Plant of the Week- March 23
Tall Oregon Grape! Right now, one of the showiest plants in bloom is Tall Oregon Grape, Mahonia aquifolium. Our area is native to 3 species of Mahonia, and Tall Oregon Grape is the most widespread of these. This remarkable evergreen shrub will grow in sun or partial shade, on rocky, sandy or even wet clay soils. […]
Plant of the Week- March 16
Strawberries! Why are we talking about strawberries in March? Because it is the perfect time to to plant! Planting bare root strawberry crowns while they are dormant is easy and economical. And, if you plant day-neutral varieties, you’ll get fruit this summer! Strawberries prefer sandy, well drained soil and full sun. Remove all weeds, and […]
Plant of the Week- March 9
Pieris japonica – Pieris or Japanese Andromeda Pieris is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the heather family, Ericacaea. This particular species is native to eastern China, Taiwan and Japan, where it grows as an understory in mountain forests. Like many plants in this family, pieris have bell or urn shaped flowers that are very attractive […]
Plant of the Week- March 3
A feature we hope to run through the year- Plant of the Week. We want to introduce you to some interesting plants that are excellent for our Northwest gardens and landscapes. This week: Azara microphylla Boxleaf azara is a broadleaf evergreen that is uncommon in local gardens, but an easy to grow one. It has […]
What a winter it has been!
It is now the last week of February, and throughout Whatcom County, we are seeing early plums in bloom, buds on cherries and peaches swelling, and even pears showing signs of waking up. Should we be worried? Here at Cloud Mountain Our greatest fear is that the skies clear during cold weather. All fruit trees […]
Peppers! By Celeste Monke
‘Tis the season. Temperatures are high and the hothouse fruits are fruiting. This furry fellow still has some days to go, but should turn into a spicy 2” beast with a heat level somewhere between Serranos and Cayenne. A furry pepper you ask? Yes. It’s a Rocoto pepper, from the Andean highlands species Capsicum pubescens […]