Resources

The Portland - Vancouver Area is brimming with resources and partner organizations to support you on your journey of gardening for a better planet. Here's a few of our faves to get you started:

General Resources

Backyard Habitat Certification Program - this amazing program provides an assessment of your yard, a personalized site report and extensive resources.

The Chickadees Guide to Gardening - "In the past, we've asked one thing of our gardens, that they be pretty. Now they have to support life, sequester carbon, support pollinators and manage water." Douglas Tallamy

Real Gardens Grow Natives - this excellent Pacific Northwest native gardening book contains landscape design guidance, tips on enhancing habitat, biodiversity and soil health, and native plant profiles with propagation and planting methods. By local author and ecological landscape designer Eileen M. Stark.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts - SWCDs are essential resources for information on local ecology, as well as special events, workshops, and financial assistance. Check out your local District to learn more.

Naturescaping of SW Washington - offers classes and stunning Wildlife Botanical Gardens that consist of 10 specialty theme gardens, spread over three acres in Southwest Washington. The gardens, and devoted gardeners, demonstrate and teach gardening concepts that attract birds, butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife to residential gardens. Open year round, check website for hours and location details.

Native Plants

Native plants are the backbone of a garden that supports insects, wildlife, people and the planet. Here's our favorite native plant lists and example design plans:

Native Plants for Willamette Valley Yards

King County Landscape Plans - please note, these are excellent landscape plans, but not all plants listed are native to the Willamette Valley.

Meadowscaping Handbook

The Oregon Rain Garden Guide

Conserving Oregon White Oak in Urban and Suburban Landscapes