Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Appropriate Tree Selection


Finding an appropriate tree depends on two factors: why and where

Why?
It is important to consider why we are planting a tree before we select what tree we want.  We plant trees for many different reasons, and usually a combination of different reasons! Some reasons are:
     To provide more shade
     To give structure to a planting design
     To act as a windbreak
     For spring and/or fall color

 There are many good sources that can help with tree selection!
      OSU Ask an Expert: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-expert

      Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree: free at https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1438

 
Where?

Where do you want to plant the tree?
     Close to sidewalk/drive?
     Close to house?
     Under power lines?
     Close to other trees/plants?
     Far away from any other trees/plants?

For example, if you want a tree that’s under a power line that gives seasonal color...you’ll want either a dwarf flowering tree or a very short maple like many Japanese maples.  Or, if you want a tree that provides a windbreak and is far away from other plants, you may want to consider an evergreen shrub like an Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) or a tree like Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata).  If it will be near hard surfaces, think about fruit or other debris it might drop throughout the year.  

 See this link for help selecting, planting, and caring for a new tree. Note: We no longer recommend Raywood Ash or any other ash tree as the emerald ash borer is likely to be a big problem.












Monday, January 13, 2020

Gearing Up for Gardening Series 2020



Garden Resource Guide and Resiliency Planning

January means Garden Planning

If you’ve ordered seeds by mail, then you probably have many seed catalogs.  Before you dive into them, take some time to walk in your garden now that much of it has died or been cut back.  Make decisions about what vegetables you’ve raised before and what new vegetables or varieties you want to try this year as well as how you will rotate them in your beds this year.





To help you with your garden dreaming, get the latest copy of the Garden Resource Guide “hot off the press” either online or at Gearing up for Gardening lectures Tuesdays at noon in January and February at the library.  Updated for 2020, this guide will provide you with information on where to learn about food gardening, gathering what you need to get going, places where you can garden with others, and what to do with all your garden bounty.
and Resiliency

Food Sustainability is about more than growing your own food.  It’s also about building a neighborhood that can take care of its members in an emergency.

Individuals, families, and neighborhoods will need to prepare and store supplies of food and other necessities of life for themselves and others.

Please check these sites for more information:




LDS