This month we have a unique opportunity to expand our native plantings through the Land Trust’s annual bare root sale.  Such local bargains!  Under $3 a plant typically; nurtured for a year, they would sell for $10 to 15 each.
The key is adequate care: while they may look lifeless, they need to be nestled in soil.  The safest care is to put them in pots where you see them and remember to water during our dry months.  After a season of care, they can be placed in more remote areas of your property. If there are more plants than you need, please consider them as nursery plants and bring them to next year’s Garden Club sale.

The Land Trust Species List has helpful descriptions and photos. (See link above) Natives can be amazingly versatile: my favorite Red Flowering Currant tolerates dry to moist soil in sun or part shade.  Hard to argue with that! The Garry Oak, our only Washington native oak, is drought tolerant and also found along streams.   Each description includes the birds and pollinators that favor it. How about a hedge row with the Currants and tuck some Sweet Gale where you need lower growing plants, such as near a walkway.

Plants can be ordered online now until Jan. 30th.  However, don’t delay because favorites sell out each year. Let’s give our native pollinators and birds a boost by planting natives!
                                                                                                           By: Julia Lakey on Jan. 2022