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Take advantage of fall’s cooler weather to tuck in some natives
by Margie Lachman

Fawn lilies thrive in shady spots

Fall is the ideal time in our area for planting. Warm soil and cooler air are perfect for establishing trees, shrubs, and perennials. Nurseries are reducing prices of stock now as sales slow down in winter.

If you have a spot for a tree or shrub, consider a native plant that has adapted to our dry summers and mild wet winters. This doesn’t mean there’s no need to water them in the summer, but less water is required once the plants are established. It takes two years (or more for trees) for roots to grow sufficiently into the soil, so regular watering those first years is essential.

Some of the best native conifers include Alaska cedar, Alpine fir, Douglas fir, Mountain hemlock, Western redcedar, Western yew, and White fir. Deciduous trees native to our area include Garry oak, Oregon ash, Pacific dogwood, and vine maple.

For drier areas, Madrone, an attractive broad-leaved evergreen, does well. In areas of full sun, good shrub choices are Arctostahylos media (hybrid manzanita), Golden currant, Oregon grape, Pacific wax myrtle, red flowering currant, Rocky Mountain maple, Saskatoon, silk tassel bush and Western hazelnut. For shadier places, evergreen huckleberry, ocean spray, red twig dogwood, salal, and Western azalea make good choices.

The following perennial plants do well in full sun but will always need regular water in summer (with the exception of sedums such as spathulifolium): camas, Fritillaria lanceolate (chocolate lily), false Solomon’s seal, Pacific Coast iris, Lewisia, shooting star, twinflower, and Western columbine. For part shade: Erythronium revolutum (fawn lilies), Five finger (maidenhair) fern, piggyback plant, Trillium ovatum, Vancouveria (inside-out flower), and wood fern. Creeping mahonia and wild strawberry work well in sun or part shade. False lily-of-the-valley, bunchberry, and wild ginger prefer full shade.

Trees and shrubs can be an expensive investment but they enhance our property values with their beauty and shade.  Perennials, grasses, and ground covers add understory interest and weed suppression. And natives support wildlife with flower nectar and berries, provide shelter and nesting sites, and are seldom bothered by insects or disease.

There are more natives, but these are among the best. Local nurseries have knowledgeable people to assist you, but having a list of what plants you are interested in is most helpful. The Sunset Western Garden Book is a great resource for selection and care of plants. The more you know the greater your success!

Questions? Email me at margierose2@gmail.com or call 503-645-2994.

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