PNW residents rejoice: Spring is just around the corner, which means longer days, milder weather, and blossoming gardens galore. Whether you’re rethinking your landscape or simply looking to cultivate a green thumb, this season is the perfect time to give your plants some TLC.
To gather inspiration, we sourced advice and trends from three local gardening pros: Designer and Grower Annika McIntosh of Hazel Designs (hazeldesigns.com), Owner Paige Lanham of Garden Spot Nursery (garden-spot.com), and Owner Bay Renaud of Plantas Nativa, LLC (plantasnativa.com).
Photo by Annika Mcintosh
Pearl yarrow (Achillea ptarmica) is a delicate-looking perennial flower that’s easy to start from seed and blooms into the fall. I cut these for use in bridal bouquets, or as a dried flower.
Pick plants based on your land’s unique microclimate.
“The most frequent request I receive for home gardens is for a ‘low maintenance’ planting palette, but I find that that can be defined in many different ways depending on the individual or family, and their piece of land,” says McIntosh. “I think what people are actually looking for are sustainable, functional landscapes.”
McIntosh goes on to define these kinds of landscapes as spaces in which “plants and soil support and respond to water and light conditions, the existing landforms, and intended uses.” Whatcom County alone is home to many types of microclimates, so it’s important to choose plants wisely.
Rather than picking varieties based on aesthetics alone, consult with a professional and invest in plants that are most sustainable in your landscape’s one-of-a-kind conditions. Plants that can establish quickly and have their needs met are more likely to stay healthy, low-maintenance, and adaptable for generations to come.
Photo by Annika Mcintosh
Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) is a favorite hardy, native shrub for sun or shade that provides structure and year round interest.
Don’t give in to deer pressure.
When choosing landscape plants, McIntosh’s clients often request two conflicting qualities: deer-resistant and non-toxic. Unfortunately, most deer resistant plants are unsafe for human consumption too—but while that may sound scary, it doesn’t necessarily make them a threat.
“In actuality, there are very few poisonous landscape plants that would be appealing to a child or pet,” McIntosh says. “Once parents learn to identify the biggest threats (for example, poison hemlock, yew, or foxglove), they are much better prepared to let their children roam at home or in a park.”
Prioritize longevity and flexibility.
According to McIntosh, the COVID19 pandemic inspired homeowners to put more care into their gardens. There is a renewed desire to create flexible gathering spaces and “outdoor rooms” that can accommodate a variety of activities, and for these spaces to grow and change with homeowners.
“As lifestyles change and children grow up, people often need to update their landscapes—and that is much easier if the spaces have been designed to be flexible and multifunctional from the beginning,” McIntosh says.
Think local whenever possible.
Looking to grow some more fruits and veggies? Seek out plants that have been locally cultivated, as this cuts down on carbon emissions and supports the health of our community’s economy.
“Something we are really excited for this year is further expanding our veggie and edible selection, which we almost exclusively buy locally,” Lanham says. “Buying local has been so important to us, especially in the last couple years, so any time we find a new local supplier, we are over the moon!”
Eco-conscious home gardeners might also consider filling their gardens with native species, and the Bellingham-based Plantas Nativa is an excellent resource for indigenous plants. According to Renaud, their selection of PNW plants is one of the largest in the state.
Photo by Annika Mcintosh
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another easy perennial to start from seed, blooms most of the summer, and is much loved by bees. I leave the seed heads standing for the birds to forage from and to add some textural interest in the winter garden.
Plant with pollinators in mind.
“One of the most common requests that [Garden Spot Nursery] gets is for pollinator plants and flowers to feed hummingbirds,” says Lanham. “So many people are interested in feeding the wildlife, taking care of the bees, and growing food for themselves and their families. This has been a really great shift to see gardeners of all ages interested in being more sustainable and being environmental stewards.”
This trend also holds true for Renaud at Plantas Nativas. He and his team are able to tailor their recommendations to a landscape’s specific growing conditions, as well as the customer’s preference for color and maximum height.
However, sourcing native plants isn’t possible for everyone—especially those with limited space. This is why McIntosh often creates hybrid plant palettes that are suited to her clients’ microclimate, are friendly to birds and pollinators, and provide plenty of visual interest.
Photo by Annika Mcintosh
Rudbeckia hirta (“Sahara”) is a variety of the eastern native wildflower, also known as black-eyed Susan, that’s been bred for fancier blooms. It is also started from seed that offers forage for both pollinators and birds, and is indispensable in autumn bouquets.
Bonus tip: Show your local community garden some love.
Even apartment dwellers can embrace their green thumb with a little help from our community gardens. The City of Bellingham alone oversees 195 community garden plots, and there are plenty more scattered throughout the city and county. Not sure where to start? For a complete directory of community gardens in Whatcom County, visit whatcom.wsu.edu.
