Growing Rhododendrons on Whidbey Island

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Rhododendrons are ubiquitous in Pacific Northwest gardens—to the point where some would consider them a “boring” addition to the landscape. But the case for planting rhododendrons is strong: These evergreen shrubs are hardy and resistant to diseases and pests, with a long blooming period. They tolerate freezing temperatures better than most other broadleaf plants. They also thrive in part shade and moist and acidic soils, making them perfect candidates for the Pacific Northwest!

Rhodies are one of the most widely hybridized plants in the world, but the original species still exist. “Species Rhodies,” as they’re called, are found growing in nature across the Northern Hemisphere, with a high concentration in the Sino-Himalaya area (think Eastern China).

Although not widely available, these “Species Rhodies” are being cultivated and sold by a few growers in the Pacific Northwest, including Chimacum Woods in Port Ludlow, Washington. That’s where Venture Out Nursery sources their selection of Species Rhodies!

Rhodies arrived in Europe during the height of the Renaissance, during the age of exploration. The first collected Species Rhodies were brought to England in 1656, and the shrubs were soon incorporated into many European gardens. Rhododendrons were able to withstand the collection and delivery process better than other plants, due to their fibrous and relatively shallow root systems.

Optimal Rhododendron Growing Conditions

Sun: Sun and shade tolerance vary among varieties, but in general, rhodies prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.

Soil: Rhodies need acidic, loamy, well-drained, moist soils.

Deer: Rhododendrons are generally deer-resistant, although young plants should be protected from curious fawns.

Pruning: The canopy can be carefully cut back by up to 1/3. The best time for pruning is usually after the blooming period has just ended (summer to fall, depending on the species).

Fertilization: Rhodies will benefit from an all-purpose or slightly acidic fertilizer, like the “Azalea, Rhododendron, & Camellia” fertilizer by G&B, which is now in stock at Venture Out Nursery. Rhodies can be fertilized in the early spring as the shrubs are beginning to bud, to encourage blooms and new growth. 

Favorite Species Rhododendrons

Large Leaves

Rhododendron kesangiae: Rose pink flowers fade to pastels. Superb large leaves, and one of the most reliable and hardiest of all rhododendrons. Can grow into a large shrub or a small tree.

Rhododendron fictolacteum: White flowers with deep purple spots on throat. Leaves can grow up to 1 foot long with fuzzy orange undersides. Can grow 5 feet in 10 years.

Rhododendron rex: Glossy, large leathery leaves, pale white flowers with rosy tints, and dark purple spots. Can grow 6 feet in 10 years.

Unusual Flowers or Foliage

Rhododendron orbiculare: Soft pink, bell-shaped flowers. Wide, rounded leaves can resemble lily pads. Compact growth habit.

Rhododendron spinuliferum: Tubular blooms in red, soft orange, and white. Unusual twisting, airy growth habit means this shrub won’t have the tidy, rounded shape of many rhodies. Long, deeply veined leaves add interest. Can grow 8 feet with 10+ years.

Rhododendron wiltonii: Soft pink blooms blotched with darker rose tones. Leaves have prominent veins and cinnamon-colored undersides. Forms a rounded shrub 4‒5 feet high in 10 years.

Fragrant Flowers

Rhododendron auriculatum: A late-bloomer (July‒August) with white flowers that sometimes blush pink and are always deliciously fragrant. Hairy, narrow green leaves. Can grow 6 feet in 10 years.

Rhododendron decorum: Late-blooming white, fragrant blossoms. Can grow 10 feet in 10 years, larger with time.

Hummingbird Early Favorites

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Looking for plants that hummingbirds love? Anna’s hummingbirds, the only species to overwinter rather than migrate south, will especially appreciate these cold season bloomers. During the long months of January, February, and March, nectar is less abundant. But with spring in the air, this is the perfect time to plant your garden for next year’s winter hummingbird buffet!

Pulmonaria

Also called lungwort, this shade-loving perennial is blooming now in a variety of colors, from hot pink to violet blue. Pulmonaria is a rich source of nectar, providing food for bees and butterflies, as well as hummingbirds. The rough leaf texture deters the three most common garden pests on Whidbey Island: slugs, rabbits, and deer. Pulmonaria’s attractive spotted leaves are very resistant to powdery mildew, and it blooms well in part sun to deep shade.

‘Yuletide’ Camellia

Yuletide is one of the earliest blooming camellias. With bright red petals and a golden center, it’s no wonder these flowers attract hummingbirds. This glossy-leafed evergreen shrub blooms well even in part shade.

Mahonia x media ‘Charity’

This winter-blooming shrub has already flowered for the season, but the vivid yellow, fragrant flowers provided food for overwintering hummingbirds in December and January. Mahonia is also deer and rabbit resistant, and tolerant of both sun and shade.

Hellebore

With a variety of flower colors and leaf textures, the selection of hellebores seems endless. These perennials bloom from January to March, are shade tolerant, and are both deer and rabbit resistant.

Flowering Currant

A native flowering shrub that bursts into bloom in March, just in time to feed the returning migratory hummingbirds. Even with the recent cold weather, we saw some flowering currants blooming last week!

Bleeding Heart

These nodding pink blooms appear in early spring, attracting hungry hummingbirds. Bleeding heart prefers moist soil and part shade.

Other Hummingbird Attractors

Water Sources

Hummingbirds need access to shallow pools of water for drinking and bathing. Shallow bird baths (we’ve got some beauties!) or garden misters are recommended.

Hiding Places

These tiny birds need a place to rest, out of view of predators. Tall shrubs offer the perfect respite.

Healthy, Organic Gardens

Did you know hummingbirds also eat insects? It turns out they can’t survive on sugar alone! Hummingbirds need to consume small insects and spiders for protein, so cultivating an organic garden free of chemical pesticides will provide them with a balanced diet.

Undisturbed Nests

Be careful when pruning or removing trees in your landscape: there might be a hummingbird (or other bird species) nest up there! Hummingbirds lay eggs the size of jelly beans in late winter/early spring, and hatchlings remain in the nest 3 weeks after they emerge. By May or June, the hatchlings should fly away and a nesting tree can be removed.

Venture Out for the Holidays!

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Venture Out Plant Nursery is open all year round, and we’re excited to share the magic of the holidays with you! Starting November the day after Thanksgiving, locally sourced Christmas trees will be available. We also have delightful ornaments, woodland-themed holiday décor, a hands-on wreath-making class, marshmallow roasting (on weekends only), and more. There’s something for everyone this season at Venture Out!

Whether you’re interested in a beautiful living conifer to plant after the holidays or a Washington-grown cut Christmas tree, we have the tree for you. Our selection includes the most popular Christmas firs: Douglas, Grand, Nordmann, and Noble. Will you be drawn to the classic look of our Pacific Northwest native Douglas fir or the rich green boughs of the Grand? The stiff branches of the Nobles are perfect for heavier ornaments, while the Nordmann is the preferred Christmas tree of Europe, with its dense rounded needles and minimal fragrance.

For your viewing pleasure, our Christmas trees are displayed upright and unwrapped. On weekends, shoppers can warm their hands at our cheery open fire, and even roast a marshmallow for a “make-your-own-s’more” experience… Christmas tree shopping has never been this fun! Our staff will wrap and load trees into your vehicle, but first the trees are shaken by Venture Out’s special machine, to shed excess needles and reduce mess on the way home.

Come find your perfect Christmas tree, and spread the holiday cheer!

For more information, contact us at the nursery: (360) 321-9931 or contact@ventureoutnursery.com.

Written by Olivia Round.

Winter Blooming Plants for Whidbey Island Gardens

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Winter on Whidbey Island can be hard. Short days, gray skies, and dormant plants can make for a gloomy garden. But your landscape doesn’t have to be all bare sticks and dark conifers! There are plants, shrubs, and trees that take a back seat all summer to showy perennials, just so they can shine in these colder months.

We’re offering a “Winter Interest Plants” class at the Nursery on Saturday, October 27 at 11:00 am. It will be a fun and informative showcase of plants that can bring joy and color to your winter garden! Register today by calling (360) 321-9931 or emailing olivia@ventureoutnursery.com

And if you can’t join us for the class, read on for an inspiring list of plants that bloom anywhere from November to February.

Winter-blooming herbaceous perennials

Hardy Cyclamen – Toxic to rabbits and deer. Leaves emerge in the fall and flowers bloom throughout winter. These tough, hardy plants will spread and colonize an area with time. Prefer very well-draining soils in shaded areas.

Hellebore – One of the first blooming plants in the New Year! Toxic to deer and rabbits. Prefer well-drained organic soils and filtered sun to shade. Hellebores are evergreen, but we recommend cutting the leaves off entirely by early January, before they flower. This will give the plants a fresh start and prevent any of last year’s mold or harmful bacteria from infecting the new blooms.

Winter-blooming Small Shrubs (4 to 6 feet)

Corylopsis Pauciflora aka “Buttercup Winter Hazel” – Fragrant yellow flowers. Grows to 6’ x 4’.

Winter Daphne – We have Daphne Odora “Marginata” in stock. Needs regular moisture and filtered sun. Fragrant, pale pink flowers continue from winter to early spring. Evergreen variegated leaves help to brighten shady spots. Grows to 4’ x 4’.

Mahonia x Media “Winter Sun” – An evergreen shrub with fragrant yellow flowers in late winter and spring, with dusty blue berries in summer. This tough plant can adapt to sun or shade, moist or dry, with time. Slow growing to 6’ x 5’.

Sarcoccoca – These are the small white flowers with a really BIG fragrance, appearing in late winter and early spring. Deer and rabbit resistant, it has evergreen, glossy leaves and is perfect for dry shade.  

  • S. Humilis “Sarsid 2” aka “Fragrant Valley” – Covered in small fragrant white flowers, it blooms for several weeks in late winter. Perfect for dry shade and very disease resistant. Grows to 15 inches high x 3 feet wide.
  • S. Confusa “Shrubby Sweetbox” – Blooms late winter to early spring. Grows to 3’ x 5’.
  • S. Ruscafolia – Blooms January and February. Grows to 4’ x 6’.

Red Flowering Currant (native) – One of the first blooms for hummingbirds in early spring. Attractive cascades of red to pink flowers. Grows to 6’ x 5’.

Winter-blooming Large Shrubs (6 to 12 feet)

Witch Hazel – Large green leaves appear in spring and summer, taking a back seat to other showier garden plants. But in the fall, a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows spread throughout the leaves, and then in late winter, fragrant blossoms appear on the bare branches.

  • Hamamelis x “Diane” – Mildly fragrant orangey-red flowers. Grows to 12’ x 12’.
  • Hamamelis x Intermedia “Jelena” – Colorful fall foliage followed by coppery-orange blooms. Grows to 8’ x 12’.
  • Hamamelis x Intermedia “Arnold Promise” – One of the best for year-round color. Yellow flowers bloom profusely, and they have a delicious scent! Grows to 12’ x 12’.
  • Hamamelis x Intermedia “Sunburst” – By far the brightest yellow flowers of any witch hazel. Grows to 12’ x 12’.

Camellia Sasanqua – Blooms in fall and winter, while other camelias bloom in spring. Glossy evergreen foliage can make an attractive informal hedge or privacy screen. Can grow well under large, established trees, but needs at least some filtered sunlight.

  • “Yuletide” – Red flowers with a yellow center bloom near Christmas, as the name suggests. Bush has an upright habit. Grows to 8’ x 10’.
  • “Kraemer’s Supreme” – Has large, double-petaled red flowers, reminiscent of Peony blooms. More shade tolerant than the other two varieties. Grows to 6’ x 8’.
  • “Setsugekka” – Ruffled white flowers with yellow centers. Bush has a semi-weeping habit and can be espaliered. Grows to 8’ x 10’.

Winter Jasmine – Jasmine Nudiflorum – Small white flowers in January are scentless, as opposed to other, more fragrant types of Jasmine. This evergreen plant can be described as a “scrambling shrub,” rather than a vine, because it can grow up to 15 feet tall with support, or just 4’ x 7’ on its own.

Stachyurus Chimensis “Joy Forever” – Long, lacey, pale yellow flower buds appear on bare branches of this deciduous shrub in late winter. Variegated foliage is green with creamy edges in the summer, changing to bronze in fall. Likes acidic soil. Grows to 6’ x 10’.

Stop by the Nursery to peruse our selection, or give us a call at (360) 321-9931 for more information!

Written by Olivia Round.

Japanese Maples

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We love Japanese Maples. These deciduous trees provide year-round interest, offering a wide variety of colors and texture in the spring, summer, and fall, with elegant branches visible in the winter.

Stop by the Nursery today to find your next fall favorite. Will it be the plum-colored Purple Sentinel? A blushing Red Emperor? A sneak-attack Osakasuki, that makes a sudden change from deep green to fiery red in the fall? Or perhaps you’d prefer the vibrant yellows of the Ichigyoji’s autumn leaves? We have all of these varieties and dozens more available for your viewing pleasure!

Tips for Success

Sun

Japanese Maples prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Most maples will burn in the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Even the more “sun-tolerant” Maples can show signs of leaf burn during the first few growing seasons until they fully adjust to their location. Conversely, putting Maples in deep shade will make their fall color less vibrant.

Soil

Well-drained, compost-rich soil is best for Japanese Maples. If you have heavy clay or sandy soil, and need to amend it, we recommend products such as Gardner & Bloome’s Soil Conditioner or Purely Compost. Just ask us which soil amendment is right for you!

Salt

These trees are not suited for coastal areas with strong winds and salt spray. If there’s any chance that airborne salt will get on the tree, plant it somewhere more protected!

Containers

Japanese Maples can live for many years in large containers, provided they have good drainage and consistent watering. Proper pruning boosts a containerized Maples’ health and vigor. Also, a handful of all-purpose fertilizer applied once a year will be greatly appreciated by your tree! Depending on pot size, a small Maple may need to be root-pruned and re-potted as it grows.

Deer

Unfortunately, deer love Japanese Maples as much as we do. Younger trees are particularly vulnerable, whereas more established trees aren’t as affected by occasional grazing. You’ll want to protect small Japanese Maples from deer with a liquid spray or, preferably, a physical barrier. See our recent “Oh Deer!” blog post for more tips to keep your garden safe from deer.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call, email, or stop by the Nursery for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Written by Olivia Round.

Plants, Shrubs, and Trees for Whidbey Island’s Heavy Clay Soils

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Hard-packed clay soils are a challenge. Clay is a common occurrence in Whidbey Island landscapes, and it poses unending challenges to local gardeners. Clay soils become mucky and wet in winter rains, then hard as concrete in summer drought. The wet winter clay mud can drown plant roots, whereas the bone-dry summer clay is difficult to penetrate with a garden hose.

Many landowners work to improve their clay soils with berms, drainage systems, and soil additives. Some Whidbey gardeners build raised beds, filling them with amended soil. (Here at Venture Out Nursery, we carry an excellent soil conditioner product from Gardner & Bloome that can be mixed into existing clay to help aerate and improve drainage.)

Fortunately, there’s an even easier method to dealing with clay: choose plants that thrive in it. Here are a few of our favorite plants that grow well in clay soils.

Clay-Tolerant Perennials

Blooming perennials for sunny clay spots include Bee Balm, Camas and Calla Lilies, Cardinal Flower, Ligularia, and Butterfly Weed. Siberian Iris, especially, are known for their ability to thrive in both drought and standing water.

Ostrich Fern is a great choice for a shady area.

Clay-Tolerant Grasses

Miscanthus Sinensis and Panicum Virgatum are two perennial grasses that can grow in clay.

Clay-Tolerant Shrubs

Red Twig Dogwood, Serviceberry, and Snowberry are all clay-tolerant native shrubs.

Clay-Tolerant Trees

Trees for clay soils are Gingko and River Birch. Gingko has the added benefit of thriving in coastal conditions. (For more plants that love the coast, check out our previous blog post: Plants for Whidbey’s Coastal Bluffs.)

Feel free to contact us at Venture Out Plant Nursery for further information! We love finding just the right plants for your unique landscape.

Written by Olivia Round.

Got Western Exposure? Plants, Shrubs, & Trees for Whidbey Island’s Coastal Gardens

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Hot afternoon sun, salt spray, strong winds, and sandy soils pose a special challenge to Whidbey Island’s coastal gardens. Luckily, some beautiful plants can thrive even in these tough conditions! Here is a list of plants for coastal landscaping that are typically in stock at Venture Out Nursery.

Groundcovers for Coastal Conditions

Sedums: Tough, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant, these evergreen groundcovers practically thrive on neglect! We have many awesome varieties at Venture Out, such as Blue Spruce.

Coastal Strawberry: A hardy Northwest native, this compact plant spreads well in coastal conditions. Small white flowers appear in spring, becoming red summer fruit that attracts birds. We have Coastal Strawberries currently on sale for 30% off while supplies last!

Sage, Rosemary, & Thyme: These hearty herbs are tough enough even for coastal conditions. Their beautiful, compact foliage is evergreen and spreads happily. (Over time, Rosemary and Sage can grow to be shrub-sized.) We have many different colors and textures of these perennial wonders available at Venture Out.

Perennial Blooms for Coastal Conditions

Lavateras: Many species are native to the California coast, and these tall plants with their large, sweetly colored blooms are a welcome addition to any Northwest coastal landscape as well! Both the pale pink “Barnsley” and magenta “Bredon Springs” Lavateras are available here at Venture Out Nursery.

Wallflowers: Tough, deer-resistant, and colorful, these are a staple in many Northwest gardens and are hardy enough to handle coastal conditions, too. We have yellow, “Apricot Twist,” and purple Wallflowers available here at the Nursery.

Yarrow: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and bursting with summer color, Yarrow are available at Venture Out in “Moonshine” yellow, “Siren Song Little Susie” pink, and “Fireland” orange.

Lavender: A hardy Northwest favorite! Check out our selection at the Nursery, which includes the unusual “Platinum Blonde” variegated lavender, as well as more traditional varieties like “Phenomenal” and “Hidcote.”

Irises: These perennials are amazingly tough. Some varieties, like the “Rose Ark” Iris, can tolerate both standing water and dry sand. They’re carefree, easy to grow, and may even naturalize in your garden. We have some of these beauties currently on sale at Venture Out for 30% off while supplies last!

Bergenia: With its leathery green leaves, these super hardy plants can handle life on the coast. We currently have “Diamond Drop” in stock, a rare dwarf variety with lovely white flowers in summer.

Santolina: Silvery evergreen foliage is drought-tolerant and ready for the coast, with a strong camphor smell that can be used to repel moths. It produces cheery yellow flowers in summer. Come smell our Santolina at the Nursery today!

Grasses for Coastal Conditions

Blue Fescue: Drought-tolerant in shady conditions, but equally happy in full sun, this beautifully colored grass is a great addition to seaside garden borders. We’re featuring some Blue Fescue in our front display tables right now!

Miscanthus: So many tall, tough Miscanthus varieties to choose from! They add texture to any garden. One of our favorites is Morning Light with its shimmering silvery appearance.

Shrubs & Hedges for Coastal Conditions

Rock Rose: The cistus family make excellent evergreen groundcovers, with rose-like blooms in the early summer. These shrubs can spread and grow up to 4–6 feet tall! Visit us at the Nursery to see the different colored blooms and foliage on varieties like “Orchid,” “Mickey,” and “Sunset.”

Escalonia “Pink Princess:” A fast-growing, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant evergreen shrub with shiny leaves that show no signs of spotting—even with salty spray. It produces beautiful pink flowers in summer and can be pruned to create a nice screen or hedge.

Barberry: From neon yellow and green to fiery red and deep purple, there’s a Barberry for every Northwest garden. Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and brilliantly colored, this deciduous shrub is a great choice for hedges and colorful landscape accents. Come see our collection at Venture Out today!

Dwarf Shore Pines: These slow-growers are one of the few varieties of conifer that can handle salty ocean spray, and they’re available here at our Nursery.

Rugosa Roses & Rugosa Rose Hybrids: These hearty Roses form nice hedges in seaside gardens, thriving even in wind, salty air, sun, and sandy soils. (Venture Out is currently sold out of these beauties, but we’ll have them again next year!)

Trees for Coastal Conditions

Hornbeam: A beautiful deciduous tree with eye-catching foilage, the Hornbeam grows to 20–30 feet high and is at home on the coast and in the sun. Four of these trees are currently available at our Nursery!

Ginko: Heralded as a “living fossil” and one of the oldest tree species on the planet, the deciduous broadleaf Ginko tolerates coastal conditions and likes sunshine. We have just a couple left here at Venture Out, and they’re gorgeous!

Whether you live high on a western bluff or down by the Sound on Whidbey’s east side, Venture Out has plants for you. We love catering to our Whidbey Island clientele and encourage you to drop by our Nursery or call with any questions!

Written by Olivia Round.

Drought Tolerant Plants

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Even with nine months of rain, Pacific Northwest summers can be challenging for gardeners because of the lack of water. Any plant will need a few years of water to become established, but once they are, there are a number of plants that will thrive without much irrigation. Here are a few ideas for shrubs, perennials, and trees that thrive in the Pacific Northwest, without a lot of irrigation.

Shrubs

Pacific Wax Myrtle (Morella californica) – This easy, adaptable shrub is a Pacific Northwest native and can thrive in nearly all light conditions from full sun to full shade. Its evergreen nature makes it a perfect backdrop plant in the garden, or to form an excellent hedge. It takes pruning well but can also grow into a 10’- 15’ small tree if desired. In late summer it will produce clusters of small black fruit which last until midwinter. Birds love it! It performs best in well-draining soil but can also tolerate sandy and clay soils. This deer-resistant native is a ‘great plant pick’ for the pacific northwest, and with good reason!

Strawberry Tree (Arbutus Unedo) – Here’s to a shrub that has it all – showy fruit, flowers, bark and evergreen leaves! From October to December the shrub is covered in clusters of small, white flowers with fused petals (like a blueberry’s flower). Alongside the flowers are large round fruits that ripen from orange to red. The combination of the flowers and fruit together is quite stunning and will attract pollinators. The leaves are a beautiful dark green which goes well with the mottled, cinnamon-colored bark. This shrub grows best in full sun but will tolerate some shade.

Alpine Mint Bus (Prostanthera cuneata) – Just as the name implies; this small Australian native has a wonderful minty fragrance. The tiny leaves are evergreen and will only grow to a little over 1-foot-tall. It is resistant to deer, slugs and snails and aphids; yet is irresistible to bees and butterflies. It flowers late spring or early summer with small orchid-like flowers.

Dawin’s Barberry (Berberis darwinii) – My favorite barberry! This evergreen barberry is native to Chile and was discovered by Charles Darwin in the voyage of the ‘Beagle’. It is very tough, and will keep a compact habit when grown in full sun. It can reach over six feet and very little pruning is needed. The unique part of this barberry is the flowers. In early March, the shrub will be covered in reddish/burnt orange buds that open to vibrant orange flowers. Truly stunning! The leaves contrast perfectly with the flowers, having a rich dark green color with a shiny finish. To top it off, it’s deer resistant and attracts bees, birds, and butterflies!

Rockrose (Cistus x hybridus) – This is a shrub that actually thrives best with neglect! Full sun, hot sites, and well-draining, sandy soil is the sweet spot for this evergreen shrub. The more water the plant receives, the more susceptible it is to flopping and winter damage so the less water the better! This shrub is a wonderful problem-solver because it can tolerate salt spray making it a great choice for coastal gardens. The white rock rose is the hardiest of the group, but it does come in several shades of pink as well. It becomes covered in papery, large flowers in the spring, which attract bees and butterflies.

Perennials

Sedums – I can’t write a blog about drought-tolerance without mentioning sedums! These problem solving perennials come in all colors, from vibrant lime green foliage to brilliant blue-grey to rich dark purple. Sedums are often grown for their foliage, yet some species such as Autumn Joy and Vera Jameson have beautiful upright bright pink flowers in the fall. All sedums are a type of succulent; which in botany means they have thickened, fleshy leaves which help retain water. Sedums can actually store water in their leaves! They thrive on poor soils with very little water. They make a great container for those that don’t want to water much in the summer!

Sun Rose (Helianthemum nummularium) – This evergreen perennial looks like a miniature cistus with grey-green leaves and small delicate flowers. The plants put on a big show late spring with scattered blooms throughout the summer. It grows low, only about a foot tall, but will spread to a nice clump, 3’ around. My favorite variety is ‘Henfield Brilliant’ because of its outstanding orange color, but it comes in a number of other colors, including pink, yellow, red and peach. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the bright colored flowers and the greyish foliage makes a great contrast. Hot sunny locations will encourage profuse blooming!

Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia ‘Carolina Moonlight’) – This perennial resembles lupine with spikes of butter-yellow flowers. It will form a 4’ clump with flower spikes reaching 4’ as well. This perennial is very easy to grow without any major health issues. It will grow best in full sun, well drained soils, but will tolerate clay soil. It will flop if given too much water or grown in too rich of soil. This means the poor soil, hot locations of your yard are perfect for it to thrive!

Twirling butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri) – This wildflower is native to Arizona, making it a great choice for a drought-tolerant landscape. It grows to nice 3’ clump, sending out tall spikes of pink or white flowers. The flowers bloom along a wand-like stem creating an airy, graceful texture which is perfect for a border. The newer forms of Gaura have red-variegated leaves making it attractive even when out of bloom.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – This hardy, deer resistant perennial sends out airy, upright spikes of grey-purple flowers from August to September, adding late season color to your garden. The foliage is a bluish grey which is a nice contrast to surrounding green foliage. The flower spikes will finish blooming in the fall, but the silver stems can be left through winter to add interest. The plant can reach up to 4’ tall, and form 3’ clumps.

Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea) – This grass has been described as a well behaved pampas grass. It sends out exquisite tufts of 8’ seed heads topped with dangling, honey-colored seeds. The grass will hold its seed head form early summer to late fall, and removed once they become damaged by winter weather. Its airy nature make it ideal for a border or as a center piece in a garden. It is deer resistant and tolerates full sun and sandy soils.

Trees

Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) – A wonderful Pacific Northwest native with a multi-stemmed growing habit. These maples are closely related to Japanese maples and have great fall color and grow to only 15’-20’ tall. They turn a lovely orange in the fall, and keep their color throughout the fall season. This delightful little tree is especially popular in urban gardens where space is limited. It can grow in nearly all soil conditions, sandy, clay, moist or well drained.

Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) – Considered a ‘living fossil’, Ginkgo trees evolved over 200 million years ago! They have unique, fan shaped leaf with a scalloped outer edge. It has outstanding fall color of rich gold and is considered one of the most beautiful deciduous trees. It is so hardy it is often grown as a street tree on bluffs with salt spray and cities with bad pollution problems. The female ginkgo can produce fruit with awful odors so make sure to buy a male. Very little pruning is required because it has such a nice branch structure. With all these traits, who wouldn’t want a living fossil in their garden!

Golden Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’) – This tree has outstanding foliage. The leaves are a bright lemon-yellow which will brighten any landscape from spring to fall. The more sun the tree receives, the brighter yellow the foliage, however in partial shade the leaves will turn a lovely chartreuse. Each leaf is about a foot long, and made up of over 20 separate leaflets. The bark becomes gnarled overtime and the tree will eventually grow to 50’ tall.

Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) – This witch hazel relative is a 4 season tree. The unique branch structure and peeling grey bark adds winter interest. It flowers before the leaves just like a witch-hazel. The flowers are tiny and spider-like and appear in late winter. The large scalloped leaves emerge in the spring, and start their outstanding fall display in August. They turn bronze then bright crimson before they fade to orange and finish their show in October with a bright gold color.

Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo) – One of the most majestic species of conifer, this Spanish fir is disease resistant and evergreen. It will perform best in full sun and well-draining soil and once established is heat tolerant as well. The needles on the fir are radically arranged, meaning the needles cover the entire branch. This will add an architectural element to your garden! The blue-green color provides interest year round, and contrasts to surrounding green foliage. In the spring the tree produces small red cones at the tip of the branches. There is a new variety out named ‘Aurea’ which has golden colored new growth, adding even more reason to grow this rare conifer.

Amending Soil

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Soil is the key to plant growth. Turning poor soil into healthy soil can be tedious, but your garden will benefit from the effort. Here are some tips on making better soil conditions for your plants.

Adjusting Your Soil pH – If your soil pH is off, we recommend adjusting it. If your soil pH is low, we suggest adding garden lime to raise the levels. If your soil pH is high, we recommend adding sulfur to lower the levels. Please add the lime or sulfur in stages so you don’t shock your plants. Adjusting pH can be a bit hazardous to an entire area, we suggest adjusting it only for specific plants at first. Also, adding acid (lime) to the soil is especially dangerous, so we suggest starting off by adding coffee grounds around the base of a plant, or acid-loving fertilizer to specific plants, like Rhododendrons and Blueberries. We would offer the same advice for using lime chips.

Adding Nutrients – Adding nutrients to your soil can be as simple as adding fertilizer. Synthetic or organic fertilizer can be added to amend your soil. Synthetic fertilizer contains minerals and chemicals and acts quickly. Organic fertilizers aren’t a quick fix. They release nutrients more slowly, over a period of time. Let’s talk about slow-release vs. quick-release fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizer is temperature dependent and slowly releases into the soil over several weeks, which will never burn your plant; whereas fast-release fertilizers are an immediate solution, but they could burn the plant if the wrong quantity is applied. A fertilizer bag also mentions NPK. N is Nitrogen – which is for producing new tissues. This especially helps produce foliage. But if too much Nitrogen is available, then the plant will produce more foliage than fruit or flowers, and it will have difficulty taking up other important nutrients. P is Phosphorous – which is mostly used for root growth. It’s also used by the plant to help set flower buds. K is Potassium – which is for overall plant health and disease resistance.

Organic Material – Blood meal and bone meal can also be used to amend soil. Blood meal can be used to add Nitrogen to the soil and bone meal can be used to add Phosphorous. Bark also adds organic matter to the soil, which will increase drainage and moisture retention. Partially composted bark is especially good for clay soils, which need extra drainage.

Compost – Manure is a cheaper form of fertilizer, but it will take more time to amend. Adding compost, which includes manure, to your soil can increase soil texture and nutrients. Compost is considered a soil conditioner because of the soil improvements it can make. Improved soil texture and nutrients enable plants to retain moisture, air, and nutrients. Compost helps improve all soil types.

Grass Clippings and Leaves – Grass clippings and leaves contain the Phosphorous, Nitrogen, and Potassium that will enrich your soil. Grass clippings can increase the amount of water your soil can retain. Fresh and dried grass clippings can be used in different instances. Fresh grass clippings are Nitrogen boosting and dried grass clippings are Carbon boosting. Dried leaves are also Carbon boosting.

Providing your plants with rich and nutritious soil amendments will help ensure you can enjoy strong, healthy plants for years to come. If you have any questions, please come by the Nursery. We’re here to help!

 

For details about some of the soil amendment and mulch products we carry and how to use them check out this video with Tobey Nelson!

Deer Resistant Plants

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Gardening in the Pacific Northwest is challenging. First, we find plants that grow with limited sun exposure. Second, we consider our environment. We share this beautiful scenery with many animals, most importantly, deer. With this being the case, we now have limits on plants for our gardens. As garden experts, we recommend plants for this situation. Here are nine deer resistant plants:

Pieris japonica | ‘Little Heath’

  • Evergreen shrub
  • All-year color
  • Blooms in Spring
  • Best grown in medium moisture soil with North or East exposure and shelter from the wind

Osmanthus delavayi | Devilwood

  • Evergreen shrub
  • Blooms in April with fragrant flowers
  • Adaptable to grow in either full sun or full shade
  • Best grown in well-drained soil, but will tolerate clay or sand
  • Drought tolerant but appreciates occasional watering
  • Light pruning can help keep this shrub dense

Bear’s breeches | Acanthus mollis

  • Part shade to shade
  • 3′ x 3′ full size
  • Best grown in moist well-drained soil
  • Blooms in the Spring and Summer
  • Lush, attractive, loped foliage
  • Low maintenance

Yarrow | Achillea x moonshine

  • Grown in beds, borders, or containers
  • Large clusters of flowers above ferny, aromatic foliage
  • Heat loving
  • Blooms in summer
  • Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Drought tolerant
  • Low maintenance

Foxglove | Digitalis purpurea

  • Best grown in partial sun with moist well-drained soil and shelter from the wind
  • Blooms in the Summer
  • Low maintenance
  • Good for containers

Beardtounge | Penstemon ‘Raven’

  • Best grown in full sun with well-drained soil
  • Blooms all summer to the first frost
  • Low maintenance
  • Drought tolerant
  • Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies
  • Great cut flower

Cat mint | Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s meow’

  • Grown in beds, borders, or containers
  • Large clusters of blue-purple flowers above aromatic foliage
  • Blooms in spring and summer
  • Drought and heat tolerant
  • Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Low maintenance

Gold Heart Bleeding | Heart Dicentra spectabilis

  • Grown in beds or containers
  • Heart-shaped flowers above vivid gold-chartreuse foliage
  • Blooms in early to late spring
  • Grows best in part to full shade, with moist soil
  • Low maintenance

Wallflower | Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’

  • Grown in beds, borders, or containers
  • Evergreen grey-green foliage, with long lasting purple flowers
  • Grows in poor, well drained soils
  • Drought and heat tolerant
  • Needs full sun
  • Attracts bees and butterflies