Gardeners often think plants are resting in the late fall/early winter so gardeners can relax. Around Seattle, though, this is the perfect time to plant native seeds and find beauty around the native garden.
My seed-starting efforts have tripled compared to last year. If all the seeds germinate, I may be in trouble! Thousands of seedlings will be a lot to deal with but I look forward to that problem.
Here are some photos of the seed pots including some precocious seedlings from the November-planted batch.
Seep Monkey Flower — Erythranthe guttata seedlings from seeds planted in November
Gilia capitata seedlingsA few Lupinus polyphyllus seedlings braving the winter wetSo many seed pots.So many more seed pots!And still more seed pots!And even more seed pots!
I branched out with native seeds of trees and shrubs, including osoberry, madrone, and western crabapple. Perennials include Oregon sunshine, pearly everlasting, fringecup, pacific bleeding heart, Oregon iris, and lupines.
There is beauty, interest, and growth in the native plant garden even now. The late fall and winter have been mild so far. Here are some photos capturing some beauty and interest in my tiny slice of native.
Native rose hipsViola adunca leafGalls on native rosesOne of my favorite natives is the large-leaved avens, Geum macrophyllum, and I have been working to establish them throughout the native garden and the rest of the yard. These plants are hardy and strong–they grow a lot throughout mild spells in the winter.Salmonberry budsRed-flowered currant budsGarry oak budsInteresting new growth on madrone saplingI think Tomieia menziesiiSalal looking fresh and also getting nibbledPuget gumweed empty seedheads adding winter interest.Puget gumweed is trying to bloom despite the cold and wetStrong-growing Puget gumweed showing nibbles from crittersWestern columbine with Kinnickkinnick to the right being nibbled extensively.Oregon sunshine growing over a mossy curbOregon grape (Berberis) are setting buds now. They are striking plants every day of the year but the flower buds add an interest right from the start.Douglas aster seedheads adding interest to the garden in JanuaryLupine seed pods hang on long after the seeds have fallen and add beauty and interest.
