When you are out buying plants for your yard invest in some plants that feed the wildlife.

There are many native cultivars that are beautiful and add interest to the garden and feed the wildlife when they need it the most.

Take Salal for example. This shrub has beautiful green foliage and spreads on the understory of the forest adding cover for animals and feeding them with their fruit.

Native plants once established are drought tolerant and uses less water. The goal in having a nice garden is using the resources in our own region reducing the amount of pesticides and high maintenance.

Shrink your lawn. Put in some flower beds. Install some paths to stroll your garden. Put in some nice rocks.

When I am out working I see so many little creatures, from frogs and snakes to humming birds and eagles. With the development of homes and other building, animals need a home and food. At least plant one plant for them.

On another topic,  if you have an irrigation system, get it up to working order. I recently attended the WALP (Washington Association of Landscape Professionals) meeting where David Tubberville from H.D. Fowler spoke on irrigation startups. He gave helpful tips on getting your system up and running.

One important tip is when turning on the system, from the double check valve, turn it on slowly. That way you don’t blow the valves.

I invite all landscape professionals to attend our meetings. Give me a call and I would love to talk to you about WALP.

For all your irrigation needs or any questions whatsoever give David a call at 360-377-4507.  H.D. Fowler has all your irrigation parts!

Remember you can still thatch and top dress with some nice compost now.

Happy Gardening,

Gardener Joe

To contact Joe, email him at besthands@aol.com.