Author: Wilma Eldridge

Oregon gardeners are making a shift. Popular non-native plants that once filled yards are gradually being replaced by native species, and for good reason. Natives are better adapted to local soil, weather, and pests, which means they thrive with less water, less fertilizer, and less maintenance. Beyond their practicality, native plants support local wildlife. Birds,…

Garden lighting can completely transform an Oregon yard after dark, creating ambiance and highlighting plants, paths, and outdoor spaces. But a few common mistakes can cause problems, like overly bright spotlights, poorly aimed fixtures, or lights that spill onto neighboring yards, leading to complaints or frustration. It’s important to note that there is no statewide…

Rosemary is popping up by more Oregon front doors, and it’s easy to see why. This fragrant evergreen adds a pop of green year-round, smells amazing when brushed against, and gives homes a welcoming, polished look without a lot of effort. Beyond its beauty, rosemary is a practical choice. It thrives in Oregon’s mild climate,…

Aloe vera is a household favorite in many parts of the country, but it’s not exactly a superstar in Oregon homes. Its love for warmth and sun makes it a little trickier to grow here, which is why seeing a healthy, thriving aloe in an Oregon window can feel like a small victory. Despite being…

Even during Oregon’s quieter winter months, fruit trees are quietly preparing for spring, and a little attention now can pay off in a big way later. Pruning in February isn’t just about snipping branches; it’s about shaping trees so they grow strong, stay healthy, and produce more fruit once the season warms up. Each type…

February in Oregon can feel like the garden is still sleeping, but it’s actually a great time to get a head start with bare-root plants. These dormant plants arrive without soil around their roots, making them easy to handle and quick to establish before spring. Planting now gives them time to grow strong roots, which…

Chives are one of those small but mighty plants that can make a big difference in an Oregon garden. Their bright green, slender stalks pop up early in the season, add a fresh oniony flavor to meals, and even attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. But anyone who’s grown chives knows they can be a…

Ever glance at that old, cracked planter tucked in the corner of your yard and wonder if it’s finally time to toss it? Before you do, consider this: with a little creativity, those old planters can get a second life and actually upgrade your Oregon garden. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint, a…

The ZZ plant has a reputation for being almost impossible to mess up — and honestly, it’s earned it. Thick, glossy leaves, slow but steady growth, and a calm “I’ve got this” attitude make it a favorite for Oregon homes, especially during long stretches of cloudy weather. If you’ve ever wanted a houseplant that doesn’t…

Wanting more wildlife in your yard sounds great in theory, until raccoons knock over your trash, squirrels dig up your pots, or something mysterious keeps rearranging your garden overnight. In Oregon, where wildlife is everywhere, finding that balance can feel a little tricky. You want birds, pollinators, and helpful critters… just not the kind that…

Rain is basically part of the job description for living on the Oregon coast. When the forecast calls for another wet week, most coastal gardeners just nod and move on. But all that moisture can make choosing the right shrubs feel tricky. Some plants sulk, some rot, and others just never seem to settle in….

Oregon yards are starting to look a little different and it’s not by accident. Instead of perfectly trimmed lawns and high-maintenance plant beds, more homeowners are choosing landscapes that feel natural, practical, and easier to live with. The shift is happening quietly, but once you notice it, you’ll see it everywhere. People are getting smarter…

Spring blooms don’t start in spring, they start with what you do in your garden beds before everything really takes off. In Oregon, where winter likes to hang around a little longer and soil stays cool and damp, those early-season tasks matter more than most people realize. It’s tempting to wait until flowers are already…

Spring energy hits differently in Oregon. The rain eases up (a little), the light gets brighter, and suddenly everyone feels the urge to rush outside and start doing things. Pruning, planting, digging, cleaning, it all feels productive, and honestly, it’s fun to finally get back into the garden. But here’s the twist: some of the…

Sometimes the biggest improvements start with the smallest changes. In backyards across Oregon, gardeners are discovering that you don’t need a full landscape makeover to make your soil healthier. One simple adjustment is quietly making a big difference, and it’s easier than most people expect. At first, it doesn’t look dramatic. No heavy equipment, no…

A shady, damp yard can feel like one of those spots you keep walking past and pretending not to notice. You know it’s there. It’s usually colder, darker, and somehow always wetter than the rest of the yard. Meanwhile, the sunny areas get all the love. But in Oregon, these cool, moisture-heavy spaces are basically…

Every Oregon garden has a few problem spots. Maybe it’s a soggy corner that never dries out, a sunny area that bakes in summer, or a slope where nothing seems to stay put. These issues can feel frustrating, especially when the same plants struggle year after year. But sometimes the simplest solution is already built…

January and February can feel like the quiet months in an Oregon garden. The beds look still, tools are tucked away, and it’s tempting to think there’s nothing to do but wait for spring. But these slow weeks are often when small habits sneak in, the kind that seem harmless at the time and quietly…

Root rot often goes unnoticed at first. A plant may look a little tired, leaves might yellow or droop, and growth can slow down without an obvious reason. You might water, wait, and hope it bounces back. Have you ever done that, only to realize later something more serious was going on below the soil?…

January doesn’t usually feel like vegetable-planting season in Oregon. The soil is cold, the days are short, and most gardens look like they’re on pause. Still, you might find yourself scanning seed packets or eyeing a bare bed, wondering if there’s anything you can get started right now. Is it really too early, or are…

Spring in Oregon has a way of pulling us back into the garden. The rain softens the soil, everything starts to green up, and adding a fresh layer of mulch feels like one of the easiest ways to tidy things up. It’s a simple task, and it usually feels like you’re doing your plants a…

If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt your boots sink just a little too much, you’re not imagining it. January has a way of turning Oregon yards into soggy obstacle courses, with puddles that linger and soil that never quite seems to dry out. Maybe you’ve been walking around the same wet spots, wondering why…

Have you ever wandered into your yard and noticed your shrubs looking a little tired after a long stretch of cold, damp weather? Maybe the leaves aren’t as bright, or the branches seem slower to wake up than usual. It’s one of those quiet moments that makes you pause and wonder if there’s something small…

Have you ever looked at your fruit trees in late winter and wondered what you should be doing before buds start to appear? In Oregon, the transition from winter to early spring is the perfect time to get ahead on tree care. Taking a few preventative steps now can make a huge difference in the…

Have you ever noticed tiny holes in your leaves or chewed stems even after a mild Oregon winter? It’s easy to assume that pests disappear once the cold months arrive, but in our climate, some critters stick around, quietly waiting for the garden to wake up again. You might spot the damage early, or sometimes…

If you’ve ever dug into your garden and felt like your plants just aren’t reaching their full potential, you’re not alone. Oregon’s soils can be tricky, some areas are clay-heavy, others sandy, and many need a little extra help to give plants the nutrients they need. That’s where soil amendments come in. Adding the right…

If you love gardening in Oregon, you know that choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Some varieties thrive effortlessly here, while others struggle with our wet winters, dry summers, or tricky soil conditions. That’s why it’s exciting to look at award-winning plants chosen by the All America Selections. They’ve been tested and…

Owning a yard in Oregon can be incredibly rewarding, but sometimes it feels like there’s always something that needs your attention. A few neglected corners or small oversights in your garden might not seem like a big deal, but local rules exist for a reason and ignoring them can land you with fines. It’s easy…

I never thought I’d have a porcupine problem in my Oregon garden, but last fall it became clear that I did. One morning I walked outside to find chewed-up plants, toppled pots, and gnawed vegetables, it was hard not to feel a little defeated. If you’ve ever had wildlife wander through your yard, you know…

If you’ve spent much time in an Oregon garden, you know that the soil can be a bit… stubborn at times. Some spots are just too acidic, while others seem to hold onto moisture a little too tightly. Lately, I’ve been turning to an old-school secret in my garden: wood ash. It’s simple, natural, and…

Spring is just around the corner, and if you’re like many Oregon gardeners, you’re probably starting to think about planting. But it’s not always easy to know when the time is right. Plant too early, and your seeds or young plants could struggle in cold, wet soil. Wait too long, and you might feel like…

I don’t know about you, but after one of Oregon’s classic rainy weeks, walking through my backyard can feel like navigating a mini swamp. Muddy shoes, puddles, and slippery spots are all too familiar. That got me thinking, your garden paths don’t have to be a soggy mess. With a little planning, they can actually…

If you’ve ever gone out to check on your garden after a rainy Oregon day and noticed little slime trails where plants should be, you know the feeling, a mix of frustration and “here we go again.” I’ve definitely had those mornings, thinking, “How do I keep these little pests from taking over?” Slugs are…

Winter in Oregon can make you feel like your garden is on pause. The ground is soggy, the days are short, and digging in the soil feels… well, impossible. I’ve definitely been there, staring at a garden that looks quiet and thinking, “There’s nothing I can do until spring.” But here’s the thing: even when…

Spring is just around the corner (well, almost), and if you’ve been watching the clouds roll in, you know it’s only a matter of time before the rains really start. Maybe you’ve been thinking, “I’ll get to the garden… eventually,” but suddenly it feels like there’s a lot to do. I’ve been there, and trust…

At first glance, a backyard in Oregon feels like free country, a patch of soil where a person can follow impulse and call it home. That idea fades fast once local rules enter the scene. One bold move can open a can of worms, invite red tape, and turn a quiet weekend project into a…