pains in this write-up as reminder to use my head a bit more on our next sunny Oregon day.

Earthly Connections

2011-04-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”

-John Muir

We owe a debt of gratitude to John Muir and other visionaries that preserved portions of the wilderness and its complex ecosystems for creatures and humans alike. Muir petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park Bill that was passed in 1899, establishing both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and is often referred to as the “Father of the National Parks.”

"Muir has profoundly shaped the very categories through which Americans understand and envision their relationships with the natural world," writes Steven J. Holmes, a Muir biographer. Muir also saw nature as his own home, as when he wrote friends and described the Sierra as "God's mountain mansion." John Muir related to the smallest thing within the grand scheme of great natural beauty. "The very stones seem talkative, sympathetic, brotherly. No wonder when we consider that we all have the same Father and Mother." He considered the mountains home. I think it is fair to apply the metaphor to how I feel about the garden. It’s a place of comfort and safety. It’s a place of nourishment and quieting the soul. It’s important.

So as we celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day and every day, I’m grateful for those that have helped us see, understand and honor our connectedness with Mother Earth. I leave you with this John Muir quote:

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature,

he finds it attached to the rest of the world."

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