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The Natural Lawn & Garden




              Photograph by Richard Hartlage
                                                                                                                                                                       Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment

                                                                                                                          Choosing
                                                                                                                                                 The Right Plants
                                                                                                                                                                              Beautiful, Trouble-Free Garden
                                               Waterwise Garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden
                                                                                                                                                      for a
  To Request A Natural Lawn & Garden Guide, Contact:
            u	 Snohomish Conservation District
                                 (425) 335-5634, ext. 4, www.snohomishcd.org
            u	 Snohomish County Public Works,
                                 Surface Water Management Division
                                 (425) 388-3464, www.naturalyard.surfacewater.info
            u	 WSU Snohomish County Extension Master Gardeners
                                 (425) 357-6010, www.snohomish.wsu.edu




                                               The Natural Lawn & Garden Series
                                                 u	 Growing Healthy Soil
                                                 u	 Choosing the Right Plants
                                                 u	 The Plant List
                                                 u	 Smart Watering
                                                 u	 Composting at Home
                                                 u	 Natural Pest, Weed & Disease Control
                                                 u	 Natural Lawn Care
                                                 u	 Natural Yard Care (summary)




                                                                                                                            Photograph courtesy of Great Plant Picks
                                          For Additional Information Visit:
                                                 www.naturalyardcare.info

                                                                                                   Snohomish County
                                                                                                         Public Works
                                                                                               Surface Water Management




                                                    For TTY assistance, please call 711.
                                                                                                                                                                       Helleborus hybridus
    This brochure was developed by the City of Seattle Public Utilities.
Snohomish County thanks the City of Seattle for permission to reproduce it.
                                                        © 2010 Seattle Public Utilities
                                                      Printed on 100% recycled paper. 9/2010
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2010
How To Select The Right                                                         Wet Winter/Dry Summer Plants             Resources
                                                    Plants For A Beautiful,                                                         A selection from The Plant List (see
                                                                                                                                    back page to order this and other        Books
                                                    Trouble-Free Garden                                                             Natural Lawn & Garden Guides):
                                                                                                                                                                             Ann Lovejoy’s Organic Garden Design School by Ann Lovejoy;
                                                                                                                                    Trees                                       Rodale, 2004
                                                     When you grow plants in the appropriate conditions, they                       – Betula utilis var. jacquemontii 		     Grow Your Own Native Landscape by Michael Leigh; MISC0273,
                                                     thrive with minimal care. By choosing plants well adapted                       (Himalayan White Birch)                    Washington State University Extension, 2005
                                    to each garden situation, you save time and money, reduce maintenance,                          – Liquidambar styraciflua                Home Landscaping: Northwest Region by Roger Holmes &
                                    help prevent pests and diseases, and leave more clean water for salmon                           (American Sweet Gum)                       Don Marshall; Creative Homeowner, 2002
                                    and other wildlife. Plan now and enjoy the benefits for years to come.                          Shrubs                                   Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest by Russell Link;
                                    This guide takes you through the following simple steps for choosing                            – Gaultheria shallon (Salal)                University of Washington Press, 1999
                                    plants that will flourish in your garden:                                                       – Myrica californica                     Right Plant, Right Place by Nicola Ferguson; Fireside, 2005               The Plant List
                                                                                                                                     (California Wax Myrtle)                 Sunset Western Garden Book edited by Kathleen Norris Brenzel;
                                    u	 Get to know your site.                                                                                                                                                                                          The Plant List is designed to help
                                                                                                                                    – Potentilla fruticosa                      Sunset Publishing Corp., 2007
                                       Learn about the conditions in each part of your garden. Once you                              (Shrubby Cinquefoil)                                                                                              you pick the right plants for your
                                       know your soils and microclimates—the areas in your landscape with                                                                                                                                              site’s conditions. The guide of over
                                                                                                                                    Perennials, Grasses and More                                                                                       200 plants is organized by:
                                       unique climatic characteristics—you can choose plants that will thrive
                                                                                                                                    – Carex ‘Ice Dance’ (Variegated Sedge)   Hotlines For Gardening Questions	
                                       in each area.                                                                                – Erythronium revolutum                                                                                            r	 Wet winter/dry summer plants
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 WSU Master Gardener Hotline, Snohomish County Extension,
                                    u	 Dream a garden.                                                                               (Pink Fawn Lily)                           (425) 357-6010 or MG.help@wsu.edu                                      r	 Moisture-loving plants
                                       Decide how you want to use your landscape, and consider                                      – Hemerocallis cultivars (Daylily)                                                                                 r	 Favorite Pacific Northwest
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Plant Answer Line, UW Botanic Gardens, (206) 897-5268
                                       all the ways plants can help you create play                                                                                                                                                                       Native plants
                                       areas, colorful flower displays, privacy or                                                                                                                                                                     r	 Drought-tolerant plants
                                       shade, wildlife habitat, food and more.                                                                                               Demonstration Gardens
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens; For                         The List also indicates whether each
                                    u	 Create a plan to fit your site.
                                                                                                                                                                                locations visit: www.snohomish.wsu.edu/mg/gardemo.htm                  plant likes sun, shade or partial
                                       Identify plants that will thrive with little
                                                                                                                                                                                or call (425) 338-2400                                                 shade, and is evergreen or deciduous,
                                       maintenance in each situation, as well as
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Soest Herbaceous Display Garden, Center for Urban                      and includes helpful tips.
                                                                                        Garden and photo by Stacy Crooks




                                       providing the colors, scents, fruit or other
                                       qualities you desire. See The Plant List                                                                                                 Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The List was developed in coordina-
                                       box on page 7 for more information.                                                                                                   r	 The Waterwise Garden, Bellevue Botanical Garden,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       tion with the Great Plant Picks
                                                                                                                                                                                12001 Main Street, Bellevue
                                    u	 Give plants a good start.                                                                                                                                                                                       (GPP) program, which promotes
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Waterwise Demonstration Garden, Woodinville Water
                                       Prepare your soil with compost, plant                                                                                                                                                                           plants well suited to Pacific North-
                                                                                                                                                                                District, 17238 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd, Woodinville
                                       properly, mulch and follow healthy                                                                                                                                                                              west gardens west of the Cascade
                                       watering practices. More information                                                                                                                                                                            Mountains. Many of the plants in
                                       is detailed in the free Growing Healthy                                                                                               Web Sites                                                                 the List are GPP selections. GPP is
                                       Soil and Smart Watering guides                                                                                                        r	 Great Plant Picks: www.greatplantpicks.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       administered by the staff of the
                                       (ordering information on back page).                                                                                                                                                                            Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Native plant information:
                                                                                                                                 A sunny border                                                                                                        Garden. For more details and to
                                                                                                                                                                                www.wnps.org, http://gardening.wsu.edu/nwnative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       view color photos of all GPP selec-
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Natural Lawn & Garden Care: www.naturalyardcare.info
                                                                                                                             Pacific Northwest Native Plants                                                                                           tions, visit www.greatplantpicks.org.
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 UW Botanic Garden: www.millerlibrary.org
                                                                                                                           A selection from The Plant List (see back         r	 Washington State University Extension/Master Gardeners:
Garden and photo by Carl Woestwin




                                                                                                                           page to order this and other Natural Lawn            http://gardening.wsu.edu, http://pnwplants.wsu.edu
                                                                                                                           & Garden Guides):
                                                                                                                           Trees
                                                                                                                           – Acer circinatum (Vine Maple)                    Professional Assistance
                                                                                                                           – Quercus garryana (Garry Oak)                    Landscape Architects or designers can help you draw a full landscape plan, design an arbor, or simply
                                                                                                                           – Tsuga mertensiana (Mountain Hemlock)            check your sketches and suggest improvements. Nursery staff can often work with your map and
                                                                                                                           Shrubs                                            suggest appropriate plants for each place.
                                                                                                                           – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick)
                                                                                                                           – Mahonia nervosa (Cascade Oregon Grape)          r	 American Society of Landscape Architects, Washington Chapter, www.wasla.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Refer to the back of this
                                                                                                                           – Philadelphus lewisii (Mock Orange)              r	 Association of Professional Landscape Designers,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    brochure for a list of all of
                                                                                                                           – Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry)            Washington Chapter, www.apldwa.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    the free Natural Lawn &
                                                                                                                           Perennials, Grasses and More                      r	 The Irrigation Association, www.irrigation.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Garden guides and to find
                                                                                                                           – Asarum caudatum (Wild Ginger)                   r	 Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, www.walp.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    out how to obtain them.
                                                                                                                           – Blechnum spicant (Deer Fern)                    r	 Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, www.wsnla.org
                                                                                                                           – Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry)

2                                                     A shady garden of native plants
                                                                                                                           – Smilacena racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7
Step 4: Give Plants a Good Start                                                                            Step 1: Get To Know Your Site
                Any plant you choose will grow best with good soil preparation, and                                         First, make a simple map of your garden conditions. All it takes is a
                proper planting and care. The following simple practices will help                                          tape measure, shovel, graph paper and colored pencils. (Observing                Lawns And
                prevent many problems.                                                                                      your existing landscape over the seasons can really pay off here and in          Vegetables Are Picky!
                                                                                                                            step 2, Dream a Garden). After careful measuring, create a drawing of
                                                                                                                            your property to scale, showing all buildings, pavement, rockeries, trees,       Healthy lawns and vegetable
                                                                                                                            planting beds and other landscape features. Dig small holes about a              gardens need well drained soil
    Build Healthy Soil                                                                                                                                                                                       at least 6 inches deep, and
                                                                                                                            foot deep in several spots around the yard to check soil type and iden-
    u	 Loosen soil at least 10 to 12 inches deep throughout planting beds, and 6 to 8 inches                                tify problem situations such as compaction or poor drainage. (For help           require several hours of direct
       deep in lawns. Use a shovel or digging fork, or a rototiller for large areas. Try a                                  determining soil conditions and correcting problems, obtain the free             sun per day. Many shrubs,
       pick or mattock to break through compacted layers.                                                                   Growing Healthy Soil guide. Ordering information is on the back page.)           trees and perennials will grow
                                                                                                                            Next, use colored pencils to outline the following microclimates and             well in shady or wet spots, but
    u	 Thoroughly mix compost into loosened soil throughout the planting bed when
                                                                                                                            landscape conditions:                                                            lawns will have constant prob-
       planting a new or remodeled garden area. To choose an amendment for your soil
                                                                                                                                                                                                             lems in these conditions. Few
       and to determine how much to use, see the Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering                                       r	 sunny, shady and partly sunny areas                                           vegetables will produce well in
       information on back page). When planting individual plants in the middle of a lawn                                   r	 “hot spots” on the south or west sides of walls or fences, or                 shade, or in poorly drained or
       or into an established planting bed, loosen the soil in an area at least three to four                               	 next to pavement                                                               shallow soil.
       feet in diameter—larger for root balls measuring over a foot wide—but do not add                                     r	 windy or exposed areas
       soil amendments since this may prevent the plant’s roots from spreading beyond the                                   r	 areas with rocky or compacted soil that needs improvement
       planting hole.                                                                                                       r	 wet or poorly drained areas, runoff or draining downspouts
                                                                                                                            r	 slopes that may erode or are difficult to mow
    Plant Right                                                                                                             r	 places that are hard to access for maintenance
    u	 Dig a hole large enough to spread the plant’s roots.                                                                 r	 dry spots under roof eaves or evergreens

    u	 Form a firm mound at the bottom of the planting hole. Make it high enough so that
       the top of the root ball is at the soil surface, as it was in the pot or at the nursery.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Prevailing winds
    u	 Loosen and spread the roots. Untangle circling
       or matted roots and spread them out around the
       plant, using a hose to gently spray soil off the
       outside of the root ball if needed.
    u	 Fill in with the soil removed to make the plant-
       ing hole. Firm soil with your hands, and water                                                                                                                              Shade, part shade
       thoroughly. Check the level of the plant after
       watering has settled the soil.

    Mulch and Water Wisely
                                                                                                                                                               Sunny, hot
    u	 Spread mulch in a circle extending a little fur-                                                                                                                                                  Shade
       ther out than the plant’s branches. Mulch keeps             Place plant at the level
       roots moist, and makes soils loose and absor-               it was growing in the
                                                                   pot or slightly higher                                                                                                                                        Sandy
       bent. Keep mulch a few inches away from the                                                       Mulch layer                                                                                                              soil
       plant’s trunk or stems. For help choosing the
       best mulch for each type of plant, refer to the
       Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering informa-
       tion on back page).
    u	 Water as needed until plants are established.
       Even most drought-tolerant plants need irriga-
       tion their first two or three summers. Once es-                                                       Spread roots                                Dry shade
                                                                Wide planting hole
       tablished, they can get by with little or no water                                                    over mound
       in addition to what nature provides. For more                              Mound soil at bottom
       on healthy watering practices, see the Smart
       Watering guide (ordering information on back                                                                                                                              Lower level, wet
       page).



6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3
Step 2: Dream A Garden                                                      Step 3: Create A Plan To Fit Your Site
                                                                                              Trees:
                   Before choosing plants that will do well in your garden,                   Environmental Heroes               Once you know your garden conditions and what you want your landscaping to accomplish, you can lay out your
                   think about what plants can do for you. Strategic land-                    Did you know that trees play a     garden. Pair your site map from step 1 with your list of objectives from step 2 to define use areas. Then select
                   scaping can define outdoor spaces, attract wildlife and                    crucial role in our gardens and    plants for each location. For example, put your lawn and vegetable garden in sunny areas with good drainage.
                   provide privacy, play areas, food, colorful flowers and                    environment? They shelter and      The bird and wildlife viewing sanctuary you’ve always wanted can go in the shady area, as can the compost pile.
                   foliage, fragrant herbs and much more. Best of all, you                    feed wildlife, cleanse the air,    Use sheets of tracing paper laid over your site map to experiment with varied layouts, and match plants with the
                   can accomplish all of this with low-maintenance, water-                    reduce storm runoff and pre-       conditions that best suit them.
    wise plants. Decide how you want to use your garden, and how much                         vent soil erosion. Deciduous
    time you want to spend working in it. Look around your neighbor-                          trees planted on the south and     Choose the Right Plants for Each Spot
    hood for ideas, and refer to the gardening books and public gardens                       west sides of a building provide                                                                                 Create A Garden
                                                                                                                                 Refer to the Resources section at the end of this guide for help finding      For All Seasons
    listed in the Resources section at the end of this guide. Consider the                    summer shade, while letting        plants that will meet your needs and flourish in your garden’s condi-
    following options when planning your landscape:                                           sun through naked branches in                                                                                    Landscape for year-round interest!
                                                                                                                                 tions. Consider the following when choosing plants:
                                                                                              the winter. Trees can also help
    r	   vegetable and herb gardens                                                                                                                                                                            r	 Look for winter standouts,
                                                                                              block winter winds.                P	 Choose plants that thrive without irrigation. Many plants grow
    r	   flowers and colorful foliage                                                                                               beautifully with just the water provided by nature—once they are                   including plants that feature var-
    r	   fruit trees                                                                                                                established in your garden. Plant moisture-loving varieties where                  ied leaf color or texture, colorful
                                                                                              When planting trees on a sub-
    r	   food, water and shelter for birds, butterflies and other wildlife                                                          soil stays wet. Drought-tolerant plants perform best where soil is                 winter bark or berries, and fra-
                                                                                              urban or city-sized lot, think
    r	   living screens for privacy                                                                                                 dry in the summer.                                                                 grant or colorful winter flowers.
                                                                                              small. Trees can grow quickly
    r	   decks or paved areas for outdoor living                                              and shade out lawns or sun-                                                                                      r	 Include evergreens. Use both
                                                                                                                                 P	 Select pest-and disease-resistant varieties. Whether you grow roses
    r	   low-maintenance areas                                                                loving plants. Falling limbs                                                                                             coniferous and broadleaf ev-
                                                                                                                                    or rhododendrons, apples or tomatoes, you will find that certain
    r	   wood-chip areas or lawn for play                                                     from large trees—especially our                                                                                          ergreen plants to define spaces
                                                                                                                                    varieties resist common pests and diseases better than others. Ask
    r	   views you want to accentuate or block                                                native firs and other conifers—                                                                                          while keeping your garden green
                                                                                                                                    your local nursery to suggest pest- and disease-resistant varieties, or
    r	   pathways necessary for home and garden maintenance                                   can damage structures and                                                                                                throughout the year.
                                                                                                                                    refer to The Plant List (see back page to order).
    r	   specific plants you want to keep, move or remove                                     power lines.
                                                                                                                                 P	 Diversify your plant investments. Landscapes characterized by a            r	 Provide winter structure.
    r	   garden storage and composting areas
                                                                                                                                    rich array of plants resist the spread of pests and diseases better than           Woody trees and shrubs, as
    r	   potting and work areas
                                                                                                                                    gardens with little variety. Diverse plantings attract birds and insects           well as arbors, trellises and
    r	   places for creating and displaying art                                                                                                                                                                        garden art, provide visual interest
    r	   Other needs: _______________________________________                                                                       that eat pests—and are more attractive to people, too.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       during the dormant season.
                                                                                                                                 P	Why not go native? Indigenous plants are adapted to the local cli-
                                                                                                                                   mate and pests. Many Northwest natives are beautiful and easy to
                                                                                                                                   grow. However, the needs of natives vary and, for best results, they
                                                                                                                                   must be grown in the right conditions—just like any other plants.




                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks
                                                                                                                                 Plan for Easy Maintenance and Efficient Irrigation
                                                                                                                                 At every stage of laying out your garden, consider how to water wisely
                                                                                                                                 and make upkeep easy.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Plant practical lawns. Include only as much lawn as you need and
                                                                                                                                    want to maintain. Remember that lawns need regular watering
                                                                                                                                    in summer to stay green, and need weekly mowing during several
                                                                                                                                    months of the year. Avoid planting lawn on slopes, narrow strips
                                                                                                                                    or irregular shapes that are hard to mow or irrigate. See the box on
                                                                                                                                    page 3 for more tips.
             Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks




                                                                                                                                 r	 Create low-maintenance areas. Plant slopes, areas along fences and
                                                                                                                                    other hard-to-access sites with quick-growing ground cover plants                                                    Viburnum tinus ‘Spring Bouquet’
                                                                                                                                    that crowd out weeds and require little watering.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Group plants by their water needs. This way, they can be watered by the same sprinkler or irrigation
                                                                                                                                    zone with each group receiving just the right amount of moisture. Lawns should be irrigated separately
                                                                                                                                    from other plants with different water needs.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Create irrigation zones for each exposure. Plants in full sun usually use more water than those grown
                                                                                                                                    in the shade, and should be watered using different zones if you have an automatic irrigation system.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Drip and soak for savings. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses provide the best way to water most plants


4
                                                                                                                                    other than lawns. They apply water directly to the soil, without wasting it on pavement or allowing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           5
                                                                  Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
                                                                                                                                    water to evaporate as it sprays into the air.
Step 2: Dream A Garden                                                      Step 3: Create A Plan To Fit Your Site
                                                                                              Trees:
                   Before choosing plants that will do well in your garden,                   Environmental Heroes               Once you know your garden conditions and what you want your landscaping to accomplish, you can lay out your
                   think about what plants can do for you. Strategic land-                    Did you know that trees play a     garden. Pair your site map from step 1 with your list of objectives from step 2 to define use areas. Then select
                   scaping can define outdoor spaces, attract wildlife and                    crucial role in our gardens and    plants for each location. For example, put your lawn and vegetable garden in sunny areas with good drainage.
                   provide privacy, play areas, food, colorful flowers and                    environment? They shelter and      The bird and wildlife viewing sanctuary you’ve always wanted can go in the shady area, as can the compost pile.
                   foliage, fragrant herbs and much more. Best of all, you                    feed wildlife, cleanse the air,    Use sheets of tracing paper laid over your site map to experiment with varied layouts, and match plants with the
                   can accomplish all of this with low-maintenance, water-                    reduce storm runoff and pre-       conditions that best suit them.
    wise plants. Decide how you want to use your garden, and how much                         vent soil erosion. Deciduous
    time you want to spend working in it. Look around your neighbor-                          trees planted on the south and     Choose the Right Plants for Each Spot
    hood for ideas, and refer to the gardening books and public gardens                       west sides of a building provide                                                                                 Create A Garden
                                                                                                                                 Refer to the Resources section at the end of this guide for help finding      For All Seasons
    listed in the Resources section at the end of this guide. Consider the                    summer shade, while letting        plants that will meet your needs and flourish in your garden’s condi-
    following options when planning your landscape:                                           sun through naked branches in                                                                                    Landscape for year-round interest!
                                                                                                                                 tions. Consider the following when choosing plants:
                                                                                              the winter. Trees can also help
    r	   vegetable and herb gardens                                                                                                                                                                            r	 Look for winter standouts,
                                                                                              block winter winds.                P	 Choose plants that thrive without irrigation. Many plants grow
    r	   flowers and colorful foliage                                                                                               beautifully with just the water provided by nature—once they are                   including plants that feature var-
    r	   fruit trees                                                                                                                established in your garden. Plant moisture-loving varieties where                  ied leaf color or texture, colorful
                                                                                              When planting trees on a sub-
    r	   food, water and shelter for birds, butterflies and other wildlife                                                          soil stays wet. Drought-tolerant plants perform best where soil is                 winter bark or berries, and fra-
                                                                                              urban or city-sized lot, think
    r	   living screens for privacy                                                                                                 dry in the summer.                                                                 grant or colorful winter flowers.
                                                                                              small. Trees can grow quickly
    r	   decks or paved areas for outdoor living                                              and shade out lawns or sun-                                                                                      r	 Include evergreens. Use both
                                                                                                                                 P	 Select pest-and disease-resistant varieties. Whether you grow roses
    r	   low-maintenance areas                                                                loving plants. Falling limbs                                                                                             coniferous and broadleaf ev-
                                                                                                                                    or rhododendrons, apples or tomatoes, you will find that certain
    r	   wood-chip areas or lawn for play                                                     from large trees—especially our                                                                                          ergreen plants to define spaces
                                                                                                                                    varieties resist common pests and diseases better than others. Ask
    r	   views you want to accentuate or block                                                native firs and other conifers—                                                                                          while keeping your garden green
                                                                                                                                    your local nursery to suggest pest- and disease-resistant varieties, or
    r	   pathways necessary for home and garden maintenance                                   can damage structures and                                                                                                throughout the year.
                                                                                                                                    refer to The Plant List (see back page to order).
    r	   specific plants you want to keep, move or remove                                     power lines.
                                                                                                                                 P	 Diversify your plant investments. Landscapes characterized by a            r	 Provide winter structure.
    r	   garden storage and composting areas
                                                                                                                                    rich array of plants resist the spread of pests and diseases better than           Woody trees and shrubs, as
    r	   potting and work areas
                                                                                                                                    gardens with little variety. Diverse plantings attract birds and insects           well as arbors, trellises and
    r	   places for creating and displaying art                                                                                                                                                                        garden art, provide visual interest
    r	   Other needs: _______________________________________                                                                       that eat pests—and are more attractive to people, too.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       during the dormant season.
                                                                                                                                 P	Why not go native? Indigenous plants are adapted to the local cli-
                                                                                                                                   mate and pests. Many Northwest natives are beautiful and easy to
                                                                                                                                   grow. However, the needs of natives vary and, for best results, they
                                                                                                                                   must be grown in the right conditions—just like any other plants.




                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks
                                                                                                                                 Plan for Easy Maintenance and Efficient Irrigation
                                                                                                                                 At every stage of laying out your garden, consider how to water wisely
                                                                                                                                 and make upkeep easy.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Plant practical lawns. Include only as much lawn as you need and
                                                                                                                                    want to maintain. Remember that lawns need regular watering
                                                                                                                                    in summer to stay green, and need weekly mowing during several
                                                                                                                                    months of the year. Avoid planting lawn on slopes, narrow strips
                                                                                                                                    or irregular shapes that are hard to mow or irrigate. See the box on
                                                                                                                                    page 3 for more tips.
             Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks




                                                                                                                                 r	 Create low-maintenance areas. Plant slopes, areas along fences and
                                                                                                                                    other hard-to-access sites with quick-growing ground cover plants                                                    Viburnum tinus ‘Spring Bouquet’
                                                                                                                                    that crowd out weeds and require little watering.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Group plants by their water needs. This way, they can be watered by the same sprinkler or irrigation
                                                                                                                                    zone with each group receiving just the right amount of moisture. Lawns should be irrigated separately
                                                                                                                                    from other plants with different water needs.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Create irrigation zones for each exposure. Plants in full sun usually use more water than those grown
                                                                                                                                    in the shade, and should be watered using different zones if you have an automatic irrigation system.
                                                                                                                                 r	 Drip and soak for savings. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses provide the best way to water most plants


4
                                                                                                                                    other than lawns. They apply water directly to the soil, without wasting it on pavement or allowing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           5
                                                                  Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
                                                                                                                                    water to evaporate as it sprays into the air.
Step 4: Give Plants a Good Start                                                                            Step 1: Get To Know Your Site
                Any plant you choose will grow best with good soil preparation, and                                         First, make a simple map of your garden conditions. All it takes is a
                proper planting and care. The following simple practices will help                                          tape measure, shovel, graph paper and colored pencils. (Observing                Lawns And
                prevent many problems.                                                                                      your existing landscape over the seasons can really pay off here and in          Vegetables Are Picky!
                                                                                                                            step 2, Dream a Garden). After careful measuring, create a drawing of
                                                                                                                            your property to scale, showing all buildings, pavement, rockeries, trees,       Healthy lawns and vegetable
                                                                                                                            planting beds and other landscape features. Dig small holes about a              gardens need well drained soil
    Build Healthy Soil                                                                                                                                                                                       at least 6 inches deep, and
                                                                                                                            foot deep in several spots around the yard to check soil type and iden-
    u	 Loosen soil at least 10 to 12 inches deep throughout planting beds, and 6 to 8 inches                                tify problem situations such as compaction or poor drainage. (For help           require several hours of direct
       deep in lawns. Use a shovel or digging fork, or a rototiller for large areas. Try a                                  determining soil conditions and correcting problems, obtain the free             sun per day. Many shrubs,
       pick or mattock to break through compacted layers.                                                                   Growing Healthy Soil guide. Ordering information is on the back page.)           trees and perennials will grow
                                                                                                                            Next, use colored pencils to outline the following microclimates and             well in shady or wet spots, but
    u	 Thoroughly mix compost into loosened soil throughout the planting bed when
                                                                                                                            landscape conditions:                                                            lawns will have constant prob-
       planting a new or remodeled garden area. To choose an amendment for your soil
                                                                                                                                                                                                             lems in these conditions. Few
       and to determine how much to use, see the Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering                                       r	 sunny, shady and partly sunny areas                                           vegetables will produce well in
       information on back page). When planting individual plants in the middle of a lawn                                   r	 “hot spots” on the south or west sides of walls or fences, or                 shade, or in poorly drained or
       or into an established planting bed, loosen the soil in an area at least three to four                               	 next to pavement                                                               shallow soil.
       feet in diameter—larger for root balls measuring over a foot wide—but do not add                                     r	 windy or exposed areas
       soil amendments since this may prevent the plant’s roots from spreading beyond the                                   r	 areas with rocky or compacted soil that needs improvement
       planting hole.                                                                                                       r	 wet or poorly drained areas, runoff or draining downspouts
                                                                                                                            r	 slopes that may erode or are difficult to mow
    Plant Right                                                                                                             r	 places that are hard to access for maintenance
    u	 Dig a hole large enough to spread the plant’s roots.                                                                 r	 dry spots under roof eaves or evergreens

    u	 Form a firm mound at the bottom of the planting hole. Make it high enough so that
       the top of the root ball is at the soil surface, as it was in the pot or at the nursery.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Prevailing winds
    u	 Loosen and spread the roots. Untangle circling
       or matted roots and spread them out around the
       plant, using a hose to gently spray soil off the
       outside of the root ball if needed.
    u	 Fill in with the soil removed to make the plant-
       ing hole. Firm soil with your hands, and water                                                                                                                              Shade, part shade
       thoroughly. Check the level of the plant after
       watering has settled the soil.

    Mulch and Water Wisely
                                                                                                                                                               Sunny, hot
    u	 Spread mulch in a circle extending a little fur-                                                                                                                                                  Shade
       ther out than the plant’s branches. Mulch keeps             Place plant at the level
       roots moist, and makes soils loose and absor-               it was growing in the
                                                                   pot or slightly higher                                                                                                                                        Sandy
       bent. Keep mulch a few inches away from the                                                       Mulch layer                                                                                                              soil
       plant’s trunk or stems. For help choosing the
       best mulch for each type of plant, refer to the
       Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering informa-
       tion on back page).
    u	 Water as needed until plants are established.
       Even most drought-tolerant plants need irriga-
       tion their first two or three summers. Once es-                                                       Spread roots                                Dry shade
                                                                Wide planting hole
       tablished, they can get by with little or no water                                                    over mound
       in addition to what nature provides. For more                              Mound soil at bottom
       on healthy watering practices, see the Smart
       Watering guide (ordering information on back                                                                                                                              Lower level, wet
       page).



6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3
How To Select The Right                                                         Wet Winter/Dry Summer Plants             Resources
                                                    Plants For A Beautiful,                                                         A selection from The Plant List (see
                                                                                                                                    back page to order this and other        Books
                                                    Trouble-Free Garden                                                             Natural Lawn & Garden Guides):
                                                                                                                                                                             Ann Lovejoy’s Organic Garden Design School by Ann Lovejoy;
                                                                                                                                    Trees                                       Rodale, 2004
                                                     When you grow plants in the appropriate conditions, they                       – Betula utilis var. jacquemontii 		     Grow Your Own Native Landscape by Michael Leigh; MISC0273,
                                                     thrive with minimal care. By choosing plants well adapted                       (Himalayan White Birch)                    Washington State University Extension, 2005
                                    to each garden situation, you save time and money, reduce maintenance,                          – Liquidambar styraciflua                Home Landscaping: Northwest Region by Roger Holmes &
                                    help prevent pests and diseases, and leave more clean water for salmon                           (American Sweet Gum)                       Don Marshall; Creative Homeowner, 2002
                                    and other wildlife. Plan now and enjoy the benefits for years to come.                          Shrubs                                   Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest by Russell Link;
                                    This guide takes you through the following simple steps for choosing                            – Gaultheria shallon (Salal)                University of Washington Press, 1999
                                    plants that will flourish in your garden:                                                       – Myrica californica                     Right Plant, Right Place by Nicola Ferguson; Fireside, 2005               The Plant List
                                                                                                                                     (California Wax Myrtle)                 Sunset Western Garden Book edited by Kathleen Norris Brenzel;
                                    u	 Get to know your site.                                                                                                                                                                                          The Plant List is designed to help
                                                                                                                                    – Potentilla fruticosa                      Sunset Publishing Corp., 2007
                                       Learn about the conditions in each part of your garden. Once you                              (Shrubby Cinquefoil)                                                                                              you pick the right plants for your
                                       know your soils and microclimates—the areas in your landscape with                                                                                                                                              site’s conditions. The guide of over
                                                                                                                                    Perennials, Grasses and More                                                                                       200 plants is organized by:
                                       unique climatic characteristics—you can choose plants that will thrive
                                                                                                                                    – Carex ‘Ice Dance’ (Variegated Sedge)   Hotlines For Gardening Questions	
                                       in each area.                                                                                – Erythronium revolutum                                                                                            r	 Wet winter/dry summer plants
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 WSU Master Gardener Hotline, Snohomish County Extension,
                                    u	 Dream a garden.                                                                               (Pink Fawn Lily)                           (425) 357-6010 or MG.help@wsu.edu                                      r	 Moisture-loving plants
                                       Decide how you want to use your landscape, and consider                                      – Hemerocallis cultivars (Daylily)                                                                                 r	 Favorite Pacific Northwest
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Plant Answer Line, UW Botanic Gardens, (206) 897-5268
                                       all the ways plants can help you create play                                                                                                                                                                       Native plants
                                       areas, colorful flower displays, privacy or                                                                                                                                                                     r	 Drought-tolerant plants
                                       shade, wildlife habitat, food and more.                                                                                               Demonstration Gardens
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens; For                         The List also indicates whether each
                                    u	 Create a plan to fit your site.
                                                                                                                                                                                locations visit: www.snohomish.wsu.edu/mg/gardemo.htm                  plant likes sun, shade or partial
                                       Identify plants that will thrive with little
                                                                                                                                                                                or call (425) 338-2400                                                 shade, and is evergreen or deciduous,
                                       maintenance in each situation, as well as
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Soest Herbaceous Display Garden, Center for Urban                      and includes helpful tips.
                                                                                        Garden and photo by Stacy Crooks




                                       providing the colors, scents, fruit or other
                                       qualities you desire. See The Plant List                                                                                                 Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The List was developed in coordina-
                                       box on page 7 for more information.                                                                                                   r	 The Waterwise Garden, Bellevue Botanical Garden,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       tion with the Great Plant Picks
                                                                                                                                                                                12001 Main Street, Bellevue
                                    u	 Give plants a good start.                                                                                                                                                                                       (GPP) program, which promotes
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Waterwise Demonstration Garden, Woodinville Water
                                       Prepare your soil with compost, plant                                                                                                                                                                           plants well suited to Pacific North-
                                                                                                                                                                                District, 17238 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd, Woodinville
                                       properly, mulch and follow healthy                                                                                                                                                                              west gardens west of the Cascade
                                       watering practices. More information                                                                                                                                                                            Mountains. Many of the plants in
                                       is detailed in the free Growing Healthy                                                                                               Web Sites                                                                 the List are GPP selections. GPP is
                                       Soil and Smart Watering guides                                                                                                        r	 Great Plant Picks: www.greatplantpicks.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       administered by the staff of the
                                       (ordering information on back page).                                                                                                                                                                            Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Native plant information:
                                                                                                                                 A sunny border                                                                                                        Garden. For more details and to
                                                                                                                                                                                www.wnps.org, http://gardening.wsu.edu/nwnative
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       view color photos of all GPP selec-
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 Natural Lawn & Garden Care: www.naturalyardcare.info
                                                                                                                             Pacific Northwest Native Plants                                                                                           tions, visit www.greatplantpicks.org.
                                                                                                                                                                             r	 UW Botanic Garden: www.millerlibrary.org
                                                                                                                           A selection from The Plant List (see back         r	 Washington State University Extension/Master Gardeners:
Garden and photo by Carl Woestwin




                                                                                                                           page to order this and other Natural Lawn            http://gardening.wsu.edu, http://pnwplants.wsu.edu
                                                                                                                           & Garden Guides):
                                                                                                                           Trees
                                                                                                                           – Acer circinatum (Vine Maple)                    Professional Assistance
                                                                                                                           – Quercus garryana (Garry Oak)                    Landscape Architects or designers can help you draw a full landscape plan, design an arbor, or simply
                                                                                                                           – Tsuga mertensiana (Mountain Hemlock)            check your sketches and suggest improvements. Nursery staff can often work with your map and
                                                                                                                           Shrubs                                            suggest appropriate plants for each place.
                                                                                                                           – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick)
                                                                                                                           – Mahonia nervosa (Cascade Oregon Grape)          r	 American Society of Landscape Architects, Washington Chapter, www.wasla.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Refer to the back of this
                                                                                                                           – Philadelphus lewisii (Mock Orange)              r	 Association of Professional Landscape Designers,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    brochure for a list of all of
                                                                                                                           – Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry)            Washington Chapter, www.apldwa.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    the free Natural Lawn &
                                                                                                                           Perennials, Grasses and More                      r	 The Irrigation Association, www.irrigation.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Garden guides and to find
                                                                                                                           – Asarum caudatum (Wild Ginger)                   r	 Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, www.walp.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    out how to obtain them.
                                                                                                                           – Blechnum spicant (Deer Fern)                    r	 Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, www.wsnla.org
                                                                                                                           – Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry)

2                                                     A shady garden of native plants
                                                                                                                           – Smilacena racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7
The Natural Lawn & Garden




              Photograph by Richard Hartlage
                                                                                                                                                                       Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment

                                                                                                                          Choosing
                                                                                                                                                 The Right Plants
                                                                                                                                                                              Beautiful, Trouble-Free Garden
                                               Waterwise Garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden
                                                                                                                                                      for a
  To Request A Natural Lawn & Garden Guide, Contact:
            u	 Snohomish Conservation District
                                 (425) 335-5634, ext. 4, www.snohomishcd.org
            u	 Snohomish County Public Works,
                                 Surface Water Management Division
                                 (425) 388-3464, www.naturalyard.surfacewater.info
            u	 WSU Snohomish County Extension Master Gardeners
                                 (425) 357-6010, www.snohomish.wsu.edu




                                               The Natural Lawn & Garden Series
                                                 u	 Growing Healthy Soil
                                                 u	 Choosing the Right Plants
                                                 u	 The Plant List
                                                 u	 Smart Watering
                                                 u	 Composting at Home
                                                 u	 Natural Pest, Weed & Disease Control
                                                 u	 Natural Lawn Care
                                                 u	 Natural Yard Care (summary)




                                                                                                                            Photograph courtesy of Great Plant Picks
                                          For Additional Information Visit:
                                                 www.naturalyardcare.info

                                                                                                   Snohomish County
                                                                                                         Public Works
                                                                                               Surface Water Management




                                                    For TTY assistance, please call 711.
                                                                                                                                                                       Helleborus hybridus
    This brochure was developed by the City of Seattle Public Utilities.
Snohomish County thanks the City of Seattle for permission to reproduce it.
                                                        © 2010 Seattle Public Utilities
                                                      Printed on 100% recycled paper. 9/2010
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2010

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Choosing the Right Plants for A Beautiful, Trouble Free Garden - Natural Lawn

  • 1. The Natural Lawn & Garden Photograph by Richard Hartlage Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment Choosing The Right Plants Beautiful, Trouble-Free Garden Waterwise Garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden for a To Request A Natural Lawn & Garden Guide, Contact: u Snohomish Conservation District (425) 335-5634, ext. 4, www.snohomishcd.org u Snohomish County Public Works, Surface Water Management Division (425) 388-3464, www.naturalyard.surfacewater.info u WSU Snohomish County Extension Master Gardeners (425) 357-6010, www.snohomish.wsu.edu The Natural Lawn & Garden Series u Growing Healthy Soil u Choosing the Right Plants u The Plant List u Smart Watering u Composting at Home u Natural Pest, Weed & Disease Control u Natural Lawn Care u Natural Yard Care (summary) Photograph courtesy of Great Plant Picks For Additional Information Visit: www.naturalyardcare.info Snohomish County Public Works Surface Water Management For TTY assistance, please call 711. Helleborus hybridus This brochure was developed by the City of Seattle Public Utilities. Snohomish County thanks the City of Seattle for permission to reproduce it. © 2010 Seattle Public Utilities Printed on 100% recycled paper. 9/2010 2010
  • 2. How To Select The Right Wet Winter/Dry Summer Plants Resources Plants For A Beautiful, A selection from The Plant List (see back page to order this and other Books Trouble-Free Garden Natural Lawn & Garden Guides): Ann Lovejoy’s Organic Garden Design School by Ann Lovejoy; Trees Rodale, 2004 When you grow plants in the appropriate conditions, they – Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Grow Your Own Native Landscape by Michael Leigh; MISC0273, thrive with minimal care. By choosing plants well adapted (Himalayan White Birch) Washington State University Extension, 2005 to each garden situation, you save time and money, reduce maintenance, – Liquidambar styraciflua Home Landscaping: Northwest Region by Roger Holmes & help prevent pests and diseases, and leave more clean water for salmon (American Sweet Gum) Don Marshall; Creative Homeowner, 2002 and other wildlife. Plan now and enjoy the benefits for years to come. Shrubs Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest by Russell Link; This guide takes you through the following simple steps for choosing – Gaultheria shallon (Salal) University of Washington Press, 1999 plants that will flourish in your garden: – Myrica californica Right Plant, Right Place by Nicola Ferguson; Fireside, 2005 The Plant List (California Wax Myrtle) Sunset Western Garden Book edited by Kathleen Norris Brenzel; u Get to know your site. The Plant List is designed to help – Potentilla fruticosa Sunset Publishing Corp., 2007 Learn about the conditions in each part of your garden. Once you (Shrubby Cinquefoil) you pick the right plants for your know your soils and microclimates—the areas in your landscape with site’s conditions. The guide of over Perennials, Grasses and More 200 plants is organized by: unique climatic characteristics—you can choose plants that will thrive – Carex ‘Ice Dance’ (Variegated Sedge) Hotlines For Gardening Questions in each area. – Erythronium revolutum r Wet winter/dry summer plants r WSU Master Gardener Hotline, Snohomish County Extension, u Dream a garden. (Pink Fawn Lily) (425) 357-6010 or MG.help@wsu.edu r Moisture-loving plants Decide how you want to use your landscape, and consider – Hemerocallis cultivars (Daylily) r Favorite Pacific Northwest r Plant Answer Line, UW Botanic Gardens, (206) 897-5268 all the ways plants can help you create play Native plants areas, colorful flower displays, privacy or r Drought-tolerant plants shade, wildlife habitat, food and more. Demonstration Gardens r WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens; For The List also indicates whether each u Create a plan to fit your site. locations visit: www.snohomish.wsu.edu/mg/gardemo.htm plant likes sun, shade or partial Identify plants that will thrive with little or call (425) 338-2400 shade, and is evergreen or deciduous, maintenance in each situation, as well as r Soest Herbaceous Display Garden, Center for Urban and includes helpful tips. Garden and photo by Stacy Crooks providing the colors, scents, fruit or other qualities you desire. See The Plant List Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle The List was developed in coordina- box on page 7 for more information. r The Waterwise Garden, Bellevue Botanical Garden, tion with the Great Plant Picks 12001 Main Street, Bellevue u Give plants a good start. (GPP) program, which promotes r Waterwise Demonstration Garden, Woodinville Water Prepare your soil with compost, plant plants well suited to Pacific North- District, 17238 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd, Woodinville properly, mulch and follow healthy west gardens west of the Cascade watering practices. More information Mountains. Many of the plants in is detailed in the free Growing Healthy Web Sites the List are GPP selections. GPP is Soil and Smart Watering guides r Great Plant Picks: www.greatplantpicks.org administered by the staff of the (ordering information on back page). Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical r Native plant information: A sunny border Garden. For more details and to www.wnps.org, http://gardening.wsu.edu/nwnative view color photos of all GPP selec- r Natural Lawn & Garden Care: www.naturalyardcare.info Pacific Northwest Native Plants tions, visit www.greatplantpicks.org. r UW Botanic Garden: www.millerlibrary.org A selection from The Plant List (see back r Washington State University Extension/Master Gardeners: Garden and photo by Carl Woestwin page to order this and other Natural Lawn http://gardening.wsu.edu, http://pnwplants.wsu.edu & Garden Guides): Trees – Acer circinatum (Vine Maple) Professional Assistance – Quercus garryana (Garry Oak) Landscape Architects or designers can help you draw a full landscape plan, design an arbor, or simply – Tsuga mertensiana (Mountain Hemlock) check your sketches and suggest improvements. Nursery staff can often work with your map and Shrubs suggest appropriate plants for each place. – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick) – Mahonia nervosa (Cascade Oregon Grape) r American Society of Landscape Architects, Washington Chapter, www.wasla.org Refer to the back of this – Philadelphus lewisii (Mock Orange) r Association of Professional Landscape Designers, brochure for a list of all of – Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry) Washington Chapter, www.apldwa.org the free Natural Lawn & Perennials, Grasses and More r The Irrigation Association, www.irrigation.org Garden guides and to find – Asarum caudatum (Wild Ginger) r Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, www.walp.org out how to obtain them. – Blechnum spicant (Deer Fern) r Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, www.wsnla.org – Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry) 2 A shady garden of native plants – Smilacena racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal) 7
  • 3. Step 4: Give Plants a Good Start Step 1: Get To Know Your Site Any plant you choose will grow best with good soil preparation, and First, make a simple map of your garden conditions. All it takes is a proper planting and care. The following simple practices will help tape measure, shovel, graph paper and colored pencils. (Observing Lawns And prevent many problems. your existing landscape over the seasons can really pay off here and in Vegetables Are Picky! step 2, Dream a Garden). After careful measuring, create a drawing of your property to scale, showing all buildings, pavement, rockeries, trees, Healthy lawns and vegetable planting beds and other landscape features. Dig small holes about a gardens need well drained soil Build Healthy Soil at least 6 inches deep, and foot deep in several spots around the yard to check soil type and iden- u Loosen soil at least 10 to 12 inches deep throughout planting beds, and 6 to 8 inches tify problem situations such as compaction or poor drainage. (For help require several hours of direct deep in lawns. Use a shovel or digging fork, or a rototiller for large areas. Try a determining soil conditions and correcting problems, obtain the free sun per day. Many shrubs, pick or mattock to break through compacted layers. Growing Healthy Soil guide. Ordering information is on the back page.) trees and perennials will grow Next, use colored pencils to outline the following microclimates and well in shady or wet spots, but u Thoroughly mix compost into loosened soil throughout the planting bed when landscape conditions: lawns will have constant prob- planting a new or remodeled garden area. To choose an amendment for your soil lems in these conditions. Few and to determine how much to use, see the Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering r sunny, shady and partly sunny areas vegetables will produce well in information on back page). When planting individual plants in the middle of a lawn r “hot spots” on the south or west sides of walls or fences, or shade, or in poorly drained or or into an established planting bed, loosen the soil in an area at least three to four next to pavement shallow soil. feet in diameter—larger for root balls measuring over a foot wide—but do not add r windy or exposed areas soil amendments since this may prevent the plant’s roots from spreading beyond the r areas with rocky or compacted soil that needs improvement planting hole. r wet or poorly drained areas, runoff or draining downspouts r slopes that may erode or are difficult to mow Plant Right r places that are hard to access for maintenance u Dig a hole large enough to spread the plant’s roots. r dry spots under roof eaves or evergreens u Form a firm mound at the bottom of the planting hole. Make it high enough so that the top of the root ball is at the soil surface, as it was in the pot or at the nursery. Prevailing winds u Loosen and spread the roots. Untangle circling or matted roots and spread them out around the plant, using a hose to gently spray soil off the outside of the root ball if needed. u Fill in with the soil removed to make the plant- ing hole. Firm soil with your hands, and water Shade, part shade thoroughly. Check the level of the plant after watering has settled the soil. Mulch and Water Wisely Sunny, hot u Spread mulch in a circle extending a little fur- Shade ther out than the plant’s branches. Mulch keeps Place plant at the level roots moist, and makes soils loose and absor- it was growing in the pot or slightly higher Sandy bent. Keep mulch a few inches away from the Mulch layer soil plant’s trunk or stems. For help choosing the best mulch for each type of plant, refer to the Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering informa- tion on back page). u Water as needed until plants are established. Even most drought-tolerant plants need irriga- tion their first two or three summers. Once es- Spread roots Dry shade Wide planting hole tablished, they can get by with little or no water over mound in addition to what nature provides. For more Mound soil at bottom on healthy watering practices, see the Smart Watering guide (ordering information on back Lower level, wet page). 6 3
  • 4. Step 2: Dream A Garden Step 3: Create A Plan To Fit Your Site Trees: Before choosing plants that will do well in your garden, Environmental Heroes Once you know your garden conditions and what you want your landscaping to accomplish, you can lay out your think about what plants can do for you. Strategic land- Did you know that trees play a garden. Pair your site map from step 1 with your list of objectives from step 2 to define use areas. Then select scaping can define outdoor spaces, attract wildlife and crucial role in our gardens and plants for each location. For example, put your lawn and vegetable garden in sunny areas with good drainage. provide privacy, play areas, food, colorful flowers and environment? They shelter and The bird and wildlife viewing sanctuary you’ve always wanted can go in the shady area, as can the compost pile. foliage, fragrant herbs and much more. Best of all, you feed wildlife, cleanse the air, Use sheets of tracing paper laid over your site map to experiment with varied layouts, and match plants with the can accomplish all of this with low-maintenance, water- reduce storm runoff and pre- conditions that best suit them. wise plants. Decide how you want to use your garden, and how much vent soil erosion. Deciduous time you want to spend working in it. Look around your neighbor- trees planted on the south and Choose the Right Plants for Each Spot hood for ideas, and refer to the gardening books and public gardens west sides of a building provide Create A Garden Refer to the Resources section at the end of this guide for help finding For All Seasons listed in the Resources section at the end of this guide. Consider the summer shade, while letting plants that will meet your needs and flourish in your garden’s condi- following options when planning your landscape: sun through naked branches in Landscape for year-round interest! tions. Consider the following when choosing plants: the winter. Trees can also help r vegetable and herb gardens r Look for winter standouts, block winter winds. P Choose plants that thrive without irrigation. Many plants grow r flowers and colorful foliage beautifully with just the water provided by nature—once they are including plants that feature var- r fruit trees established in your garden. Plant moisture-loving varieties where ied leaf color or texture, colorful When planting trees on a sub- r food, water and shelter for birds, butterflies and other wildlife soil stays wet. Drought-tolerant plants perform best where soil is winter bark or berries, and fra- urban or city-sized lot, think r living screens for privacy dry in the summer. grant or colorful winter flowers. small. Trees can grow quickly r decks or paved areas for outdoor living and shade out lawns or sun- r Include evergreens. Use both P Select pest-and disease-resistant varieties. Whether you grow roses r low-maintenance areas loving plants. Falling limbs coniferous and broadleaf ev- or rhododendrons, apples or tomatoes, you will find that certain r wood-chip areas or lawn for play from large trees—especially our ergreen plants to define spaces varieties resist common pests and diseases better than others. Ask r views you want to accentuate or block native firs and other conifers— while keeping your garden green your local nursery to suggest pest- and disease-resistant varieties, or r pathways necessary for home and garden maintenance can damage structures and throughout the year. refer to The Plant List (see back page to order). r specific plants you want to keep, move or remove power lines. P Diversify your plant investments. Landscapes characterized by a r Provide winter structure. r garden storage and composting areas rich array of plants resist the spread of pests and diseases better than Woody trees and shrubs, as r potting and work areas gardens with little variety. Diverse plantings attract birds and insects well as arbors, trellises and r places for creating and displaying art garden art, provide visual interest r Other needs: _______________________________________ that eat pests—and are more attractive to people, too. during the dormant season. P Why not go native? Indigenous plants are adapted to the local cli- mate and pests. Many Northwest natives are beautiful and easy to grow. However, the needs of natives vary and, for best results, they must be grown in the right conditions—just like any other plants. Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks Plan for Easy Maintenance and Efficient Irrigation At every stage of laying out your garden, consider how to water wisely and make upkeep easy. r Plant practical lawns. Include only as much lawn as you need and want to maintain. Remember that lawns need regular watering in summer to stay green, and need weekly mowing during several months of the year. Avoid planting lawn on slopes, narrow strips or irregular shapes that are hard to mow or irrigate. See the box on page 3 for more tips. Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks r Create low-maintenance areas. Plant slopes, areas along fences and other hard-to-access sites with quick-growing ground cover plants Viburnum tinus ‘Spring Bouquet’ that crowd out weeds and require little watering. r Group plants by their water needs. This way, they can be watered by the same sprinkler or irrigation zone with each group receiving just the right amount of moisture. Lawns should be irrigated separately from other plants with different water needs. r Create irrigation zones for each exposure. Plants in full sun usually use more water than those grown in the shade, and should be watered using different zones if you have an automatic irrigation system. r Drip and soak for savings. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses provide the best way to water most plants 4 other than lawns. They apply water directly to the soil, without wasting it on pavement or allowing 5 Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ water to evaporate as it sprays into the air.
  • 5. Step 2: Dream A Garden Step 3: Create A Plan To Fit Your Site Trees: Before choosing plants that will do well in your garden, Environmental Heroes Once you know your garden conditions and what you want your landscaping to accomplish, you can lay out your think about what plants can do for you. Strategic land- Did you know that trees play a garden. Pair your site map from step 1 with your list of objectives from step 2 to define use areas. Then select scaping can define outdoor spaces, attract wildlife and crucial role in our gardens and plants for each location. For example, put your lawn and vegetable garden in sunny areas with good drainage. provide privacy, play areas, food, colorful flowers and environment? They shelter and The bird and wildlife viewing sanctuary you’ve always wanted can go in the shady area, as can the compost pile. foliage, fragrant herbs and much more. Best of all, you feed wildlife, cleanse the air, Use sheets of tracing paper laid over your site map to experiment with varied layouts, and match plants with the can accomplish all of this with low-maintenance, water- reduce storm runoff and pre- conditions that best suit them. wise plants. Decide how you want to use your garden, and how much vent soil erosion. Deciduous time you want to spend working in it. Look around your neighbor- trees planted on the south and Choose the Right Plants for Each Spot hood for ideas, and refer to the gardening books and public gardens west sides of a building provide Create A Garden Refer to the Resources section at the end of this guide for help finding For All Seasons listed in the Resources section at the end of this guide. Consider the summer shade, while letting plants that will meet your needs and flourish in your garden’s condi- following options when planning your landscape: sun through naked branches in Landscape for year-round interest! tions. Consider the following when choosing plants: the winter. Trees can also help r vegetable and herb gardens r Look for winter standouts, block winter winds. P Choose plants that thrive without irrigation. Many plants grow r flowers and colorful foliage beautifully with just the water provided by nature—once they are including plants that feature var- r fruit trees established in your garden. Plant moisture-loving varieties where ied leaf color or texture, colorful When planting trees on a sub- r food, water and shelter for birds, butterflies and other wildlife soil stays wet. Drought-tolerant plants perform best where soil is winter bark or berries, and fra- urban or city-sized lot, think r living screens for privacy dry in the summer. grant or colorful winter flowers. small. Trees can grow quickly r decks or paved areas for outdoor living and shade out lawns or sun- r Include evergreens. Use both P Select pest-and disease-resistant varieties. Whether you grow roses r low-maintenance areas loving plants. Falling limbs coniferous and broadleaf ev- or rhododendrons, apples or tomatoes, you will find that certain r wood-chip areas or lawn for play from large trees—especially our ergreen plants to define spaces varieties resist common pests and diseases better than others. Ask r views you want to accentuate or block native firs and other conifers— while keeping your garden green your local nursery to suggest pest- and disease-resistant varieties, or r pathways necessary for home and garden maintenance can damage structures and throughout the year. refer to The Plant List (see back page to order). r specific plants you want to keep, move or remove power lines. P Diversify your plant investments. Landscapes characterized by a r Provide winter structure. r garden storage and composting areas rich array of plants resist the spread of pests and diseases better than Woody trees and shrubs, as r potting and work areas gardens with little variety. Diverse plantings attract birds and insects well as arbors, trellises and r places for creating and displaying art garden art, provide visual interest r Other needs: _______________________________________ that eat pests—and are more attractive to people, too. during the dormant season. P Why not go native? Indigenous plants are adapted to the local cli- mate and pests. Many Northwest natives are beautiful and easy to grow. However, the needs of natives vary and, for best results, they must be grown in the right conditions—just like any other plants. Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks Plan for Easy Maintenance and Efficient Irrigation At every stage of laying out your garden, consider how to water wisely and make upkeep easy. r Plant practical lawns. Include only as much lawn as you need and want to maintain. Remember that lawns need regular watering in summer to stay green, and need weekly mowing during several months of the year. Avoid planting lawn on slopes, narrow strips or irregular shapes that are hard to mow or irrigate. See the box on page 3 for more tips. Photograph courtesy Great Plant Picks r Create low-maintenance areas. Plant slopes, areas along fences and other hard-to-access sites with quick-growing ground cover plants Viburnum tinus ‘Spring Bouquet’ that crowd out weeds and require little watering. r Group plants by their water needs. This way, they can be watered by the same sprinkler or irrigation zone with each group receiving just the right amount of moisture. Lawns should be irrigated separately from other plants with different water needs. r Create irrigation zones for each exposure. Plants in full sun usually use more water than those grown in the shade, and should be watered using different zones if you have an automatic irrigation system. r Drip and soak for savings. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses provide the best way to water most plants 4 other than lawns. They apply water directly to the soil, without wasting it on pavement or allowing 5 Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ water to evaporate as it sprays into the air.
  • 6. Step 4: Give Plants a Good Start Step 1: Get To Know Your Site Any plant you choose will grow best with good soil preparation, and First, make a simple map of your garden conditions. All it takes is a proper planting and care. The following simple practices will help tape measure, shovel, graph paper and colored pencils. (Observing Lawns And prevent many problems. your existing landscape over the seasons can really pay off here and in Vegetables Are Picky! step 2, Dream a Garden). After careful measuring, create a drawing of your property to scale, showing all buildings, pavement, rockeries, trees, Healthy lawns and vegetable planting beds and other landscape features. Dig small holes about a gardens need well drained soil Build Healthy Soil at least 6 inches deep, and foot deep in several spots around the yard to check soil type and iden- u Loosen soil at least 10 to 12 inches deep throughout planting beds, and 6 to 8 inches tify problem situations such as compaction or poor drainage. (For help require several hours of direct deep in lawns. Use a shovel or digging fork, or a rototiller for large areas. Try a determining soil conditions and correcting problems, obtain the free sun per day. Many shrubs, pick or mattock to break through compacted layers. Growing Healthy Soil guide. Ordering information is on the back page.) trees and perennials will grow Next, use colored pencils to outline the following microclimates and well in shady or wet spots, but u Thoroughly mix compost into loosened soil throughout the planting bed when landscape conditions: lawns will have constant prob- planting a new or remodeled garden area. To choose an amendment for your soil lems in these conditions. Few and to determine how much to use, see the Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering r sunny, shady and partly sunny areas vegetables will produce well in information on back page). When planting individual plants in the middle of a lawn r “hot spots” on the south or west sides of walls or fences, or shade, or in poorly drained or or into an established planting bed, loosen the soil in an area at least three to four next to pavement shallow soil. feet in diameter—larger for root balls measuring over a foot wide—but do not add r windy or exposed areas soil amendments since this may prevent the plant’s roots from spreading beyond the r areas with rocky or compacted soil that needs improvement planting hole. r wet or poorly drained areas, runoff or draining downspouts r slopes that may erode or are difficult to mow Plant Right r places that are hard to access for maintenance u Dig a hole large enough to spread the plant’s roots. r dry spots under roof eaves or evergreens u Form a firm mound at the bottom of the planting hole. Make it high enough so that the top of the root ball is at the soil surface, as it was in the pot or at the nursery. Prevailing winds u Loosen and spread the roots. Untangle circling or matted roots and spread them out around the plant, using a hose to gently spray soil off the outside of the root ball if needed. u Fill in with the soil removed to make the plant- ing hole. Firm soil with your hands, and water Shade, part shade thoroughly. Check the level of the plant after watering has settled the soil. Mulch and Water Wisely Sunny, hot u Spread mulch in a circle extending a little fur- Shade ther out than the plant’s branches. Mulch keeps Place plant at the level roots moist, and makes soils loose and absor- it was growing in the pot or slightly higher Sandy bent. Keep mulch a few inches away from the Mulch layer soil plant’s trunk or stems. For help choosing the best mulch for each type of plant, refer to the Growing Healthy Soil guide (ordering informa- tion on back page). u Water as needed until plants are established. Even most drought-tolerant plants need irriga- tion their first two or three summers. Once es- Spread roots Dry shade Wide planting hole tablished, they can get by with little or no water over mound in addition to what nature provides. For more Mound soil at bottom on healthy watering practices, see the Smart Watering guide (ordering information on back Lower level, wet page). 6 3
  • 7. How To Select The Right Wet Winter/Dry Summer Plants Resources Plants For A Beautiful, A selection from The Plant List (see back page to order this and other Books Trouble-Free Garden Natural Lawn & Garden Guides): Ann Lovejoy’s Organic Garden Design School by Ann Lovejoy; Trees Rodale, 2004 When you grow plants in the appropriate conditions, they – Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Grow Your Own Native Landscape by Michael Leigh; MISC0273, thrive with minimal care. By choosing plants well adapted (Himalayan White Birch) Washington State University Extension, 2005 to each garden situation, you save time and money, reduce maintenance, – Liquidambar styraciflua Home Landscaping: Northwest Region by Roger Holmes & help prevent pests and diseases, and leave more clean water for salmon (American Sweet Gum) Don Marshall; Creative Homeowner, 2002 and other wildlife. Plan now and enjoy the benefits for years to come. Shrubs Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest by Russell Link; This guide takes you through the following simple steps for choosing – Gaultheria shallon (Salal) University of Washington Press, 1999 plants that will flourish in your garden: – Myrica californica Right Plant, Right Place by Nicola Ferguson; Fireside, 2005 The Plant List (California Wax Myrtle) Sunset Western Garden Book edited by Kathleen Norris Brenzel; u Get to know your site. The Plant List is designed to help – Potentilla fruticosa Sunset Publishing Corp., 2007 Learn about the conditions in each part of your garden. Once you (Shrubby Cinquefoil) you pick the right plants for your know your soils and microclimates—the areas in your landscape with site’s conditions. The guide of over Perennials, Grasses and More 200 plants is organized by: unique climatic characteristics—you can choose plants that will thrive – Carex ‘Ice Dance’ (Variegated Sedge) Hotlines For Gardening Questions in each area. – Erythronium revolutum r Wet winter/dry summer plants r WSU Master Gardener Hotline, Snohomish County Extension, u Dream a garden. (Pink Fawn Lily) (425) 357-6010 or MG.help@wsu.edu r Moisture-loving plants Decide how you want to use your landscape, and consider – Hemerocallis cultivars (Daylily) r Favorite Pacific Northwest r Plant Answer Line, UW Botanic Gardens, (206) 897-5268 all the ways plants can help you create play Native plants areas, colorful flower displays, privacy or r Drought-tolerant plants shade, wildlife habitat, food and more. Demonstration Gardens r WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens; For The List also indicates whether each u Create a plan to fit your site. locations visit: www.snohomish.wsu.edu/mg/gardemo.htm plant likes sun, shade or partial Identify plants that will thrive with little or call (425) 338-2400 shade, and is evergreen or deciduous, maintenance in each situation, as well as r Soest Herbaceous Display Garden, Center for Urban and includes helpful tips. Garden and photo by Stacy Crooks providing the colors, scents, fruit or other qualities you desire. See The Plant List Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle The List was developed in coordina- box on page 7 for more information. r The Waterwise Garden, Bellevue Botanical Garden, tion with the Great Plant Picks 12001 Main Street, Bellevue u Give plants a good start. (GPP) program, which promotes r Waterwise Demonstration Garden, Woodinville Water Prepare your soil with compost, plant plants well suited to Pacific North- District, 17238 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd, Woodinville properly, mulch and follow healthy west gardens west of the Cascade watering practices. More information Mountains. Many of the plants in is detailed in the free Growing Healthy Web Sites the List are GPP selections. GPP is Soil and Smart Watering guides r Great Plant Picks: www.greatplantpicks.org administered by the staff of the (ordering information on back page). Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical r Native plant information: A sunny border Garden. For more details and to www.wnps.org, http://gardening.wsu.edu/nwnative view color photos of all GPP selec- r Natural Lawn & Garden Care: www.naturalyardcare.info Pacific Northwest Native Plants tions, visit www.greatplantpicks.org. r UW Botanic Garden: www.millerlibrary.org A selection from The Plant List (see back r Washington State University Extension/Master Gardeners: Garden and photo by Carl Woestwin page to order this and other Natural Lawn http://gardening.wsu.edu, http://pnwplants.wsu.edu & Garden Guides): Trees – Acer circinatum (Vine Maple) Professional Assistance – Quercus garryana (Garry Oak) Landscape Architects or designers can help you draw a full landscape plan, design an arbor, or simply – Tsuga mertensiana (Mountain Hemlock) check your sketches and suggest improvements. Nursery staff can often work with your map and Shrubs suggest appropriate plants for each place. – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick) – Mahonia nervosa (Cascade Oregon Grape) r American Society of Landscape Architects, Washington Chapter, www.wasla.org Refer to the back of this – Philadelphus lewisii (Mock Orange) r Association of Professional Landscape Designers, brochure for a list of all of – Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry) Washington Chapter, www.apldwa.org the free Natural Lawn & Perennials, Grasses and More r The Irrigation Association, www.irrigation.org Garden guides and to find – Asarum caudatum (Wild Ginger) r Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, www.walp.org out how to obtain them. – Blechnum spicant (Deer Fern) r Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, www.wsnla.org – Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry) 2 A shady garden of native plants – Smilacena racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal) 7
  • 8. The Natural Lawn & Garden Photograph by Richard Hartlage Healthy Landscapes for a Healthy Environment Choosing The Right Plants Beautiful, Trouble-Free Garden Waterwise Garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden for a To Request A Natural Lawn & Garden Guide, Contact: u Snohomish Conservation District (425) 335-5634, ext. 4, www.snohomishcd.org u Snohomish County Public Works, Surface Water Management Division (425) 388-3464, www.naturalyard.surfacewater.info u WSU Snohomish County Extension Master Gardeners (425) 357-6010, www.snohomish.wsu.edu The Natural Lawn & Garden Series u Growing Healthy Soil u Choosing the Right Plants u The Plant List u Smart Watering u Composting at Home u Natural Pest, Weed & Disease Control u Natural Lawn Care u Natural Yard Care (summary) Photograph courtesy of Great Plant Picks For Additional Information Visit: www.naturalyardcare.info Snohomish County Public Works Surface Water Management For TTY assistance, please call 711. Helleborus hybridus This brochure was developed by the City of Seattle Public Utilities. Snohomish County thanks the City of Seattle for permission to reproduce it. © 2010 Seattle Public Utilities Printed on 100% recycled paper. 9/2010 2010