Birds in the backyard help create a delightful garden. The flash of color, the cheery birdsong, and the delightful antics liven up the landscape. It’s no wonder gardeners often give special thought to what birds need when organizing the garden.

Every region is blessed with local birds, but some areas are especially lucky in the bird department, like Washington, Oregon and Idaho, collectively known as the “Pacific Northwest.”

The range of bird species in the Pacific Northwest is exceptional, thanks in large part to the varied topography.

Here is a short list of nine wonderful Pacific Northwest birds – representing only a tiny fraction of nature’s remarkable avian show. We’ve picked birds for this list that you are likely to spot in your backyard: Idaho and Oregon backyard birds as well as backyard birds of Washington state. If you head to the ocean or to one of the many rivers in this part of the country, you’ll find interesting water birds too.

Common Birds of the Pacific Northwest

1. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna's hummingbirds are full-time Pacific Northwest birds. This common hummingbird species is a staple year-round in both urban and suburban areas. Other hummers, like Rufous hummingbirds, migrate through the area on their way north and south, but Anna’s hummingbirds are there to stay.

These are magical birds with sparkling coloring, especially the males with their iridescent rose-red throat and crown and emerald backs. Females have emerald-green backs and rosy spots on the throat. Anna hummingbirds are delighted to visit your hummingbird feeders but will also eat nectar from native plants. Highly territorial, these little birds defend “their” space fiercely.

2. Golden-Crowned Kinglet

Recognize the golden-crowned kinglet by the black-and-white stripes above their eyes and orange or yellow crowns. Both male and female kinglets flick their wings open and shut when hunting for insects. You’ll find these birds in evergreen forests, swamps and bottomlands in addition to suburban backyards.

3. American Robin

Does the American robin live in all states? Not quite all, but this common bird, with its red-orange breast and pleasant song, does get around. You might see them in a tree or pecking for worms in a lawn. Listen for its happy call - “cheery, cheer-up, cheer-io” – but also its “tut, tut, tut” call. American robins don’t eat very often from seed feeders but if you put out fruit, they’ll be happy to eat this too. They also eat worms and bugs.

4. Spotted Towhee

The spotted towhee is a large, striking sparrow. It is found in thickets of brush in this area of the country. The male birds are shiny black above, while the females are gray, with brown flanks. Both have white stripes and bright red eyes. They look a little like slender robins and live near forests, thickets, and overgrown fields.

5. Cooper's Hawk

Do Cooper’s Hawks approach bird feeders? Yes they do, but they aren’t looking for seeds! Instead, they come for a more substantial meal. These hawks prefer to eat the birds that frequent the seeders, like pigeons or doves, and smaller birds like chickadees. This species has adapted well to suburban environments, nesting in neighborhood trees. Cooper’s Hawks fly fast and fancy, with their long tails and short round wings. While young birds are brown with yellow eyes, they develop gray feathers and red eyes as they get older.

See Birds Up Close

6. Downy Woodpecker

This small, beautiful woodpecker is black and white, and males have a touch of red on the back of their heads. You’ll often see downy woodpeckers along tree trunks and branches, they can be lured to the feeder with suet or sunflower seeds. The downy woodpecker’s call includes a sharp “pik” and a “whinny.”

7. Chestnut-backed Chickadee

If you want to see this attractive chickadee, you’ll need to go to the Pacific Northwest. That is the only spot it frequents. Chestnut-backed Chickadees build nests in dark, dense forests using fur from coyotes and rabbits. But you will also see them in parks and suburbs.

8. Song Sparrow

These sparrows have rust-brown bodies with bold gray streaks, and white chests with brown streaks. Their brown crown has a gray stripe as well that continues across the bird’s face. Look for them on the ground since they are ground nesters. The song of this bird is particularly lovely, three short notes followed by a trill.

9. Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers are big birds, large, brown woodpeckers with attractive, black-scalloped feathering. Their wings flash red when they fly. Their expression is often described as “gentle.” If you are looking for one, your best bet is to look at the ground since their preferred food is insects found in the soil like ants and beetles.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Pacific Northwest is characterized by primarily temperate conditions, although a few areas have very hot summers and deeply cold winters. The area runs the gamut when it comes to soil conditions, elevation, and other factors. These conditions affect what can be planted – particularly in early to mid-spring, when our gardens are starting to come back to life.

Encompassing Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and flowing up into British Columbia and the Yukon in Canada, the Pacific Northwest is a diverse region. Each of these areas has sections that abut the ocean and include mountain ranges. Such a varied collection of terrain means there are fairly large discrepancies in UDSA zones, which dictate the suitability of perennial plants and trees you can grow in your area.

To be successful in spring planting, you must understand your zone and know your last frost date, as many tender annual plants and vegetables won't survive a late cold snap.

Pacific Northwest USDA Zones

In the Pacific Northwest, USDA hardiness zones span 6 to 9, but there are some areas where it is zone 4. This means it is difficult to pinpoint exact timings for the whole region in spring.

For instance, Washington state has three very different regions. The west side of the state is mild through winter, and the soil warms early in spring. The mountain range warms much more slowly, and snow will persist well into spring and even early summer. And finally, the eastern part of the state is almost desert-like and boasts deeply freezing winters with burning hot summers.

We can, however, do an umbrella list of when to start spring chores and planting. Just note that your particular zone may require a later or earlier start. Pay close attention to seed packet information. Spring chores can start as soon as it is comfortable to work out of doors, but planting may have to wait in some zones.

Garden Chores for April

• Now is the time to finish any garden cleanup. That is especially important in the vegetable garden where left over plant material can harbor pests and disease.
• Sharpen and clean your garden tools. Sanitizing your tools can help prevent the transfer of disease. Sharp implements will cause less injury when pruning and deadheading.
• Amend your soil where this is needed. Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost into the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches (15cm). A soil test can help determine what other amendments, such as sulfur or lime, are needed.
• It is probably safe to begin pulling mulch from around certain plants. Anything that you covered for winter with mulch should be freed from the stuff so new sprouts can come up easily.
• It may be a bit early to determine if plants survived the winter, but you should start checking on them. Prune out any damaged stems and branches.
• Fertilize your lawn with slow-release granules. It is also not too early to get a jump on those perennial weeds with manual action.
• Fertilize your acid-loving plants, as well as use an all purpose formula on others. Use a slow-release formula that will last all season long.
• Prune and divide your perennials. Not all will need division, but it is good practice to divide them every three years or so. Dig them up and use a soil saw or similar device to cut the main body into sections, ensuring each portion has plenty of roots.
• Cut back ornamental grasses to 6 inches (15cm). These will begin producing new leaf blades soon which would be overshadowed by the old dead leaves.
• Go through raspberries and other cane berries and cut out the old and dead canes. This will allow new canes room to grow and improve air circulation. It is also a good time to reestablish growth support.
• Set out cool-season starts to harden off and then plant.

What to Plant in the Pacific Northwest in April

• Now is the best time to install bare-root plants. These plants will establish best if planted before soil temperatures rise too much.
• If necessary, move any plants to their final destination while they are still dormant. Plants that were heeled in can also begin to join the garden with a nice layer of mulch around their root zones to protect them from spring freezes.
• Start seeds indoors that will be planted outside after the last frost date. The general rule is to start seeds 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost.
• Plant available annuals like pansies and primroses. If you didn’t get spring bulbs in the ground in the fall, purchase those that have been given a chilling period and plant those now.
• Plant asparagus crowns. They will need a full-sun location in well-draining soil.
• If you didn’t plant garlic in the fall, you still have the option. In temperate regions, you can still get a decent crop with spring-planted bulbs.
• Plant potatoes. These are generally planted in mid-March, but it isn’t too late to get them started. Chit the potatoes for best results. This is usually done four weeks or more before planting. Set the seed potatoes with the eyes facing upward in a cool, bright location until the eyes sprout.
• Direct sow seeds for cool-season crops.

Plants to Direct Sow in April

Your seed packet will have a little map on it that delineates when to sow each variety by zone. Cool-season crops will still germinate even when nighttime temperatures are cool and can be directly sown outside. Some of these crops are:

• Asian greens
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chard
• Collard greens
• Fennel
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Snow peas and sugar snap peas
• Spinach

You can even begin to direct sow many root crops, provided the soil is workable deep down:

• Beets
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Scallions
• Turnips
• Radishes

Early April is also when you should plant out your onion sets. Plant leek seeds now for a fall harvest. If you get them in early in the month, shallots may also still be planted.

Several herbs can be started directly from seed in April:

• Chives
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Marjoram
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Thyme

Protecting Early Crops in April

One thing you will need to watch for as the seeds get ready to sprout are birds. They are foraging for food and will pull up seedlings and eat certain seeds. Use seedling bird protection measures like bird netting, repellents, and physical scary tactics like fluttering flags to keep them from the veggie patch.

Another problem is snails and slugs. They love to snack on baby plants. I save my toilet paper rolls and make a collar around tender young seedlings to keep these mollusks away. Slug beer traps are also effective.

A late frost is a potential threat in spring. Who knows what Mother Nature will do in this most volatile of seasons? Mulch around plants to protect the root zone. Use DIY cloches, or plant in a cold frame where possible. Have on hand some wire hoops and frost barrier fabric to erect a quick DIY hoop house if the weather forecast indicates a freeze.

Keep the soil around plant roots moist since damp soil stays warmer than dry soil. Weed frequently to keep competitive plants away from your seedlings. If deer or rabbits are a problem, erect a fence or use repellents to prevent their browsing.

As the seeds sprout, it is necessary to do that dreaded chore, culling. Learn how to thin seedlings to a distance that they will still have air circulation between mature plants. Don’t throw the thinnings away. Many of these, especially leafy plants, are edible, and tasty tossed into a salad.

After your seeds have developed two sets of true leaves, feed them with a fertilizer diluted by half. Transplants should be fed two to three weeks after they are installed in the ground.

If you planted cool-season crops earlier, you could be harvesting asparagus, greens, radishes, and snow or sugar snap peas this month.

More Gardening Inspiration

• As well as our recommended plants for April, you can also grow our Pacific Northwest plants for March.
• Discover the 10 flower seeds to Sow in April for a sea of stunning blooms through summer and fall.
• Get sowing outdoors or start seeds inside with these 7 best vegetables to plant in April for a bumper summer harvest.
• Sign up for the Gardening Know Newsletter to receive growing tips and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.

As a region that encompasses states and provinces that border coastal areas, the Pacific Northwest is considered temperate overall. But inland areas of the region, as well as higher elevations, can experience very cold winter temperatures and a slow start to spring. Its unique climate impacts what gardeners can plant in March – and how soon to start growing.

Broadly speaking, the Pacific Northwest region includes Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and British Columbia in Canada. Such a diverse range means the area is divided into sub-zones within each state, known as UDSA zones. To be successful, it's vital to understand your zone as well as your last frost date. This will help you determine what you can plant outdoors, and what to start indoors in March.

Pacific Northwest USDA Zones

Even in each state, growing zones are varied. Washington is designated as UDSA zones 4a–9a – while Seattle may be 9a, Spokane is 6b. There are even little pockets in the state that are in lower zones.

British Columbia is 7a–8b. However, if you look at the USDA map, you will find Beverley is a 4a, Dawson Creek is 3a, and Gabriola is 9a. It really has a wide range of hardiness zones within the same province.

This all means there are very different planting times within the same region.

Understanding the Pacific Northwest Climate in March

Due to this wide range of zones, the temperatures in March are also broad. British Columbia in March has average daytime temperatures of 39 to 50°F (4 to 10°C). Head south into Oregon, and you will find averages of 42 to 59°F (5.5 to 15°C). As a region, this shows quite a diverse temperature range.

If you look at the USDA map, California ranges from 5a–9b. The latter zone, 9b, is very warm throughout most of the year. But 5a will experience freezing winter temperatures and regular snowfall. This is due to that area’s location in the mountains.

Therefore, the best Pacific Northwest plants to plant in March will differ slightly from zone to zone. However, there are some generalities.

What Vegetable Seeds to Start in March

Due to the wide temperature fluctuations, gardeners should know their individual climates when choosing the best vegetables to grow in the Pacific Northwest. As a rule, March is when you should start your cool-season crops outside, as well as some herbs.

In March, Pacific Northwest gardeners can direct sow seeds into prepared garden beds to start these plants:

• Carrots
• Chard
• Cilantro
• Collard greens
• Dill
• Fennel
• Kale
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Radish
• Shallots
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Sugar peas and snow peas

While it is still too cool outside and soil temperatures have not warmed enough for seed germination of warm-season crops, try starting seeds indoors for these plants 8 weeks before the date of your last frost:

• Basil
• Eggplant
• Peppers
• Tomatoes

If you have a greenhouse or cold frame in a region that is still experiencing winter temperatures, you may still be able to plant seed. Water walls can help protect plants from freezing temperatures. Building a hoop house is another way to keep the temperatures warmer inside the structure.

Because there is such a wide range of temperatures, northern gardeners will have to resort to such items as well as cloches, raised beds, and frost-barrier fabric.

Fruits to Plant in March

March in the Pacific Northwest is often the best time to plant bare-root plants. If your ground is not frozen, this will give them an excellent start on the growing season.

Suitable berry canes and fruit trees for the Pacific Northwest may go in the ground if it is workable. Pears, apples, plums, blackberries, marionberries, and loganberries will perform well provided the soil is thawed.

March is an excellent time to get a rhubarb plant in the ground and in some zones, strawberry starts may be installed.

The cooler temperatures of March will give blueberry bushes time to establish and acclimate.

Flowers and Ornamental Plants

March is a great time to sow many flower seeds, including Pacific Northwest perennials and annuals. Zinnias, celosia, bachelor’s buttons, and sunflowers may be started indoors and transplanted after all danger of frost has passed.

Pansies and snapdragons could have been started earlier and are now safe to move to a protected area of the garden.

In addition, these key planting tasks can be done in March:

• Tender summer bulbs may be installed in zones 7 and above.
• Hardy bushes for the Pacific Northwest should be planted where the soil is workable. Keep an eye on these if there are not many spring rains to keep them watered.
• March is when the ornamental grasses become available at nurseries. You will also find many outdoor bushes and shrubs. Arborvitae, boxwood, barberry, and yews are but a few.
• Spread a layer of mulch around the root zone to protect freshly planted roots from unexpected freezes.

Tips for March Gardening

• Before you plant any seeds, use a soil thermometer to make sure the soil temperature is above 40°F (4.5°C). This is a great time to add soil amendments, such as compost, lime, manure, and materials like sand, straw, or shredded newspaper where it is needed.
• March is also time to start cutting back perennials and dividing them, pulling mulch away from plants, sharpening your tools, and beginning a campaign against pests and weeds.
• Some of the most common spring pests that will cause damage to plants are slugs and snails. Set traps or lay bait early in the month, and consistently.
• Plants that overwinter may now be reintroduced to the outdoors in protected locations. If the plant is tender, watch the weather so you can move it back into cover.
• Repot and freshen the soil in hardy container plants.
• March is the time to begin pruning many woody plants. Avoid pruning any with buds or that will flower in spring. Assess winter damage and remove broken limbs and other plant material.

Protecting the Garden in March

• If your zone might still expect hard freezes, mulch around tender plant’s root zones.
• Have light blankets, sheets, burlap, tarps, or frost barrier fabric at the ready. If a freeze threatens, cover tender plants overnight.
• Keep plants watered – wet soil holds more heat than dry soil.
• Use organic material around plants to keep the soil warm. This may be bark, grass clippings, leaf litter, or compost.
• Consider erecting an inexpensive hoop house over your newly planted seeds. This consists of arched, metal wires inserted into the soil. Then drape plastic or frost fabric over the frame.
• Alternatively, build an easy cold frame using clear plastic totes. Situate these over the plants at night when freezing temperatures are expected.
• With a little protection, your garden will have a head start if you plant in March.

More Growing Inspiration

• Discover the 7 must-grow flower seeds to start in March for a heavenly summer garden.
• Get sowing outdoors and inside with these 8 best vegetables to plant in March for a longer harvest.
• Elevate your flower power with the 10 best flowers for hanging baskets.

Growing vegetables in the Pacific Northwest can be challenging due to varying temperatures and weather conditions. The Pacific Northwest is a large region. This means that the best vegetables to grow in Washington state may not be the best vegetables to grow in Oregon. That said, the following contains general information on vegetable gardening in the Pacific Northwest along with some of the easiest vegetables to grow in the area.

How Long is the Growing Season in the Pacific Northwest?

The growing season for Washington state starts around March 24th and lasts until November 17th -- a total of 238 days. In Oregon, the growing season is significantly shorter at only 125 days between the last and first frost. Keep in mind that the length of the growing season can be wildly different depending on whether you are on the west or east side of either of these two states.

The Pacific Northwest is the northwestern portion of the United States encompassing Oregon, Washington state, and continuing up into British Columbia in Canada. This broad area includes rainforests, coastal regions along the Pacific Ocean, mountain ranges, arid high desert zones, and river valleys. Altitude, topography, and geographical location all determine the growing season for each area, which means it can vary significantly from one region to another.

Generally, however, the Pacific Northwest is said to have cool summers and mild winters in most areas. This means that starting seeds indoors and choosing short season veggies are recommended. A bonus to the temperate climate is that cold frames and greenhouses allow the gardener to significantly extend the growing season.

Vegetables Recommended for the Pacific Northwest

The easiest vegetables to grow in the Pacific Northwest are cool season crops. Cool weather vegetables that can be grown from seed include greens of any type, radishes, beans, garlic, onions, peas, and root veggies like carrots, turnips, and beets.

Onion and garlic can go in as early as late February, and radishes can be directly sown a month before the last frost date for your area. Beets, carrots, and new potatoes go in around a couple of weeks after the radishes. Bigger potato varieties shouldn’t go in until the last frost date.

Another allium that does beautifully in the Pacific Northwest is leeks. Leeks can be directly sown outdoors or started inside for fall and winter harvest. Leeks should be ready about 70 days from sowing.

Other cool weather veggies that thrive in this region are cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and collards. Kale can be sown directly into the garden in the late spring, but cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli should be started inside and then transplanted in mid to late spring when they have their first set of true leaves; about six to eight weeks from sowing.

Peas should go in a month before the last frost date for your area although make sure the soil is fairly dry as this crop is susceptible to rotting. Beans should be sown directly into the garden in the late spring after the last frost date and when temperatures have warmed.

Heat loving plants are better grown from starts -- the bigger the better. These include cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and melons. In this instance the smaller sized varieties do better than larger sized varieties so choose lemon or Persian cukes, cherry tomatoes, or tiny Thai peppers if you want to guarantee you will have a harvest before the first frost. Plan to plant these when temperatures rise in May to June.

Tips On Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest

Vegetables need sun -- at least six hours preferably more, so site accordingly. The Pacific Northwest is known for being quite wet in the spring in some areas, so make sure you are planting in well-draining soil or into a raised bed.

Since the growing season is relatively short, all gardeners will benefit from protecting crops from cool temps in the spring or for a second harvest in the fall with cloches, row covers, greenhouses, or even black plastic mulch to warm the soil temp. Also, if buying warm weather crops, be sure to select the largest transplants you can find.

Always look at the length of time to harvest on your seed packets. This will tell you if a particular variety of say, bean, is right for this area of the Pacific Northwest. Also talk to friends, neighbors, relatives, and nursery personnel about the tried and true varieties they’ve planted. Your local extension office can also give advice and likely even has a pamphlet or online information regarding recommendations.

Remember, planting dates aren't set in stone. Keep your eye on the weather forecast and adjust accordingly in the event of impending inclement weather.

Invasive weeds in the Pacific Northwest reduce biodiversity resulting in the loss of native plants and animals through competition for resources thereby altering habitats. The Pacific Northwest is a large region encompassing not only invasive plants in Oregon, but also Washington and Idaho. Government agencies wage a war against invasive species in the area, but citizens can help too by recognizing Pacific Northwest invasive plants and reporting them. Read on to learn how to identify invasive species in your area.

About Invasive Plants

If you aren’t familiar with the native species for your area, it isn’t easy to distinguish between the native and non-native plant species. Once you get to know which plants are invasive, it is surprising how many plants don’t belong in the ecosystem for that region.

How do they get there? Invasive plants are brought in by people, sometimes purposefully and sometimes by accident. Invasive plant seeds may hitch a ride on ocean transported cargo or on Fido’s fur after a hike in another state's natural area. Birds bring in non-native seeds, dispersing them as they eliminate their bowels. Even the wind is guilty of dispersing non-native species.

Non-native plants aren't always invasive. Your roses, for example, are likely not native to the area but aren’t considered invasive. They aren’t hardy enough or spread rapidly enough to be considered invasive. Washington, Oregon, or Idaho invasive species are those that take root and propagate easily, wiping out native plants and habitats.

Invasive Plant Criteria

For a plant to be considered invasive it must reproduce and spread seeds easily and rapidly. Invasive plants have few, if any, natural predators and thrive in areas where other plants find it difficult to take hold.

Invasive plants are also notoriously difficult to kill. These plants are difficult to eradicate since they use all their survival skills to live. Often invasive plants survive fire, chemical controls, and even digging or chopping up of the plant, often regrowing from a single root fragment left behind.

Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Species

In Idaho alone, the state has listed 71 weed species and 4 genera as noxious. Of these 54 species are terrestrial. Cytisus, Genista, Spartium, and Chameacytsus are the four genera listed as noxious by the state.

Leafy spurge, rush skeleton weed, spotted knapweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, Canada thistle, oxeye daisy, toadflax, houndstongue, and orange hawkweed are all noxious weeds that reduce forage for livestock and wildlife rendering them a place on the invasive weed list of Idaho.

Many of these weeds have crossed over into Washington state and are also listed as noxious. Such is the case with many Oregon invasive plants such as butterfly bush, spurge laurel, English holly, English laurel, Himalayan blackberry, English and Irish ivy, garlic mustard, poison hemlock, Italian arum, pokeweed, and lesser Celandine.

Noxious plants listed for Washington state are likely to be found in Idaho and Oregon. To find out if a plant is listed as invasive in your state, contact your local extension office or Noxious Weed Control for your county. The Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council also has a comprehensive listing of non-indigenous plants affecting the region. Report sightings of invasive weeds to your state’s invasive species council.

Mild year-round temperatures with plenty of moisture are the hallmarks of a good chunk of the Pacific Northwest (not all of it however). This temperate weather is a dream for gardeners, allowing them to grow almost year-round, especially if they stick to native Northwest plants and flowers. An area rich in wildlife, gardeners in this region are interested in deer resistant plants for the Northwest as well. Keep reading to learn about Pacific Northwest landscaping plants.

About the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest encompasses a large amount of varied terrain including coastal areas, rain forests, desert climates, mountain regions, prairies and pretty much everything in between. That said, the most common perception of the Pacific Northwest includes the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and sometimes British Colombia.

Other definitions include parts of Alaska, California, Montana, Wyoming and the Yukon Territory. That’s a lot of varied climate for one nomenclature! For the purposes of this article we are focusing on B.C., Western Washington, Oregon and Northern California.

Plants for the Pacific Northwest Gardener

Although the climate through the above region of the Pacific Northwest is notable for its mild temperatures, many gardeners find success sticking with native plants. Native plants have several benefits.

They have already adapted, often over hundreds of years or longer, to their growing conditions. This means the gardener is less likely to have to make concessions in order to grow the native plant. Not only are the plants inured to their native area but they also have built up resistance to pests and diseases. This means that native plants tend to be low maintenance as well as pest and disease resistant.

Flowering Plants for the Pacific Northwest

The goal, or at least one goal, of landscaping is to make the yard look nice, and what better way than incorporating flowering plants? Native flowers run the gamut. Some are more suited to sunny exposures and others prefer part shade to shade and moist conditions.

Some sun lovers include yarrow, agastache, hyssop, pearly everlasting, nodding onion, rusty pussytoes, spreading dogbane, kinnikinnick, heartleaf arnica, milkweed, balsamroot, scarlet paintbrush, fleabane, fritillaria, blanket flower, geum, lupine, bluebells, penstemon, phlox, Jacob’s ladder, Sedum stonecrop, death camas and so many more.

Native Northwest Plants for Shaded Gardens

Yarrow, red baneberry, monkshood, columbine, wild ginger, Western aster, fairy slipper, Western white clematis (as well as Columbia and blue clematis), spotted coralroot, dwarf dogwood, shooting star, prairie gentian, twinflower, bigleaf lupine, false Solomon’s seal, yellow monkey flower, self-heal and many others are suited to shade to partial shade often in moist conditions.

Deer Resistant Plants for the Pacific Northwest

Deer are fickle. A deer may turn its nose up at your neighbor’s plantings but love nibbling on yours. This means that the term deer resistant should be taken with a grain of salt. The following are plants for the Pacific Northwest gardener that are less likely to attract the deer: Bellflower, bigroot geranium, corydalis, Epimedium, foxglove, Jerusalem sage, ligularia, lupine, meadow rue, and mullein are all listed as deer resistant plantings.

Shrubs that are deer resistant include barberry, blue beard, corokia silverberry, forsythia, beauty bush, magnolia, potentilla, red currant, elderberry, spirea, snowberry and lilac.

Lastly, most conifers, of which there are plenty in the Pacific Northwest, are safe from deer browsing with the exception of yew and Douglas fir. Damage to trees is more likely caused by deer rubbing the velvet off their antlers, which can eventually kill a tree.

The West Coast is unparalleled in size, longevity, and density of the many varieties of Pacific Northwest conifers. Coniferous plants are also unrivaled in the sheer volume of organisms that call these trees home. Conifers in northwest U.S. have evolved over time to fill a specific niche in this temperate region. 

Interested in growing coniferous plants for the Pacific Northwest? While conifers native to this region fall into just three botanical families, there are plenty of choices.

Pacific Northwest Coniferous Plants

The Pacific Northwest is a region that borders the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Rocky Mountains on the east, and from central coastal California and southern Oregon up into the southeast Alaskan coast. 

Within this region lie several forest zones representative of the area’s annual temperature and rainfall. Native conifers in northwest U.S. belong to just three botanical families: Pine, Cypress, and Yew. 

• Pine family (Pinaceae) includes Douglas fir, Hemlock, Fir (Abies), Pine, Spruce, and Larch
• Cypress family (Cupressaceae) includes four cedar species, two junipers, and the Redwood
• Yew family (Taxaceae) includes only the Pacific Yew 

Information on Pacific Northwest Conifers

Two groups of fir trees reside in the Pacific Northwest, true firs and Douglas fir. Douglas firs are the most common conifer in Oregon and are, in fact, its state tree. Strangely, Douglas firs are not actually firs but are in a genus of their own. They have been incorrectly identified as fir, pine, spruce, and hemlock. True firs have erect cones while Douglas fir cones point downward. They also have pitchfork-shaped bracts. 

Of the true fir trees (Abies), there are the grand fir, Noble fir, Pacific Silver fir, subalpine fir, White fir, and red fir. The cones of Abies firs are perched atop the upper branches. They break apart at maturity leaving a spike on the branch. Their bark is smooth with resin blisters on young stems and on large trunks alternately furrowed and smooth. Needles either lie in flat rows or curve upwards but all come to a soft, non-prickly, point. 

There are two types of Hemlock conifers in the northwest U.S, Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Mountain hemlock (T. mertensiana). Western hemlock has short, flat needles and small cones while Mountain hemlock has short, irregular needles and longer 2 inch (5 cm.) cones. The cones of both hemlocks have rounded scales but lack the bracts of the Douglas fir. 

Other Coniferous Plants for Pacific Northwest

Pines are the most common conifer in the world but don’t actually do that well in the dark, damp, and dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. They can be found in the open forests of the mountains and east of the Cascades, where the weather is drier. 

Pines have long, bundled needles and can usually be identified by the number of needles in a bundle. Their cones are the largest of the coniferous plants in the region. These cones have thick, woody scales. 

Ponderosa, Lodgepole, Western, and Whitebark pines grow throughout the mountains while Jeffery, Knobcone, Sugar, and Limber pines can be found in the mountains of southwestern Oregon. 

Spruces have needles much akin to Douglas firs, but they are sharp and pointed. Each needle grows on its own small peg, a unique feature of spruces. The cones have extremely thin scales, and the bark is gray and scaled. Sitka, Engelmann, and Brewer are spruce conifers in the northwest U.S. 

Larches are dissimilar from other conifers in the area. They are actually deciduous and drop their needles in the fall. Like pines, the needles grow in bundles but with many more needles per bundle. Western and Alpine larches can be found in the Pacific Northwest on the east side of the Cascades and high in the North Cascades of Washington respectively. 

North American cedars are different than those of the Himalayas and the Mediterranean. They belong to four genera, none of which are Cedrus. They have flat, scale-like leaves and stringy-looking bark and all belong to the Cypress family. The Western Red cedar is the most common of these regional coniferous plants but Incense, Alaska, and Port Orford cedars occur rarely in some areas. 

The only cypress native to the Pacific Northwest is the Modoc cypress. Other cypresses that make the Northwest their home are the Western juniper, Rocky Mountain juniper, redwood, and sequoia. Similar to the giant sequoia, the redwood is native to the Pacific Northwest and can only be found in northern California. 

Yews are unlike other Pacific Northwest coniferous plants. Their seeds are contained in small, red, berry-like fruit (aril). Although they do have needles, since yews lack cones, their position as a conifer has been called into question. New research suggests that the arils are actually modified cones. Only the Pacific yew is native to the Pacific Northwest and can be found in shaded areas of low to medium elevation.

Weather in the Pacific Northwest ranges from rainy climates on the coast to high desert east of the Cascades, and even pockets of semi-Mediterranean warmth. This means if you’re looking for evergreen shrubs for the garden, you have a number of options.

Choosing Evergreen Shrubs for the Northwest

Gardeners have a diverse selection when it comes to growing evergreen bushes in the Northwest, but it’s important to consider growing zones, as well as requirements for sun and soil conditions in your particular garden.

Local nurseries and greenhouses usually offer the best choice of northwestern evergreen shrubs.

Evergreen Shrubs for Northwest Gardens

To ease the overwhelming choices of Pacific Northwest evergreens, here are a few ideas to pique your interest.

• Sierra laurel or Western leucothoe (Leucothoe davisiae) 
• Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
• Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)
• Hoary manzanita (Arctostaphylos canescens)
• Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)
• Pacific or California wax myrtle (Morella californica) 
• Oregon boxwood (Paxistima myrsinites) 
• Blue Blossom ceanothus (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus)

Just because winter is here doesn't mean there aren't garden chores to do. Northwest gardening in December can still be accomplished in most zones. Many Pacific Northwest gardens are temperate to mildly cool in winter and soil may even be workable. Start with a gardening to-do list so you don't forget anything and can keep on task.

About Pacific Northwest Gardens

Northwest gardening tasks seem to never end, but it can help to accomplish something every month of the year. Doing so will help you get a jump start on spring planting and make sure pests and disease don't take root in your garden. Outside of general cleanup, there are still many chores to do that will make life easier when the warm weather arrives.

Weather can really run the gamut in the Pacific Northwest. The region is slightly disputed but can broadly be considered to include northern California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Some even include Alaska and parts of southern Canada.

When you look at temperature differences from northern California up into the northern states, it is a broad range. In general, there are around 200 frost free growing days and the USDA zones are 6 through 9. This is quite a large range of temperatures and conditions.

One of the main tasks for northwest gardening in December is clean up. Torrential rains, heavy snow, and ice can really take a toll on trees. Broken limbs can be removed when they occur and downed plant material should be cleaned up. If heavy snow does occur, take some time to shake it off of bushes and trees to prevent damage.

Any sensitive plants need to be covered with frost fabric during cold snaps and some plants could use support with wire, caging, or other material. Shade or cover the southern side of young trees. You may also paint the trunk with light colored paint.

Gardening To-Do List

Northwest gardening tasks should be done as you can. If soil is not frozen, you can still install spring blooming bulbs. Other tasks may be:

• Plant bare root trees and shrubs if soil is soft enough.
• Keep up on watering. Damp soil helps protect roots in the event of a freeze.
• Cover tender plants as needed.
• Turn compost as necessary and keep moist.
• Check lifted bulbs for mold or damage.
• If soil isn't hard, divide perennials and replant.
• Rake leaves, cut back perennials, and keep up on weeds.
• Keep an eye out for rodent damage on plants and use any necessary bait or traps.
• Get going on planning your spring garden and start order lists.
• It's not too early to juice up the veggie bed. Spread wood ash, manure, or compost to begin amending the soil.

Many of us experience freezing temperatures and even snow in November, but that doesn't mean your gardening chores are finished. The Northwest garden in November may look like a frozen desert, but there are still things to finish up, as well as items to start for spring. A garden to-do list will help you remember all your chores and keep you on task, so everything is ready for the warmer season.

Tips on Gardening in Fall

In some regions, gardening in fall is still a daily activity. In the Northwest, however, gardens in many areas are resting up for spring. Regional gardening tasks differ by zone, but one thing we are all focused on is clean up and maintenance. November is a good time to straighten up the potting shed, clean and sharpen tools, and do a general cleanup outdoors.

One of the more obvious tasks is cleanup. If you have trees, raking is likely a priority. You can put your leaves to good use as mulch or an additive to your compost pile. Rake leaves directly into beds rather than bagging them up. Alternatively, you can use your mower to break them up and leave them on the lawn or use your bagger and transfer the chopped-up leaves to plants.

Dead vegetable plants should be pulled and put in the compost heap. Don't leave them on site to rot, as they may have pests or diseases that will overwinter in the soil. Collect any seed heads to save and keep seeds from produce as you use it to start the veggie garden in spring.

Regional Gardening Tasks for Cleaning Gardens

• The coastal areas will remain warmer than inland Northwest sites. In these areas, it is not too late to plant bulbs, garlic, or even maintain greens in the landscape. Lift tender bulbs and store. You may also be able to harvest some crops still. Cole crops, in particular, as well as greens, should still be viable.
• Your root crops will be ready and can be cold stored for quite some time. If you haven't already, pull your potatoes and store them. Check them frequently to remove any that are spoiling.
• Any area in the region should mulch. Use any item that will break down. Bark, leaves, straw, or any other item that will compost will do.
• Don't forget to water plants. Wet soil will help protect plant roots from a sudden freeze.

Maintenance Garden To-Do List

While the Northwest garden in November requires less work than the growing season, there are still things to do to get ready for spring. Once all that clean up, harvest, and planting is accomplished, turn your eyes to maintenance.

• Clean and sharpen mower blades.
• Clean and sharpen pruners, shovels, and other tools.
• Remove rust from tools and oil them.
• Drain and store hoses.
• Make sure your irrigation system is blown out.
• If you have a water feature with a pump, clean, check for leaks, and service. You may want to drain the water feature to avoid damage.

Even though leaves have fallen and much of your crops are finished, there are still many things to do in November to make spring easier and your garden happier.

Shrubs for Pacific Northwest gardens are an integral part of the landscape. Growing shrubs in the northwest states provide ease of maintenance, year-round interest, privacy, wildlife habitats, and structure. With the relatively temperate climate, the only difficulty may be deciding which northwestern shrubs to choose.

Choosing Shrubs for Pacific Northwest Gardens

Whether you are searching for shrubs in northwest states that provide food (like berries) for wildlife, or you want to brighten up the winter landscape with a blooming perennial, there are plenty of options for suitable Pacific Northwest bushes. There are even suitable northwestern shrubs that are drought tolerant and plenty of native Pacific Northwest bushes that are acclimated to the region, thus, making them low maintenance.

Flowering Shrubs in Northwest States

Camellias are a prominent feature in many Pacific Northwest gardens. They bloom reliably in the spring, but what about in the winter? Camellia sasanqua blooms in the middle of winter. ‘Setsugekka’ is a white blooming cultivar, while the popular ‘Yuletide’ blooms with a profusion of red flowers accented with yellow stamens that attract overwintering hummingbirds.

Another bloomer is Mahonia, a relative of Oregon grape. ‘Charity’ blooms with spikes of yellow blooms followed by a profusion of blue berries. This evergreen shrub for Pacific Northwest gardens lends an almost tropical feel to the landscape, but don’t let that fool you. Mahonia is tolerant of cold temperatures, including snowfall.

Sweetbox lives up to its name. While the small white blooms are rather inconspicuous, their tiny size contradicts their intense vanilla fragrance. Another bush that tolerates cold temperatures, Sweetbox actually blooms just before Christmas. Two species, Sarcococca ruscifolia and S. confusa are easily found. They grow to about 5 feet (1.5 m.) and thrive in dry shade areas.

Another evergreen, Grevillea comes in at about 8 feet (2 m.) tall and across. This northwestern shrub blooms from September through April with red/orange blossoms that attract hummers and bees. Hummers will also be attracted to Ribes malvaceum, or Chaparral currant. The pink, aromatic drooping blooms draw in hummers but, amazingly, not deer.

Other cool weather bushes to consider for the region include:

• Witch hazel
• Winter jasmine
• Viburnum ‘Dawn’
• Wintersweet
• Harry Lauder’s walking stick
• Oregon grape

Northwestern Deciduous Shrubs

Deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in fall and grow fresh foliage in spring. Many bloom in spring, some produce fruit, and others provide bright colors in fall. Some Northwestern deciduous shrubs offer all that and more.

If you’re a gardener in the Pacific Northwest and you’re interested in growing deciduous shrubs, you have a huge selection from which to choose. Here are a few suggestions for deciduous shrubs in the Northwest.

• Western serviceberry
• Western burning bush
• Shrubby cinquefoil
• Western redbud
• Silverberry
• Pacific Ninebark
• Silk Tassel

Native Shrubs in Northwest States

The aforementioned Oregon grape is a native as are many other Pacific Northwest bushes. Salal is commonly found as an understory plant throughout wooded areas of the region and is harvested for use in floral bouquets. It prefers shade to part shade and will spread to become a low maintenance groundcover in areas that have difficulty supporting plant life. Plus, the edible but fairly unpalatable berries become something sublime when made into jelly.

Red Osier dogwood is a native blooming shrub that is found along stream beds. It thrives in either sun or shade, provided the soil is moist. It blooms with clusters of small white flowers that give way to an abundance of berries. As if all this isn’t enough, the stems of this dogwood glow a brilliant red during the typically dreary winter months. 

One of the sturdiest of the native shrubs in northwestern states is oceanspray. While the cascades of white to cream blooms look delicate, the plant itself thrives in sun or shade and dry or wet conditions and is practically impossible to kill. It is a dense, rapid grower making it a perfect choice to fill in a hole in the landscape. Many birds flock to the bush for shelter and food.

Evergreen huckleberry provides year-round interest with its deep red new shoots set off against the glossy, dark green leaves and pink spring flowers that make way for red to dark purple berries in the summer. The berries are tiny but absolutely delicious. It can be grown in shade or sun. Interestingly, the more sun it gets the smaller the bush grows.

Osoberry, or Indian plum, is the first of the native Pacific Northwest bushes to leaf out and flower in the spring. While the small plums are bitter, the birds love them. Osoberry prefers dappled light and moderate moisture but for the most part, will do well in any other area of the landscape.

Rhododendrons can be found in almost every garden and should be considered for their gorgeous spring blooms.

Barberry, although prickly, has nice color and a myriad of shapes and sizes.

The list really does go on for shrubs in this area, making the only problem narrowing down which ones to include in your landscape.

As leaves start to blaze with autumn color, it is time to do fall garden chores. Northwest gardens have different chores than other regions of the states. October gardening tasks must include yard clean up and winterization. Having a garden to-do list can help you remember all the tasks necessary to put your garden to bed for the winter.

Making a Garden To-Do List

It's always sad to see the gardening season end, but who has time to mope? There are numerous tasks to be done to get the garden ready for winter and spring. October gardening tasks wrap up the season and help prevent bugs and fungal issues later. The month may have warm or freezing temperatures, or even snow. You just never know in the Northwest, so it's best to be prepared!

Gardening in the Northwest is a challenge because of the large mountain range and coastal influences on climate. Then add in the potential of a La Nina or El Nino and things can really change. Northwest gardens in fall can experience it all, from mild to extreme cold. So, it's important to have a list of tasks that will protect your plants from anything Mother Nature throws at you.

Not only do you need to protect plants and finish cleaning up the garden, but it is a good time to clean and sharpen tools, organize a potting shed or garage, and make sure your air conditioner is winterized. A basic list will keep you on task and make sure you don't forget anything important.

October Gardening Tasks

The first thing to do is finish harvesting. There may be apples, gourds, pumpkins, squash, and other tender fruits to bring indoors.

Next, if you want bright spring color, it is still not too late to install bulbs. Plant them two to three times as deep as the length of the bulb and mulch to protect them from heavy freezes.

Cut back any perennial fruits and veggies and cover with mulch. Save seeds as you process fruits and veggies. Pull spent annuals. Mulch or cover paths and large areas with cardboard to deter spring weeds.

You can still plant trees and shrubs, watering them in well if there is no natural precipitation.

Plant winter cover crops. Blow or rake leaves into beds as insulation and natural compost. Move established plants if necessary. Reseed patchy areas of the lawn.

Tips of Fall Gardening in the Northwest

Many Northwest gardens will not experience a killing freeze in October, so you can keep gardening cool season crops. Be ready with frost covers and watch the news for the weather forecast. You can save many crops by covering them as soon as a freeze is expected. You might also use straw over plants at night and pull it away in the daytime.

Outside of garden chores, remember to winterize air conditioners, irrigation systems, RVs, and any water features. Now is a good time to put out bird feeders or sunflower heads for the birds.

With a little pre-planning and action, your garden will weather the winter beautifully and come back in spring with a bang.

Northwestern native plants grow in an amazingly diverse range of environments that includes Alpine mountains, foggy coastal areas, high desert, sagebrush steppe, damp meadows, woodlands, lakes, rivers, and savannahs. Climates in the Pacific Northwest (which generally includes British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon) include cold winters and hot summers of high deserts to rainy valleys or pockets of semi-Mediterranean warmth.

Native Gardening in the Pacific Northwest

What are the benefits of native gardening in the Pacific Northwest? Natives are beautiful and easy to grow. They require no protection in winter, little to no water in summer, and they co-exist with beautiful and beneficial native butterflies, bees, and birds.

A Pacific Northwest native garden may contain annuals, perennials, ferns, conifers, flowering trees, shrubs, and grasses. Below is a short list of native plants for Northwest region gardens, along with USDA growing zones.

Annual Native Plants for Northwest Regions

• Clarkia (Clarkia spp.), zones 3b to 9b
• Columbia coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctorial var. atkinsonia), zones 3b to 9b
• Two-color/miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor), zones 5b to 9b
• Western monkey flower (Mimulus alsinoides), zones 5b to 9b

Perennial Northwestern Native Plants

• Western giant hyssop/horsemint (Agastache occidentalis), zones 5b to 9b
• Nodding onion (Allium cernuum), zones 3b to 9b
• Columbia windflower (Anemone deltoidea), zones 6b to 9b
• Western or red columbine (Aquilegia formosa), zones 3b to 9b

Native Fern Plants for Northwestern Regions

• Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina ssp. Cyclosorum), zones 3b to 9b
• Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum), zones 5a to 9b
• Deer fern (Blechnum spicant), zones 5b to 9b
• Spiny wood fern/shield fern (Dryopteris expansa), zones 4a to 9b

Northwestern Native Plants: Flowering Trees and Shrubs

• Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii), zones 7b to 9b
• Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), zones 5b to 9b
• Orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa), zones 4-8
• Oregon grape (Mahonia), zones 5a to 9b

Native Pacific Northwest Conifers

• White fir (Abies concolor), zones 3b to 9b
• Alaska cedar/Nootka cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), zones 3b to 9b
• Common juniper (Juniperus communis), zones 3b to 9b
• Western larch or tamarack (Larix occidentalis), zones 3 to 9

Native Grasses for Northwestern Regions

• Bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), zones 3b to 9a
• Sandberg’s bluegrass (Poa secunda), zones 3b to 9b
• Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), zones 3b to 9b
• Dagger-leaf rush/three-stamened rush (Juncus ensifolius), zones 3b to 9b

It’s September in the Northwest and the beginning of the fall gardening season. Temps are getting cooler and higher elevations may see frost by the end of the month, while gardeners west of the mountains can enjoy a few more weeks of mild weather. You’ve been working since early spring, but don’t stop your September gardening tasks quite yet; there is still plenty of Northwest garden maintenance yet to be done.

September Gardening Tasks

Here are a few suggestions for your autumn gardening to-do list:

• September is an ideal time to plant new trees and shrubs. The soil is still warm and roots have time to establish before freezing weather arrives. However, it’s wise to wait a couple of weeks if the weather is still hot in your region.
• September in the Northwest is a great time to add new perennials or to fill empty spots in your garden beds. Your gardening to-do list for autumn should include planting tulips, crocus, daffodils, and other spring bulbs. Gardeners in milder climates can plant bulbs until early December, but those in higher elevations should get bulbs in the ground a few weeks earlier.
• Gardeners east of the Cascades should gradually decrease watering vines, trees, and shrubs to harden them before the arrival of winter. Avoid watering in the evening as days get shorter and temperatures drop. Areas west of the mountains may see the beginning of fall rains by now.
• Harvest pumpkins and other winter squash as soon as the rind is hard and the spot touching the ground turns from white to creamy yellow or gold, but before temps drop to 28 degrees F. (-2 C.). Winter squash stores well but be sure to leave about 2 inches (5 cm.) of stem intact.
• Dig potatoes when the tops die down. Set the potatoes aside until the skins toughen, then store them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated location.
• Harvest onions when the tops fall over, then set them aside in a dry, shady place for about a week. Trim the leaves to about an inch (2.5 cm.), then store firm, healthy onions in a cool, dark location. Set aside less-than-perfect onions and use them soon.
• Northwest garden maintenance also includes ongoing weed control. Continue to hoe, pull, or dig pesky weeds and don’t be tempted to stop weeding too soon. At the very least, prevent weeds next spring by mowing or cutting off seed heads.
• Feed annuals one last time and give them a light trim for a few more weeks of blooms. In cooler climates, pull spent annuals and toss them on the compost pile, but don’t compost diseased plants.

Global temperatures are on the rise, even in the Pacific Northwest with its predominantly temperate climate. A simple (albeit temporary) fix is incorporating shade trees into the Northwest landscape to help reduce temperatures. Planting shade trees not only cools things down, but the shade they provide makes asphalt streets last longer, and the trees' root systems slow runoff that must otherwise be treated.

Interested in growing shade trees in Washington or other Pacific Northwest states? Read on to learn about shade trees for the garden.

Pacific Northwest Shade Trees

There are three things to consider before investing in shade trees for the garden.

First of all, decide where the tree is going. West and south exposures are the warmest, so trees should be placed to shade these areas during hot summer months.

Once you have decided on the placement of your shade trees, think about the canopy shape and size. If you want to shade the house during the heat of the day, choose a Pacific Northwest shade tree that has a broad canopy to shade the roof and reduce solar load. If you decide to plant the tree close to the house, install covered gutters to minimize maintenance, or plant trees half the distance from the home to allow for spreading of the canopy.

If you decide to plant shade trees in the Northwest landscape that are removed from the vicinity of the home, the roof will be exposed to the midday sun, but the tree will still shade the worst of the heat and the gutters will not become clogged with leaf debris.

Lastly, consider the driveway, which absorbs heat during the day and radiates it at night. Consider planting shade trees nearby but keep them several feet (1 m.) from the pavement to allow for root growth.

If you have a really narrow paved area you wish to shade, choose shrubs with a tree-like habit and with fibrous, not woody roots. A good example might include crepe myrtle cultivars like ‘Natchez,’ ‘Muskogee,’ and ‘Arapaho,’ with root systems that are less likely to damage pavement.

Types of Shade Trees in the Northwest U.S.

Trees can be a major investment, so once you have determined the above considerations and are ready to choose a shade tree, remember to think about what type of soil a tree needs, how much water, how the tree will be irrigated, and if the tree will be in a windy area.

Below are some shade tree ideas for use in Northwest U.S. areas, all of which are large in height at maturity, 50 feet (15 m.).

• Oak trees: Oak trees are a universal shade tree in many regions, and the Pacific Northwest is no exception.
• Oregon white oak: This tree is native to the West Coast and is extremely drought tolerant when established.
• Italian or Hungarian oak: Another extremely drought tolerant tree. 
• Shumard oak: Not native to the region but a good shade tree choice with gorgeous fall color.
• Kentucky coffeetree: Kentucky coffeetree has huge compound leaves that cast dappled shade and is drought tolerant when established.
• Norway maple: One of the best and most commonly grown shade trees in Washington and other Pacific Northwest states is the Norway maple, of which there are several cultivars.
• Catalpa: Catalpa is a flowering shade tree for the garden with a rounded canopy and big, heart shaped leaves.
• Japanese pagoda tree: Another flowering shade tree that casts a dappled light is the Japanese pagoda tree. Choose canker resistant cultivars.
• Bald cypress: Bald cypress is a deciduous conifer with medium-green needles that turn orange in the fall. The habit of this tree is conical or pyramidal, which makes it perfect for tight spaces.

Smaller Pacific Northwest Shade Trees

• Yellowwood: This tree produces fragrant wisteria-like blooms but, unfortunately, may not flower until it is 10 years old. The tree has a broad, rounded canopy and long compound leaves.
• Osage orange: Osage orange ‘White Shield’ is a fruitless male that is heat and drought tolerant with glossy green leaves that turn a bright yellow in the fall.
• Black tupelo: Black tupelo is a pyramidal tree that develops a spreading crown as it matures with pretty red/orange fall color.
• Chinese pistache: Chinese pistache is extremely tolerant of a variety of conditions and produces brilliant orange and red leaves in the autumn.
• 'Shademaster' honey locust: This honey locust is almost the perfect shade tree, growing between 30 and 70 feet (9-21 m.) in height with a classic rounded canopy and small leaves that make fall clean up a breeze.

As the summer sizzles onward, those lazy days still include some gardening maintenance. A garden to-do list for August will keep you on track with chores so you don't get behind as fall looms. Gardening in August may occur during some of the hottest days of the year but can also be the most productive.

Making a Garden To-Do List for August

The Northwest has some of the nicest summers in the Northern Hemisphere. It would be good to lay in the shade on a chaise lounge with a glass of iced tea and a good book, but first we must attend to our Pacific Northwest gardens. Keeping up with gardening tasks for the Northwest will actually give you more overall time for the tea and novel.

Your veggies must really be going and the flowers in full swing by August. It's time to start harvesting, start some fall crops, keep watering and weeding, and many more chores. While the focus is often on our fruits and vegetables towards the end of summer, there are other plants that need attention too.

In the region, August is a great time to start a new lawn or fill in patchy areas of the existing sod. You can also do light pruning of trees and shrubs, divide daylilies, and start end-of-year clean up. Cane berry plants may be pruned after harvest. It's never too soon to start soil amendments for the next growing season.

Gardening in August

While existing fruits and veggies are being harvested and processed, it's a good time to plant for an autumn crop. If you started seedlings, plant them out. These are vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. Kale and certain greens, like mustard greens, may be directly sown. Areas that are already harvested can be sown with cover crops.

Temperate Pacific Northwest gardens can direct sow crops like leeks, lettuce, kohlrabi, green onions, and Swiss chard. This is also the best time to place an order for your garlic. For a fresh look in fall, plant new annuals like cold hardy pansies to replace spent annual plants.

Other Gardening Tasks for the Northwest

If you want to plan a bulb garden, now is the time. Order bulbs and plot where you will put your displays. Many flowering perennials are becoming spent, but some, if you cut them back, will reward you with a late season bloom flush.

Pests are at their worst in August, so practice vigilance and hand pick or spray.

Even though many crops are getting to the end, it is still important to keep up a watering routine and keep weed pests away from plants. After regular yard maintenance, it's time to can, dry, ferment, and otherwise preserve your crops.

August is a busy month for gardeners but take time out to have that glass of iced tea and enjoy the fruits of all your labor.

There are a number of reasons for growing vines in the northwestern U.S., not the least of which is that they make a wonderful privacy screen from your nosy neighbor. When choosing vines for the Pacific Northwest, options are plentiful. However, growing native vines to the area is the best option. Native Pacific Northwest flowering vines have already adapted to this climate, making them more likely to flourish.

Growing Vines in the Northwestern U.S.

Native Pacific Northwest flowering vines are an excellent choice for the landscape. They add vertical dimension to the garden, attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and because most vines grow rapidly, make wonderful privacy screens.

Pacific Northwest native vines have already acclimated to local conditions such as weather, soil, and rainfall. This means they are more likely to thrive versus nonnative, subtropical vines, which may do well through the growing season only to die during the winter. 

Native vines also are likely to require less maintenance because they are already hardy to the environment.

Clematis Vines for the Pacific Northwest

If you reside in the Pacific Northwest, then you are familiar with clematis, specifically Clematis armandii. This vine is a rigorous, early blooming clematis with fragrant blossoms that reliably return year after year and stay green year-round.

If you love this clematis but want a different look, there are several other varieties to choose from that are suitable as vines for this area.

• Wisley Cream (Clematis cirrhosa) sports a creamy bell-shaped bloom from November through February. As temperatures cool, the glossy green leaves become a dappled bronze.
• Avalanche (Clematis x cartmanii) lives up to its name with a riot of white blooms in early spring. In the center of each snowy bloom is a dot of eye-popping chartreuse. The foliage on this clematis is almost lace like.
• Clematis fasciculiflora is another evergreen and a rare cultivar. Its foliage departs from the usual glossy green and is, instead, striated with silver veining that transitions from purple to rust through green hues. It produces bell-shaped blooms in early spring.

Other Pacific Northwest Native Vines

• Orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa): Also called western honeysuckle, this vine produces red/orange flowers from May through July. Try growing If you want to attract hummingbirds.
• Hedge false bindweed (Calystegia sepium): Produces morning-glory-like blooms from May to September. Like morning glory, this vine has a tendency to spread and may actually turn into a pest.
• Woodbine (Parthenocissus vitacea): Woodbine is tolerant of most soils and any type of light exposure. It blooms in a variety of hues from May to July.
• Whitebark raspberry (Rubus leucodermis): Boasts white or pink blooms in April and May. It is thorny like a raspberry bush and makes not only a privacy barrier but a security device. 

Don’t forget the grapes. Riverbank grape (Vitus riparia) is a fast-growing and long-living vine that is very hardy. It blooms with yellow-green blossoms. California wild grape (Vitus californica) also bears yellow-green blooms. It is very aggressive and requires maintenance if you don’t want it crowding out other plants.

There are other vines that, while not native to the region, have a proven history of thriving in the Pacific Northwest. A few of these include:

• China blue vine (Holboelia coriacea)
• Evergreen climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea integrifolia)
• Henry’s honeysuckle (Lonicera henryi)
• Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

Last but not least, let’s not forget passionflower. Blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) is almost as common a vine as Clematis armandii. This vine is extremely fast growing, incredibly hardy, and bears large, cream-colored blooms with purple-blue coronas. In the mild regions of the Pacific Northwest, USDA zones 8 and 9, the vine remains an evergreen. Flowers beget large, orange fruit that, while edible, are fairly tasteless.

There is an abundance of perennials for growing in the northwestern U.S. The temperate climate is a genuine Eden for perennial gardening in Pacific Northwest regions. Even better, some flowers that become annuals in other parts of the country grow as perennials for Pacific Northwest gardeners. Pacific northwest perennial flowers suited for the region range from sun worshippers to shade lovers and bulbs to groundcovers.

Choosing Perennials for the Pacific Northwest

Native flowering plants are a good place to start when choosing perennials for northwestern U.S. Perennial flowers in this area have several advantages. They have acclimated to conditions domestic to this region such as the amount of rainfall and soil conditions. This means they are guaranteed to return reliably year after year, unlike more exotic subtropical perennial choices.

However, many subtropical plants will not only survive year after year but thrive. This depends on which area of the northwest you reside in, of course. In some extremely mild areas, subtropicals will survive without any assistance, while in others protective measures should be taken during winter.

When looking for perennial flowers suitable for the Pacific Northwest, know the conditions for your area. Is rainfall a rarity? If so, look for plants with drought tolerance. Are temperatures mild year-round, or are cold temperatures and snow the norm? Also, ask yourself what the job of the perennial will be, such as groundcover, privacy screen, or mass planting? What type of sun exposure will the perennials need?

Perennials for the Northwestern U.S.

There are plenty of sun-loving perennials for Pacific Northwest gardeners to choose from:

• Aster
• Baby’s Breath
• Bee Balm
• Black-eyed Susan
• Blanket flower
• Candytuft
• Canna Lily
• Catmint
• Coneflower
• Cranesbill
• Dahlia
• Daffodil
• Daylilies
• Delphinium
• Geum
• Giant Hyssop
• Ice Plant
• Lamb’s Ear
• Lewisia
• Mallow
• Milkweed
• Penstemon
• Peony
• Poppy
• Primrose
• Red Hot Poker
• Rock Rose
• Russian Sage
• Salvia
• Sedum
• Star Creeper
• Tulip
• Yarrow

Low maintenance shade lovers that only require three to four hours of sun per day include:

• Anemone
• Astilbe
• Bleeding Heart
• Carpet Bugle
• Corydalis
• Cyclamen
• European Wild Ginger
• Goat’s Beard
• Hellebore
• Heuchera
• Hosta
• Ligularia
• Lily of the Valley
• Pansy
• Red Valerian
• Siberian Bugloss
• Sneezeweed
• Solomon’s Seal
• Spotted Dead Nettle
• Sword Fern

Adaptable perennials for the Pacific Northwest, in that they are tolerant of sun to part shade, include:

? Bugbane

? Camas Lily

? Cardinal Flower

? Columbine

? Dianthus

? Fritillaria

? Joe Pye Weed

? Lupine

? Shasta daisy

? Vinca

Summers are warm and dry, just right for Pacific Northwest gardeners. In hotter, arid areas east of the mountains, freezing nights are finally a thing of the past, and the hot caps have come off the tomatoes. Northwest gardening in July means there’s plenty of work to do, with long days for enjoying that precious outdoor time. Here’s your garden to-do list for the midsummer month of July.

Northwest Gardening Tasks for July

• Keep your garden clean. An excess of garden debris is not only unsightly, but it invites pests and disease.
• Use slug bait to control slugs and snails in shady areas. Non-toxic slug baits are safer for pets and wildlife, but deadly for the slimy pests.
• Watch for spider mites when summer days are dry and dusty. Often, daily bursts of water from a garden hose are enough to keep them in check. If that doesn’t work, try insecticidal soap spray, which also kills aphids and other sap-sucking pests.
• Keep patio containers and hanging baskets well watered. You’ll probably need to water daily during dry periods, and twice when the weather is hot and windy.
• Continue pulling and hoeing weeds, as they will steal water, light, and nutrients from other plants. Pulling weeds is an arduous task, but watering first will make the job easier. If you don’t have time to pull larger weeds, at least chop off their heads to keep them from going to seed.
• Keep deadheading blooming plants to promote continuous flowers. Deadheading will also keep your garden looking neat and healthy.
• Pick fresh veggies as they ripen. Don’t wait, as large, overly ripe vegetables quickly lose flavor and texture.
• Remove suckers from fruit trees as soon as you notice them. You may be able to pull small suckers, or snip them off with pruners or garden shears.
• Refresh mulch as it decomposes or blows away, as mulch looks attractive while conserving moisture and staunching growth of weeds. Shoot for 3 inches (7.5 cm.) or a little less if you battle slugs and snails.

Lawns require a major investment of time and money, especially if you live in the rainy climate of western Oregon and Washington. Many homeowners in the Pacific Northwest are giving up the idea of perfectly manicured lawns in favor of northwestern lawn alternatives, which tend to require less water, less fertilizer, and very little time. Take a look at the following ideas for lawn alternatives in Northwest gardens.

Northwest Lawn Options

Here are some suggestions for alternative lawns in the Pacific Northwest you might like to try:

• Clover is no longer considered a weed and works beautifully for lawns in the Pacific Northwest. It is inexpensive, requires very little water, and no fertilizer. Since it takes nitrogen from the air, clover is also good for the soil. Clover attracts beneficial pollinators, but if bees are a problem, consider microclovers, extremely tough little plants that have smaller leaves and no flowers. USDA growing zone depends on the variety, but most are suitable northwest region lawn options.
• Creeping thyme is a popular choice for sunny lawns in the Pacific Northwest. Tiny white flowers are lovely in late spring and early summer, and the pleasant scent is a bonus too. This hardy plant requires well-drained soil and may not last long in full shade or soggy, wet conditions.
• Mosses, such as Irish and Scotch moss, are natural lawn alternatives in Northwest gardens. Both are dependable little plants that create a lush carpet. Irish moss is green and Scotch moss has a rich, golden color. Both are adorned with tiny, star shaped blooms in spring. Moss thrives in cool sunlight but doesn’t tolerant intense afternoon sun. Good for zones 4 through 8.
• Wildflower lawns as a northwestern lawn alternative require virtually no care once established, even in the region’s relatively dry summers. Seed companies offer a huge variety of mixes, so shop carefully and choose the wildflower mixture that works best for you. USDA growing zone depends on the variety.
• Ornamental strawberries produce shiny leaves and small pink or white flowers followed by ornamental (non-edible) strawberries. This tough little spreading plant grows nearly anywhere, but it might not be the best choice for moist, shady areas. Ornamental strawberries can be slightly invasive, but the runners are easy to pull. Good for zones 3 through 8.
• Creeping wire vine consists of wiry stems covered with tiny, round leaves that turn bronze as summer approaches. Summer also brings attractive little fruits. This hardy little plant tolerates poor soil and drought as long as the soil is well-drained. Creeping wire vine may not be the best choice for large lawns in the pacific northwest, but works well in small spaces, along borders, or on difficult slopes. Good in zones 6 through 9.

Every garden has its challenges in the form of pests, and this is also true of northwestern gardens. The key to pest control in the Pacific Northwest is to be able to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys. Not every insect is a Pacific Northwest pest; some are beneficial insects. Read on to learn how to identify the pests of the Northwest region and how to manage them.

Most Common Pests of the Northwest

Arguably, the most common Pacific Northwest pests are slugs and snails. These terrestrial gastropods can wreak havoc in the garden, especially around tender new plants. Cool, overcast, and rainy weather bring out these mollusks to feed on leaves.

Irregular holes found anywhere on the leaf are a sure sign of these northwestern garden pests, but a telltale trace of slime will be the main clue if unsure. Slug frass may also be evident-- slug poop that looks like a small, wet, green/brown pellet.

If there is any doubt that you are dealing with slugs or snails, look under leaves and around the damaged plant and its likely you will find the culprit(s). Once you’ve discovered that the damage is caused by this pest, what can you do to eradicate them?

Slugs feed either in the evening or early morning when the sun won’t dry them out. You can go out to the garden in the evening with a flashlight and handpick them from the plants. Drop them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

If handpicking makes you squeamish, lay a board out in the garden. In the late morning when the sun is rising, flip the board over and you will be rewarded with a slew of slugs that can be disposed of easily. Additionally, Sluggo is a pesticide that targets slugs and snails. It is organically approved and kills only slugs and snails, not other beneficial insects.

Additional Northwestern Garden Pests

While slugs and snails are predominant pests of the Northwest, they are by no means the only ones. We avoid squash vine borers and tomato hornworms in this region, but we also get tons of earwigs, pillbugs, and black vine weevils. So many that it isn’t unusual to spot them indoors as well.

Earwigs are slender, reddish brown insects that have tails that end in pincers. While this pest can’t harm people, it can wreak havoc in the garden. Another nocturnal pest, it chews on tender leaves of plants running the range from flowers to fruit and produce. Like slugs, it is attracted to moist, dark places.

More of a nuisance than anything else, the pillbug isn’t actually an insect but is related to lobsters and crabs. Like their crustacean cousins, the pillbug has an exoskeleton composed of hard armored plates. It lives on land but actually breathes through gills. It usually eats dead plant material but isn’t above munching on seedlings or tender fruits and vegetables.

The black vine weevil is brown to black in color with a long and curved downward snout. Another nocturnal pest of the northwest, it feeds on a wide array of plants although it has its preferences. Larvae of this weevil feed on plant roots, which can kill the plant.

Lest you think that the Pacific Northwest gardener is getting off easy, a partial list of additional pests found in this region includes:

• Aphid
• Bark beetle
• Caterpillar
• Cricket
• Cutworm
• Grasshopper
• Leaf beetle
• Leafhopper
• Leafminer
• Leafroller
• Mealy bug
• Psylla
• Root weevil
• Sawfly
• Scale
• Spider mite
• Spittlebug
• Stinkbug
• Thrips
• Whitefly
• Woodborer

Pest Control in the Pacific Northwest

In most instances of pest infestation, healthy plants fare better. Keep plants consistently watered and fertilized, allow for aeration by keeping plants apart, clean up any plant detritus, and weed around plants.

Good sanitation and a lack of stress go a long way in pest control, but sometimes a more direct method of control is necessary. Hand picking is always one way to go, as are traps. In the case of earwigs, trap these Northwest pests by putting newspaper in the planting bed. Earwigs will think it’s a hotel meant for them and they can be tidily wrapped up with the news in the morning.

The newspaper insect inn also works with pillbugs, or you can surround affected plants with black plastic which gets too hot for these crustaceans to walk on. Weevil larvae can be killed off by decreasing the amount of irrigation. Adult weevils can be handpicked and dumped into a bucket of sudsy water.

Of course, there are always insecticides, such as neem oil. A bit of liquid dish soap in a sprayer with water will deter some pests, such as aphids. Also, try encouraging or introducing beneficial insects or even chickens and ducks to the landscape to eat the insect predators.

June is one of the busiest months for Pacific Northwest gardening, and June gardening tasks will definitely keep you busy. The days are getting longer, and new growth is popping out all over, even in the cooler, drier eastern regions of the Northwest.

Maintaining Northwest Gardens in June

Your gardening to-do list for June depends largely on your climate, but most areas of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are seeing warmer temperatures and are finally beyond the last frost. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• It’s safe to remove leaves from tulips, daffodils, and other spring bloomers as soon as they turn brown and you can easily pull the foliage. Gardeners in Central or Eastern Oregon may need to wait a little longer.
• Get in the habit of pinching off wilted blooms every day to keep annuals and perennials blooming as long as possible. Go ahead and divide overcrowded summer- and fall-blooming perennials, as long as the plants are under 6 inches (15 cm.) in height.
• You still have time to fill empty spots with petunias, marigolds, and other colorful annuals; and you may find some good buys at garden centers.
• Plant corn, winter and summer squash, cucumbers, melons, green beans, and other heat-loving veggies in Northwest gardens in June, when the soil is warm, generally about two weeks after the last frost date in your area. You still have time to plant beets, carrots, and other root crops too.
• A couple of weeks after the last frost date is also time to start planting gladiolus and other summer bulbs.
• Replace mulch that has decomposed or blown away, but not until the ground is warm. Mulch such as bark, sawdust, or dried, chopped leaves will conserve water and help keep weeds in check.
• Watch for aphids, mites, and other small, sap-sucking insects. Most are easily controlled with insecticidal soap spray. Pick caterpillars off plants by hand. Drop them in a bucket of soapy water, or toss them out where the birds can get them.
• Your gardening to-do list should always include weed control. Keep pulling or hoeing the pesky plants as soon as they sprout. If weeds are out of control, be sure to chop their heads off before they go to seed.

If you’re looking for options for Pacific Northwest fruit trees, you will have plenty of choices. Most of this region has plentiful rainfall and mild summers, excellent conditions for growing many types of fruit trees.

Apples are a big export and likely the most common fruit trees grown in Washington State, but fruit trees for the Pacific Northwest range from apples to kiwis to figs in some areas.

Growing Fruit Trees in the Northwest

The Pacific Northwest borders the Pacific Ocean, the Rocky Mountains, the north coast of California, and up into southeastern Alaska. This means the climate varies somewhat from area to area, so not every fruit tree suited for one region of the Northwest is suited to another.

USDA zones 6-7a are next to the mountains and are the coldest areas of the Pacific Northwest. This means that tender fruits, such as kiwis and figs, shouldn’t be attempted unless you have a greenhouse. Avoid late ripening and early blooming varieties of fruit trees for this region.

Zones 7-8 through the Oregon Coast Range are milder than those in the zone above. This means that options for fruit trees in this area are broader. That said, some areas of zones 7-8 have harsher winters so tender fruit should be grown in a greenhouse or heavily protected.

Other areas of zone 7-8 have warmer summers, lower rainfall, and mild winters, which means that fruit that takes longer to ripen can be grown here. Kiwi, figs, persimmons and long season grapes, peaches, apricots, and plums will thrive.

USDA zones 8-9 are near the coast which, although spared from the cold weather and extreme frost, has its own challenges. The heavy rain, fog, and wind can create fungal issues. The Puget Sound region, however, is inland farther and is an excellent area for fruit trees. Apricots, Asian pears, plums, and other fruit are suited to this area as are late grapes, figs, and kiwis.

USDA zones 8-9 can also be found in the shadow of the Olympic Mountains where overall temps are higher but summers are cooler than the Puget Sound which means varieties of fruit that ripen late should be avoided. That said, tender fruit such as fig and kiwi usually overwinter.

In the Rogue River Valley (zones 8-7) summer temperatures warm sufficiently to ripen many types of fruit. Apples, peaches, pears, plums, and cherries thrive but avoid late-ripening varieties. Kiwis and other tender subtropicals can be grown as well. This area is extremely dry so irrigation is needed.

Zones 8-9 along the coast of California down to San Francisco is quite mild. Most fruit will grow here including the tender subtropicals.

Choosing Fruit Trees for Pacific Northwest Regions

Since there are so many microclimates within these regions, choosing fruit trees in the Northwest can be challenging. Go to your local nursery and see what they have. They will generally be selling cultivars that are suited to your region. Also, ask your local extension office for recommendations.

There are thousands of apple varieties, again one of the most common fruit trees in Washington. Before you buy decide what you are looking for in the flavor of the apple, what your purpose is for the fruit (canning, eating fresh, drying, juicing), and consider disease-resistant varieties.

Do you want a dwarf, semi-dwarf, or what? The same advice goes for any other fruit tree you are buying.

Look for bare-root trees, as they cost less and you can easily see how healthy the root system looks. All fruit trees are grafted. The graft looks like a knob. When you plant your tree, be sure to keep the graft union above the level of the soil. Stake newly planted trees to help stabilize them until the roots establish.

Do you need a pollinator? Many fruit trees need a buddy to help with pollination.

Lastly, if you live in the Pacific Northwest, then you are aware of the wildlife. Deer can decimate trees and birds like cherries as much as you do. Take the time to protect your new fruit trees from wildlife with fencing or netting.

May is the month that is reliably warming for most of the Pacific Northwest, time to tackle the gardening to-do list. Depending upon your location, northwest gardens in May might be fully sown or not started yet. May is the time to make sure that transplants and/or seeds are sown, but these aren’t the only May garden tasks that need attention.

The following article contains information on May garden tasks for northwest gardens.

May Garden Tasks for the Northwest

For most of the region, both nighttime and daytime temperatures have warmed sufficiently to complete planting of the vegetable garden. Before you get gung-ho though, be sure that your temps are reliably over 50 degrees F. (10 C.) at night. At that point you can move hardened off transplants outside for good.

That said, temperatures tend to dip here and there, so a night hovering under 50 degrees F. (10 C.) isn’t unusual just be prepared to cover plants if needed.

Most northwest gardeners have already planted their vegetables but if you haven’t, now is the time. Transplant hardened off, tender, heat loving veggies like peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, corn, beans, and sweet potatoes. Once the veggie garden is planted though, don’t think you can sit back on your laurels. No, there are plenty more May garden tasks to tackle.

May Gardening To-Do List

May is the month to plant not only the last of the veggies but also summer blooming plants like impatiens, petunias, and colorful coleus.

Now is also a good time to clean up early spring bloomers like azaleas and rhododendrons. Removing the spent blossoms not only tidies up the plant but preserves its energy since it isn’t using that to make seeds. Deadheading also helps prevent disease.

In northwest gardens in May, faded spring bulbs flourish. Now is the time to remove the spent blooms to preserve energy for the next season. Don’t cut back the foliage, allow that to die back naturally so the plant can reclaim nutrients for storage in the bulb.

If you have rhubarb, it’s probably ready to harvest and make into the first of the warm weather pies or crisps. Don’t cut the stalks as this fosters rot, instead, grasp the stalk and twist from the base.

Not only is May a good time to plant colorful annual blooms, but perennials as well. The clematis vines are just out of dormancy, so now is a good time to go choose one and plant it.

Lastly, with all these plants going in the ground, it’s a good idea to check on your irrigation system if you haven’t already. Test run each system manually for at least five minutes and watch the cycle to discover any leaks.

Perennials are often the choice for northwest garden flowers, perfect for gardeners who want more bang for their buck. Since perennials return year after year, it might be tempting to plant only perennials. However, that would be a mistake when there are dozens of annual flowers for northwestern states.

What annuals grow well in the Pacific Northwest? The sheer number and variation of Pacific Northwest annual flowers available may surprise you.

Why Grow Pacific Northwest Annual Flowers?

Annuals are plants that germinate, bloom, set seed, then die back in a single season. Amongst Pacific Northwest garden flowers, you will find tender annuals such as marigolds and zinnias that can’t take chilly temps and hardier specimens like poppies and bachelor’s buttons which can handle a light frost.

Annuals are easily sown from seed and can be direct sown into the garden before the last spring frost. They are usually available at a low cost in multiple packs which allow gardeners to create huge swaths of color without breaking the bank.

Perennials develop complex root systems so they can survive winter temps. Annuals have no such qualm and, instead, throw all of their energy into making seed. This means they rapidly produce abundant flowers that can stand their own in the garden, in containers, or combined with perennials.

What Annuals Grow Well in the Pacific Northwest?

Due to the relatively mild climate, there are numerous options for Pacific Northwest annuals. Some northwest annual flowers, such as geraniums and snapdragons, are categorized as such but are actually perennials in warmer climates. Since they are suited for growing as annual flowers for northwestern states, they will be categorized as such here.

With few exceptions, impatiens and begonias, for instance, northwest annual garden flowers are generally sun lovers. This is certainly not a comprehensive list available, but it will give you a good start when planning your annual garden.

• African Daisy
• Agapanthus
• Ageratum
• Aster
• Bachelor’s buttons (cornflower)
• Bee Balm
• Begonia
• Black-eyed Susan
• Blanket flower
• Calibrachoa
• Celosia
• Cleome
• Cosmos
• Calendula
• Candytuft
• Clarkia
• Cuphea
• Dahlia
• Dianthus
• Fan Flower
• Foxglove
• Geraniums
• Globe Amaranth
• Impatiens
• Lantana
• Larkspur
• Lisianthus
• Lobelia
• Marigold
• Morning Glory
• Nasturtium
• Nicotiana
• Nigella
• Pansy
• Petunia
• Poppy
• Portulaca
• Salvia
• Snapdragon
• Stock
• Strawflower
• Sunflower
• Sweetpea
• Sweet Potato Vine
• Tithonia (Mexican sunflower)
• Verbena
• Zinnia

Pollinators are a crucial part of the ecosystem and you can encourage their presence by growing plants they like. To learn about some pollinators native to the northwestern region of the U.S., read on.

Pacific Northwest Native Pollinators

Native northwest bees are champion pollinators, buzzing as they move pollen from plant to plant in early spring to late fall, ensuring the continued growth of a wide range of flowering plants. Butterflies aren’t as effective as bees, but they still have an important role to play and they are especially drawn to plants with big, colorful blooms.

Bees

The obscure bumblebee is native to the West Coast, from northern Washington to southern California. Common plant hosts include:

• Lupine
• Sweet Peas
• Thistles
• Clovers
• Rhododendrons
• Willows
• Lilac

Sitka bumblebees are common in the coastal areas of the western United States, from Alaska to California. They like to forage on:

• Heather
• Lupine
• Roses
• Rhododendrons
• Asters
• Daisies
• Sunflowers

Van Dyke bumblebees have also been spotted in western Montana and Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains.

Yellow head bumblebees are common in Canada and the western United States, including Alaska. Also known as yellow-fronted bumblebees, this bee forages on geranium, penstemon, clover, and vetch.

The fuzzy-horned bumblebee is found in the western states and western Canada. It is also known as the mixed bumblebee, orange-belted bumblebee, and tricolored bumblebee. Favored plants include:

• Lilacs
• Penstemon
• Coyote Mint
• Rhododendron
• Common Groundsel

Two-form bumblebees are at home in the mountainous areas of the western United States. This bee forages on:

• Aster
• Lupine
• Sweet Clover
• Ragwort
• Groundsel
• Rabbitbrush

Black-tailed bumblebee, also known as orange-rumped bumblebee, is native to the western United States and Canada, in an area extending from British Columbia to California and as far east as Idaho. Black-tailed bumblebees favor:

• Wild Lilacs
• Manzanita
• Penstemon
• Rhododendrons
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Sage
• Clover
• Lupines
• Willow

Butterflies

The Oregon swallowtail butterfly is native to Washington, Oregon, southern British Columbia, parts of Idaho, and western Montana. Oregon swallowtail, easily recognized with its bright yellow wings marked with black, was named Oregon’s state insect in 1979.

Ruddy Copper is commonly seen in the western mountains. Females lay their eggs on plants in the buckwheat family, primarily docks and sorrels.

Rosner’s Hairstreak is commonly found in British Columbia and Washington, where the butterfly feeds on western red cedar.

April showers bring May flowers, but April is also the perfect time to get the vegetable garden established as well as other April gardening tasks for the Pacific Northwest gardener.

April in the Northwest region may be fraught with rain and temperatures that fluctuate but with the assistance of some cloches or low tunnels, the veggie garden is foremost on a gardening to-do list. This isn’t the only chore in need of being done, however.

Northwest Gardening in April

April in the Northwest brings with it warmer temperatures, albeit for many regions lots of rain. For the diehard gardener, a little rain isn’t an issue and April gardening tasks wait for nobody.

If you’re new to gardening, you might be wondering exactly what April gardening tasks for the Pacific Northwest should be tackled. No need to worry, we’re here to help with that.

Veggie Gardening To-Do List for Northwest

If you didn’t already do so in March, till under any cover crops you’ve planted. If you didn’t use cover crops, amend the soil with plenty of aged compost and mix it into the soil well.

If you were going to start veggies from seed, hopefully, you’ve already done so indoors and have the seedlings under lights. If you haven’t started seeds indoors yet, it’s time to start cracking or plan on purchasing starts from the nursery. There are some seeds that can be directly sown outdoors at this time, especially if you are using a low tunnel or cloche to protect the babies at night.

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi can be direct sown in April. That said, snails and slugs abound in some regions of the Pacific Northwest, and they like these crops as much as you do, which means they will often eat up emerging seedlings. In this case, it is better to transplant larger plants in mid-April to May.

Members of the nightshade family like temperatures a bit warmer, but they should be started by April and ready to be transplanted in May when things warm up.

Direct sow salad greens, Asian greens, Swiss chard, and most herbs during the month of April. The exception to the herbs is basil, which should be started indoors and be ready for transplant by mid-May. April is the time to direct sow peas and fava beans as well.

Tender cucurbits such as cucumber, summer squash, and winter squash should be sown indoors for transplant when temperatures warm in May.

All the root crops can be direct sown in April, just be sure to rake the soil until it is light and fluffy without impediments.

Asparagus and rhubarb crowns, horseradish, and potatoes can all be planted now.

Additional Gardening Tasks for the Pacific Northwest

April’s gardening chores don’t stop with establishing the veggie garden. Now is the time to divide perennials and plant bare-root fruit trees, berries, and vines.

Alkaline-loving plants such as lilac, mock orange, deutzia, and daphne need a shot of lime at this time. Just sprinkle garden lime in a circle around the base of these plants. If you want to change the color of your mophead hydrangeas from blue to pink, now is the time to apply lime to adjust the soil pH.

April is also the time to adjust the pH of your lawn if need be. A soil test will help you to determine if the lawn needs an adjustment.

Now is also the perfect time to give the garden a little color by planting annuals such as:

• Dusty miller
• Calendula
• Marigold
• Pansy
• Snapdragon
• Sweet alyssum
• Sweet William

Because slugs and snails can decimate both newly emerging seedlings and tender transplants, take a proactive approach by setting beer baits or sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the delicate plants.

Lastly, with the onset of plentiful moisture and warmer temperatures, come weeds. A perennial chore in most landscapes, April is the time to get at them before they get out of hand and overtake the garden you’ve just been working so hard on.