Naturescaping
Kathy Shearin – workshop leader for East Multnomah Soil &Water Conservation District – will highlight ways to attract wildlife and save water while making the garden a feast for the eyes. Naturescaping focuses primarily on native plants, recommended because they are adapted to our soil and climate and need relatively little or no watering, fertilizing, or care once established. They are also less susceptible to common garden pests and diseases, and they attract a variety of native birds and butterflies by providing food and shelter.
Portland Nursery – Stark; Sunday, July 12th 1:00 pm
Green is a Color, Too
Many of us take the color green for granted, but, as Kermit the Frog reminds us, it is a real and vibrant hue. Come and explore the many ways this color can be used in the garden with Lucy Hardiman of Perennial Partners, a garden design collective recognized for their innovative approaches to garden design. Join Lucy and be prepared to have your eyes opened.
Joy Creek Nursery; July 12th 1:00 pm
Master Gardeners at King Neighborhood Farmers Market Multnomah County Master Gardeners are staffing an information table, so take in samples of weeds or plant problems and get some help for your garden.
NE 7th and Wygant between NE Alberta and Prescott Streets; Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Watering on My Mind
This season I wanted to pay extra attention to water for the yard and garden. Yes, clean water is a precious environmental resource – not to be wasted, but the vegetables need enough to be productive, plus my shrubs and trees need the right amount for best health, too.
I began by more regularly digging into the soil with a trowel to see what was actually happening down there. Was the soil really dry under the mulch? Did the plants need water again, so soon?
I found that the extra effort paid off. I have been surprised more than once – thinking that the plants looked fine when the soil was quite dry down six inches. The plants would have wilted in another day. Just as often, I’ve thought that several hot days must have dried out the soil, only to find that it was still moist just under the surface. (Must be all that organic matter I add!)
And I think the garden shows the difference. So, save water by using it well. Water when the plant needs it, and – as my friend Greg advises – not just because it’s Tuesday or because you have the hose in your hand.
I began by more regularly digging into the soil with a trowel to see what was actually happening down there. Was the soil really dry under the mulch? Did the plants need water again, so soon?
I found that the extra effort paid off. I have been surprised more than once – thinking that the plants looked fine when the soil was quite dry down six inches. The plants would have wilted in another day. Just as often, I’ve thought that several hot days must have dried out the soil, only to find that it was still moist just under the surface. (Must be all that organic matter I add!)
And I think the garden shows the difference. So, save water by using it well. Water when the plant needs it, and – as my friend Greg advises – not just because it’s Tuesday or because you have the hose in your hand.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Coming Up . . .
Over the holiday weekend many folks will picnic or enjoy their own garden. If you want to take a stroll through someone else’s landscape, consider one of our local public gardens.
The Oregon Zoo has great horticulture interest, as well as animal exhibits. The Oregon Zoo Backyard Makeover exhibit shows how to design a home landscape for beauty as well as for the environment. There’s a before-and-after design, plus tips.
A favorite of mine is the Leach Botanical Garden in southeast Portland. There are over 2,000 plants in the collection and the cool streamside location is a refreshing spot to be in hot weather.
Another relaxing garden walk is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden near Reed College. Though the most spectacular show is earlier in the spring, anytime in the deep green setting will refresh the spirit.
In Southwest is the Bishop’s Close, a larger and more dramatic setting. The diversity of plants and garden vistas make it a choice trip season after season.
The Oregon Zoo has great horticulture interest, as well as animal exhibits. The Oregon Zoo Backyard Makeover exhibit shows how to design a home landscape for beauty as well as for the environment. There’s a before-and-after design, plus tips.
A favorite of mine is the Leach Botanical Garden in southeast Portland. There are over 2,000 plants in the collection and the cool streamside location is a refreshing spot to be in hot weather.
Another relaxing garden walk is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden near Reed College. Though the most spectacular show is earlier in the spring, anytime in the deep green setting will refresh the spirit.
In Southwest is the Bishop’s Close, a larger and more dramatic setting. The diversity of plants and garden vistas make it a choice trip season after season.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thinking About Fall Planting
A garden doesn’t have to be something you start over Memorial Day weekend and then stop sometime in October. As summer reaches a fever pitch in late July and August, planting some more vegetables will let you enjoy fresh produce late into fall.
The Home Garden Seed Association has some easy-to-grow suggestions for late summer planting. Here are their top ten:
1. Beets
2. Calendula
3. Cilantro
4. Kale
5. Lettuce
6. Peas
7. Radish
8. Salad Greens
9. Spinach
10. Swiss Chard
As space opens up in the garden – lettuce has bolted, beans are finished – think about putting in a second crop of peas or a row of radishes. These two are especially easy to grow from seed.
Take a look at your garden beds. It’s time to plan how you can continue to pick vegetables on through fall, right in your own backyard.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Coming up . . .
Ground Cover Solutions
Megan of Little Prince of Oregon Nursery will discuss Stepables and other ground covers to help prevent weeds and erosion, create a low-maintenance landscape, and benefit wildlife. They also work well in container plantings and borders.
Dennis’ Seven Dees - SE Powell; Saturday, June 27th 10:00 to 11:00 am.
Water Conservation in the Garden
Learn about different methods to save on both money and resources in the garden with John Hartog of the Community Energy Project. He will discuss methods such as using mulch, installing drip irrigation, and planting drought tolerant plants. Make a difference in your yard and your water bill.
Portland Nursery – Stark St; Saturday, June 27th, 1:00 pm
Water-Wise Gardens
Summer heat is coming. Get some water conservation tips from the Regional Water Providers Consortium. You can also pick up a free copy of the Willamette Valley Water Efficient Plant Guide, a Watering Gauge Kit, and other materials to help you save water in your landscape.
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood; Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 am to 2:00pm.
Tried and True Perennials
Landscape designer Sue Barr will discuss some tried and true perennials that are easy to grow, beautiful, and can take whatever the weather is likely to throw at them.
Al’s Garden Center – Woodburn; Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 am.
Simplify Your Garden
What a treat! Local author, Barbara Blossom Ashmun, will tell how to simplify the garden, by planting lower-maintenance shrubs and weeding out the fussier plants. Barbara will also read from her newly-released story, The Garden Saved My Life. After the talk, Barbara will be available to autograph copies of her book, Married to My Garden.
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood; Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 am.
Building a Raised Bed
Come listen to in-house “handy man” Bill Wilder as he shows you how to easily build a raised bed and planters for gardening in almost any part of your yard. You can also tap Bill’s experience building trellises, arbors and cold frames.
Portland Nursery – Stark St; Sunday, June 28th, 1:00 pm.
Ground Covers
Ramona Wulzen has a passion for ground covers and container gardening. She can help you find plants that will enhance problem areas in your garden and learn how to keep them looking good, whether in dry shade under evergreens or in a sunny hot spot that gets little water.
Joy Creek Nursery; Sunday, June 28th, 1:00 pm.
Opportunities for Gardening Kids
Hooked on Hummingbirds
Find out more about this amazing little bird and how to attract it to your yard. Each child will leave with something to help invite hummingbirds to their home.
Al’s Garden Center – Gresham; Saturday June 27th, 11:00 am. Registration is required. 503 491 0771
Megan of Little Prince of Oregon Nursery will discuss Stepables and other ground covers to help prevent weeds and erosion, create a low-maintenance landscape, and benefit wildlife. They also work well in container plantings and borders.
Dennis’ Seven Dees - SE Powell; Saturday, June 27th 10:00 to 11:00 am.
Water Conservation in the Garden
Learn about different methods to save on both money and resources in the garden with John Hartog of the Community Energy Project. He will discuss methods such as using mulch, installing drip irrigation, and planting drought tolerant plants. Make a difference in your yard and your water bill.
Portland Nursery – Stark St; Saturday, June 27th, 1:00 pm
Water-Wise Gardens
Summer heat is coming. Get some water conservation tips from the Regional Water Providers Consortium. You can also pick up a free copy of the Willamette Valley Water Efficient Plant Guide, a Watering Gauge Kit, and other materials to help you save water in your landscape.
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood; Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 am to 2:00pm.
Tried and True Perennials
Landscape designer Sue Barr will discuss some tried and true perennials that are easy to grow, beautiful, and can take whatever the weather is likely to throw at them.
Al’s Garden Center – Woodburn; Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 am.
Simplify Your Garden
What a treat! Local author, Barbara Blossom Ashmun, will tell how to simplify the garden, by planting lower-maintenance shrubs and weeding out the fussier plants. Barbara will also read from her newly-released story, The Garden Saved My Life. After the talk, Barbara will be available to autograph copies of her book, Married to My Garden.
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood; Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 am.
Building a Raised Bed
Come listen to in-house “handy man” Bill Wilder as he shows you how to easily build a raised bed and planters for gardening in almost any part of your yard. You can also tap Bill’s experience building trellises, arbors and cold frames.
Portland Nursery – Stark St; Sunday, June 28th, 1:00 pm.
Ground Covers
Ramona Wulzen has a passion for ground covers and container gardening. She can help you find plants that will enhance problem areas in your garden and learn how to keep them looking good, whether in dry shade under evergreens or in a sunny hot spot that gets little water.
Joy Creek Nursery; Sunday, June 28th, 1:00 pm.
Opportunities for Gardening Kids
Hooked on Hummingbirds
Find out more about this amazing little bird and how to attract it to your yard. Each child will leave with something to help invite hummingbirds to their home.
Al’s Garden Center – Gresham; Saturday June 27th, 11:00 am. Registration is required. 503 491 0771
When You’re Too Tired to Garden – Read!
There are certainly lots of gardening books out there – many generate oohs and ahhs with glorious color and stylish design. This is not one of them. Oh, there are some sweet line drawings, but The Informed Gardener is a reader’s book.
Author Linda Chalker-Scott is an associate professor at Washington State University and specializes in urban horticulture – which is to say, home gardens. For a number of years I have enjoyed her column “Horticultural Myths.” This book collects the best of her nine-year effort. These well-researched articles take some of the things gardeners accepted as True and digs beneath the surface.
Times change; lawn care professionals, tree experts, and university researchers discover that what we were all taught at our mother’s knee or in our college classroom just isn’t true. We all thought it was, and it seemed to work most of the time; but after some years of study and experience, a better way was discovered.
Chalker-Scott has a direct, readable style and the research to back up her perspective. She includes references to the scientific research that illustrates her point. How many garden books and magazine articles do that?
The articles are quick reads and practical. Look for a new take on tree staking, hot-weather watering, mulching, and wound dressing.
The Informed Gardener by Linda Chalker-Scott; University of Washington Press.
Author Linda Chalker-Scott is an associate professor at Washington State University and specializes in urban horticulture – which is to say, home gardens. For a number of years I have enjoyed her column “Horticultural Myths.” This book collects the best of her nine-year effort. These well-researched articles take some of the things gardeners accepted as True and digs beneath the surface.
Times change; lawn care professionals, tree experts, and university researchers discover that what we were all taught at our mother’s knee or in our college classroom just isn’t true. We all thought it was, and it seemed to work most of the time; but after some years of study and experience, a better way was discovered.
Chalker-Scott has a direct, readable style and the research to back up her perspective. She includes references to the scientific research that illustrates her point. How many garden books and magazine articles do that?
The articles are quick reads and practical. Look for a new take on tree staking, hot-weather watering, mulching, and wound dressing.
The Informed Gardener by Linda Chalker-Scott; University of Washington Press.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Coming up . . .
Garden of Awakening Orchids
Our wonderful Portland Classical Chinese Garden is bringing us more than just the serenity of its plants and views – there’s music, too.
Every Monday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the Portland Orchids and Bamboo Chinese Ensemble presents Melody of the Purple Bamboo: Traditional Chinese Music in the Teahouse. Free, with order of tea service and Garden admission.
Free Soil Testing and Tool Sharpening!
Experts from the Portland Rose Society will answer your questions plus determine your soil’s pH. Don’t let a too acid soil slow your garden down! Take a shovelful from several spots in your garden bed, mix it together and bring about a ½ cup in for testing.
And have your pruners gotten dull from all that deadheading? Get them sharpened, while you wait. One per customer, please.
Dennis’ Seven Dees – SE Powell; Saturday, June 20th, noon to 3:00 pm.
Composting 101
Learn the basic steps in transforming your yard and kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich amendment for your soil with Metro’s Natural Gardening Specialist, Glen Andresen. Discover different methods of composting and easy solutions to composting problems.
Farmington Gardens; Saturday, June 20th, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Fabulous Flavors
Herbs are easy to grow and add wonderful fresh flavors to our food. Attend this class and learn some delicious ways to incorporate herbs into your favorite dishes from local expert, Eric Nelson, Executive Chef at Vitality Restaurant/Wellsprings.
Al’s Garden Center – Woodburn; Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 am.
If you’re closer to Sherwood meet with Peter Cook, Cordon Bleu trained Chef and Al’s Edibles Expert for his perspective.
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood; Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 am.
Water-Wise Gardens
Summer’s coming, so get some water conservation tips from the Regional Water Providers Consortium. Pick up your free copy of the Willamette Valley Water Efficient Plant Guide, a Watering Gauge Kit and other materials that will help you save water in your landscape.
Al’s Garden Center – Gresham; Saturday, June 20th; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Winter Vegetable Gardening
It’s time to start thinking about planting that Winter Vegetable Garden. Polly Gottesman of Pumpkin Ridge Gardens has been providing fresh produce through her CSA Pumpkin Ridge Gardens since 1990. From her experience, she will discuss the best varieties for the Portland area.
Portland Nursery – Stark St; Sunday, June 21st, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Opportunities for Gardening Kids
Hooked on Hummingbirds
Find out more about this amazing little bird and how to attract it to your yard. Each child will leave with something to help invite hummingbirds to their home.
Al’s Garden Center – Gresham; Saturday June 27th, 11:00 am. Registration is required. 503 491 0771
Our wonderful Portland Classical Chinese Garden is bringing us more than just the serenity of its plants and views – there’s music, too.
Every Monday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the Portland Orchids and Bamboo Chinese Ensemble presents Melody of the Purple Bamboo: Traditional Chinese Music in the Teahouse. Free, with order of tea service and Garden admission.
Free Soil Testing and Tool Sharpening!
Experts from the Portland Rose Society will answer your questions plus determine your soil’s pH. Don’t let a too acid soil slow your garden down! Take a shovelful from several spots in your garden bed, mix it together and bring about a ½ cup in for testing.
And have your pruners gotten dull from all that deadheading? Get them sharpened, while you wait. One per customer, please.
Dennis’ Seven Dees – SE Powell; Saturday, June 20th, noon to 3:00 pm.
Composting 101
Learn the basic steps in transforming your yard and kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich amendment for your soil with Metro’s Natural Gardening Specialist, Glen Andresen. Discover different methods of composting and easy solutions to composting problems.
Farmington Gardens; Saturday, June 20th, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Fabulous Flavors
Herbs are easy to grow and add wonderful fresh flavors to our food. Attend this class and learn some delicious ways to incorporate herbs into your favorite dishes from local expert, Eric Nelson, Executive Chef at Vitality Restaurant/Wellsprings.
Al’s Garden Center – Woodburn; Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 am.
If you’re closer to Sherwood meet with Peter Cook, Cordon Bleu trained Chef and Al’s Edibles Expert for his perspective.
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood; Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 am.
Water-Wise Gardens
Summer’s coming, so get some water conservation tips from the Regional Water Providers Consortium. Pick up your free copy of the Willamette Valley Water Efficient Plant Guide, a Watering Gauge Kit and other materials that will help you save water in your landscape.
Al’s Garden Center – Gresham; Saturday, June 20th; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Winter Vegetable Gardening
It’s time to start thinking about planting that Winter Vegetable Garden. Polly Gottesman of Pumpkin Ridge Gardens has been providing fresh produce through her CSA Pumpkin Ridge Gardens since 1990. From her experience, she will discuss the best varieties for the Portland area.
Portland Nursery – Stark St; Sunday, June 21st, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Opportunities for Gardening Kids
Hooked on Hummingbirds
Find out more about this amazing little bird and how to attract it to your yard. Each child will leave with something to help invite hummingbirds to their home.
Al’s Garden Center – Gresham; Saturday June 27th, 11:00 am. Registration is required. 503 491 0771
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