A customer at our Portland garden center in the Raleigh Hills neighborhood walked in the other day quite distraught. Earlier in the spring, she had purchased a rose fertilizer developed by the Portland Rose Society from us.
In the past, she had always bought the conventional form of it directly from the Society, but this time, she had bought the organic version, and she was not pleased.
Fuzzy Rose Mold?
Something that seemed like “rose mold” had developed on the soil surface wherever she had used this fertilizer. She even brought us a sample to see. She said her roses looked fine but requested a refund for what was left in the bag.
if you’ve ever bought plants from a nursery, you might have noticed this white stuff on the bottom. Don’t remove it!
We were all mystified. We had never seen this kind of thing before and refunded her money. But I was still curious, so I called the Rose Society to find out if they had seen or heard about this phenomenon from other rose growers. Indeed they had! In fact, the rosarian on the other end started laughing!
Marvelous Mycorrhizae
It turns out that the fuzzy stuff was simply mycorrhizae doing its thing, except in overdrive. Mycorhizzae is a naturally existing fungus that has existed in soils for over 450 million years. It forms a symbiotic relationship with plant root systems, and essentially extends the plant’s nutritional network, boosting its ability to absorb water, key nutrients, and trace minerals.
Usually, this network is hidden underneath the soil surface. In our customer’s case, it had continued expanding above ground – manifesting itself with this white fuzz. Long story short – prolific mychorrhizae is exceptionally good news for your garden.
image courtesy of wikipedia.org
The world’s mycorrhizae networks are easily disrupted by construction, or even just digging. It is often completely disabled by industrial farming practices or the addition of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
The Benefits of Mycorrhizae Mold On Soil
Mycorrhizae boosts the plant’s immune system, and strengthens its chances of prosperous survival.
Per our amused rosarian – the addition of mycorrhizae to the custom rose fertilizer was the main reason the organic variety cost more than the conventional.
If you ever observe a fuzzy substance like the one in the photo growing near the roots of your roses – you will be prepared to treat it like the gift it is! 🙂
Flowers add color, cheer, and a sweet aroma to your garden. Being able to have fresh-cut flowers straight from your own garden throughout the season takes planning, but it is worth the investment. Flower bouquets are the perfect gift for special occasions, to lift the spirits of someone who needs some cheer, or to provide natural color in your own home.
Every Portland landscape has the potential to be a breathtaking scene of color and texture. Our climate allows for lush greens and bright colors to fill the yard all year long. We live in the GREAT Northwest! However for some, choosing which flowers to grow can be intimidating. We have so many great plants to choose from!
Below is a comprehensive list of trees, shrubs, and perennials that produce excellent flowers. It is possible to have fresh flowers in a Portland landscape all summer long when you incorporate some of the plants listed below.
If you have questions about where to get these flowers, call or visit us at our Portland garden center.
Cercis Redbud trees yield absolutely beautiful flowers
Trees
Cercis – Redbud
Cornus – Dogwood
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Forsythia – Forsythia
Prunus – Flowering Cherry
Salix – Willow
Syringa – Lilac
The Berberis Barberry produces this vibrant red color. Isn’t it beautiful? Image courtesy of commons.wikimedia
Shrubs
Berberis – Barberry
Buddleia – Butterfly Bush
Callicarpa – Beautyberry
Caryopteris – Bluebeard
Cornus sericea – Red osier Dogwood
Corylus – Walking Stick
Cotinus – Smokebush
Exochorda – Pearlbush
Hamamelis – Witch Hazel
Hydrangea – Hydrangea
Ilex – Winterberry
Salix – Willow
Sympor. – Snowberry
Syringa – Lilac
Rosa – Rose
Achillea Yarrow
Perennials
Achillea – Yarrow
Aconitum – Monks Hood
Agapanthus – Lily of the Valley
Agastache – Hyssop
Alcea – Hollyhock
Alchemilla – Lady’s Mantle
Alstromeria – Mugwort
Anemone – Anemone
Aquilegia – Columbine
Artemiesia – Mugwort
Aster – Aster
Astilbe – Astilbe
Astrantia – Masterwort
Baptisia – False Indigo
Boltonia – False Starwort
Catanache – Cupids Dart
Centaurea – Bachelors Button
Centranthus – Red Valerian
Chrysanthemums – Mums
Campanula – Cup and Saucer
Coreopsis – Tickseed
Crocosmia – Crocosmia
Delphinium – Larkspur
Dianthus – Pinks
Dicentra – Bleeding Heart
Digitalis – Foxglove
Doronicum – Leopards Bane
Echinacea – Cone Flower
Echinops – Globe Thistle
Engeron – Flea Bane
Eryngium – Sea Holly
Eupatoium – Mist Flower
Euphorbia – Spurge
Gaillardia – Blanket Flower
Gaura – Windflower
Geum – Lady Stratheden
Gypsophilia – Baby’s Breath
Helenium – Helen’s Flower
Helianthus – Sun Flower
Heliopsis – Ox-eyed Daisy
Helleborus – Lenten Rose
These beauties flower early in the Spring, and their nodding blooms are sublimely beautiful. A few of our favorite varieties for Portland landscaping are Ivory Prince, Pink Frost, Double Queen & Royal Heritage.
Heuchera – Coral Bells
Hosta – Hosta
Iris – Iris
Jean May Camellia
This Camellia has soft pink flowers and deep green glossy leaves. It is a brilliant flowering shrub that can be used as a backdrop in landscaping or as a hedge/screen
Knautia – Knautia
Lavendula – Lavender
Leucanthemum – Shasta Daisy
This is a classic shasta daisy that doesn’t need staking and is generally trouble free. It offers a lovely pop of white and is such a happy flower!
Liatris – Gayfeather
Lilium – Lily
Limonium – Statice
Lupinus – Lupine
Malva – Mallow
Monarda – Bee Balm
Kalmia latifolia – Mountain Laurel
With its glossy leaves and cheery flower clusters, Little Linda is a great addition to any landscape! It is a dwarf plant reaching its maximum size at just 3’ x 3’ making it easy to use in smaller residential lots.
Children are natural gardeners. They are curious and learn by experiencing new things. They love to dig, they love dirt, and most even love worms. Here are 10 fun garden activities for kids to help you and your little gardener have a great time growing together this season.
1. Let them have their own space
Children will love having their own designated space, whether it is within the main garden or a separate plot of their own.
2. Prepare their soil before heading to our Portland garden center (in the Raleigh Hills Neighborhood)
Do a soil test and add the proper soil amendments before you buy seeds or starts. That way your excited little gardener can get right to work after bringing home their garden goodies.
Plants that have a short growing season, are easy to grow, and fun to harvest are the best to choose. Here are some of our top choices.
Edibles:
Potato
snow pea
radish
lettuce
pumpkin
cherry tomato
carrots
bush beans
Flowers:
Sunflowers (sprouts quickly and grows rapidly)
nasturtiums (bloom 50 days after seeds are planted.)
Or they can grow their own Halloween pumpkin!
5. Decorate
Painting flower pots, putting in a stepping stone, or making plant markers are all great ways to let your children be creative with their space.
6. Teach while you plant
Let your time together be light-hearted and fun, but also use the opportunity to answer their gardening questions. Teach them about seeds and germination, tell them why weeding is important. And when you spot a good bug like a worm or ladybug, teach them the big jobs of these important creatures! Little guys can do big things!
7. Give them proper tools
Plastic tools that break and gloves that don’t fit can frustrate any gardener. Drake’s 7 Dees carries a great line of children’s tools, gloves, watering cans, and more. Giving them quality tools communicates that the job they are doing is important.
8. Be sneaky to help them succeed
Depending upon their age, your child may need some behind-the-scene help. Pick a few weeds when they aren’t looking, replant seeds if it seems they flooded the originals right out of the garden. Of course, they don’t need to know every way you helped.
9. Harvest and serve
Let your child harvest, wash, prepare (with assistance), and serve their fresh veggies to the family. Seeing the entire process from seed to table will give them a sense of accomplishment and what it takes to prepare food. They will see that gardening is more than play – it contributes to the family’s well being. They will be so proud!
10. Enjoy being together
Exploring nature and having fun in the yard makes for precious memories. Drink lemonade, lay down and look at the clouds, plant flowers, play in the water, laugh, and enjoy the whole gardening experience together. We hope these garden activities for kids have helped jog your brain for fun ways to spend time with your family this summer!
Patios are the hub of a functional backyard. Maximizing square footage while combining utility, serenity, and grace is essential for a successful build. Regardless of direction you decide to go, pre-planning your outdoor patio ideas is key.
It’s easy to let your imagination run wild when planning for your dream outdoor space. This guide aims to help you both get your creative ideas flowing and also give insight into practicalities to make your patio project a smashing success.
If you’re ready to focus on the sunny weather ahead, there are a range of tasks you can undertake to get your patio ready for lounging, entertaining, or whatever it is that you like to do outside.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering outdoor patio ideas
What Do I Want From My Patio Design?
Your outdoor lifestyle will change as new friends and neighbors come and go, your family grows, and your hobbies shift to new interests.
Perhaps you’ve discovered a passion for the culinary arts and want to expand your outdoor meal prep options with a brick pizza oven, built-in grill, outdoor refrigeration, or space for growing organic herbs and produce.
Perhaps you’d enjoy your fire pit or hot tub through the rainy winter months if they were more sheltered.
Before you make any changes to your outdoor patio, it is important to assess your needs. Be sure to keep in mind how your outdoor needs may change so you can make adjustments that will allow you to enjoy it for many years.
What Does My Current Patio Offer, and What Do I Need to Change?
When you’re considering outdoor patio ideas, first take a good look at what your space already offers. How large is the existing patio.
Does it need to be larger or smaller? Is it oriented toward the best views of your yard? Do you need more privacy? What condition is it in? If any repairs are needed, now is the time to do basic maintenance. Repair settling, reseal the concrete, stone or pavers, and replace any cracked stones or broken railings to be sure your space is safe and usable.
Concrete Pavers, stamped concrete, or minimalistic crushed rock can be perfectly paired to your desired lifestyle. Disconnecting downspouts? Drainage an issue? Permeable options allow storm water run-off to percolate naturally into the soil.
10 Patio Improvement Ideas
1. Cleaning Your patio
It is amazing how much difference a thorough cleaning can make to your patio. Power wash the area, using appropriate treatments to remove mold or rust stains. Re-sand joints between pavers and repaint or stain railings or wood accents. If you already love your patio space, a good cleaning may be all the refreshing you need.
2. Pruning Plants Around Your Patio
Overgrown plants near your patio can encroach on the outdoor living space. Shape plants attractively and consider removing or replacing any damaged or unsalvageable plants. Add new mulch around the patio for a fresh look and to discourage weeds.
3. Lighting Makes a Huge Difference
Without proper lighting, you won’t enjoy your patio after dark. Overhead illumination can be improved by adding recessed lighting to covered patios or string lights to pergolas. Up-lights can add depth and drama to your outdoor space by highlighting the beautiful shapes of surrounding plants and trees. Illuminating stairs and pathways will ensure a safe journey from house to patio in the evening.
4. Define Edges To Create Space
Redefining the edge of your patio with deeper beds, retaining walls, poured concrete planters, or a privacy screen can completely change the feel of the space.
5. Seating
Seating can be incorporated into many areas in your patio. Whether it’s a retaining wall, a semi-circular bench accenting a fire pit, or benches that serve double-duty as railings on an elevated patio. If you’re not considering any additional structures, a fresh lounging or dining set can give your patio a whole new vibe. With so many styles of outdoor furniture available these days, you’re sure to find one that suits your home, be it mid-century modern or Mediterranean. Even replacing old covers, cushions or accent pillows can give existing furniture a fresh look.
6. Concrete Patios With Fire Pits
Add elemental life to your patio by incorporating fire or water into the space. Heat it up with a gas or wood-burning fire pit, fireplace, or even fun torches or lanterns. If liquid refreshment is more your style, options are plenty: koi ponds, fountains, or streams surround you in the sounds of nature. For a more immersive experience, consider a pool or spa.
7. Contain Your Enthusiasm
Adding containers is a great way to instantly update your patio with natural elements. Large containers of tall grasses or shrubs can create privacy, whether they’re oversized pots or built-in beds.
8. Covered Patio Ideas
Providing shade over your patio will make your outdoor living space more comfortable in all weather by reducing glare, blocking harmful UV rays and controlling the temperature. Shelter options include pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions. In a small space, even a patio umbrella will do the trick. Don’t underestimate the natural sunscreen of a beautiful shade tree!
9. Fun With Flooring
Most of us think of a concrete slab when it comes to patios, and though there are some beautiful options of slab available whether stamped, stained, or textured, there is also a range of other materials to consider. Depending on the style of your house, wood tiles or decomposed granite might be stylish options. Even a mix of materials, when done right, can add interest to your overall design. And don’t forget about personal touches—adding your initials or children’s handprints will give you something to smile at for years to come.
10. Small Patio Ideas
Speaking of personal touches, you may have a treasured item such as an outdoor clock, thermometer, barometer, or sculpture that would provide the perfect centerpiece for your patio area, or even serve as inspiration for the entire outdoor space. A functional chalkboard wall provides instant art whether it’s a drawing surface for kids or a menu board for dinner guests!
Bring the outdoors in – the magic of an outdoor room!
Not that you don’t already have enough outdoor patio ideas to keep you occupied – but here’s one more.
One of the hottest trends in how we are enjoying our gardens these days is adding outdoor rooms to our homes. And no wonder – exposure to the outdoors is cheap health insurance. Just check out what Dr. Roger S. Ulrich from the Texas A&M University has to say on the matter:
“In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.” -arborday.org
An outdoor room surely makes getting that exposure easy. It can take the form of a private sanctuary, or it can become the perfect party space. The possibilities are endless.
The protection of an outdoor room can also do double duty as a haven for potted plants during our winters. So, for an unabashed “hort-head”, a built-in patio also offers much-needed protection for a treasured plant.
What Next?
Drake’s 7 Dees leverages decades of construction experience with a seasoned design influence to assure a patio space that resonates with your passions, budget and personality. If you’re ready to add new life to your patio, our team of landscape architects and designers can help you find great ways to freshen up your space so you can spend more time outdoors enjoying it.
Whether you want an out-of-the box, modern flair or an aesthetic that harkens back to an early urban nostalgia. Our family of experts is excited to talk to you about your new patio! Contact us at our Portland garden center in Portland today. We’d love to help you on your next outdoor project.
Whether you are starting from scratch, updating parts of an existing landscape or completely renovating your current landscaping, redoing your outdoor areas can be a lengthy and expensive process. Phased landscape design and installation can help you adjust your time, labor, and budget to create your dream landscaping project in easy-to-manage steps.
The Answer to Affordable Landscaping? Building in Phases
Instead of doing an entire large project at one time from start to finish, phased landscape installation breaks the project into more manageable pieces. It may take several weeks, months, or years to complete the installation in phases, depending on the size of the project and what resources are available to complete it.
Phased landscape installation can be beneficial in several ways. Not only does it make a large project more manageable, but it also allows for tweaks and refinements throughout the process as needs, preferences, and living styles may change over time. Installing a landscape in phases can also better accommodate a limited budget or limited time with shorter seasons, while still allowing for the yard and garden to be used and enjoyed before the full project is complete.
a beautiful landscape design project doesn’t have to be done all at once
Designing an Affordable Master Landscaping Plan
Creating a master plan is a critical first step in phased affordable landscaping installation. A master plan is necessary to keep the end result in mind, and that plan can be adjusted as needed throughout the different phases. When the full project can be envisioned, it is also easier to plan the order of phases to be installed with the greatest efficiency so there is less disruption to established parts of the yard or garden when a new phase is begun.
The first part of a master plan should involve a comprehensive evaluation of the site and its landscaping needs. This should include soil condition and quality, drainage concerns, sunlight levels, potential erosion problems and more. This evaluation can help direct the installation to correct difficulties with each step. After the overall evaluation, the first phases of landscape installation need to be sufficiently detailed for the project to get underway. Later phases and finishing touches may change by the time the final phase of installation is ready to begin, so those phases may not necessarily be as firm when the plan is first developed.
It is important to keep the master plan accessible, especially when it may take several years to fully install a larger, more elaborate landscape. Keeping notes, changes, suggestions, and updates documented will help ensure that future phases of the installation run smoothly.
The 11 Phases Of A Dream Landscaping Project
The order of projects in phased installation will vary depending on the overall master plan for the landscape, as well as how each phase is integrated into the overall process. Needs and preferences can also influence which phases are implemented first to ensure the space is usable and enjoyable from the very first. Typical phases may include…
1. Affordable Landscaping Surfaces
Sod, seeding, groundcovers, or mulching. Why? For erosion control and visual appeal.
Think ahead, and create support for water feature pumps, lighting, outdoor kitchens, and other things that might require energy. If you don’t think this through in the beginning and plan accordingly, you may set yourself up for a big headache later.
While the order of phased installation can vary greatly, many plans prioritize surfaces, hardscapes, and shade in the early phases of the master plan. Surfaces are often used right away and help a landscape look attractive even as the plan is being implemented, while hardscapes establish the borders that will gradually frame the entire landscape. Shade is also important to implement early, as larger trees have slower growth cycles and will take longer to mature and provide their full benefits, so the sooner they are planted the sooner they will be providing that shade. Of course, depending on the exact budget and master landscaping plan, several phases may be implemented at once, or smaller phases may be spread out over a greater period.
In addition to these potential phases, it is important to consider the final step of installation – care and maintenance. Particularly when plants are young and the ground may still be settling, extra care may be needed to nurture plants and ensure they adjust to their new environment. Proper care, including pruning, fertilization, and pest control, will help keep the landscape looking just as attractive and inviting as it is from the first moment of installation.
It’s hard to believe this sea of underused grass became the multi-level masterpiece shown at the top of this post!
Are you considering phased landscape installation? The team of experts at Drake’s 7 Dees can help develop your master landscaping plan and recommend the best steps to take to create your dream landscape. Contact us at our Portland garden center to get started!
Drake Snodgrass
Owner
A lifelong Oregon resident, Drake has been passionate about plants since childhood, beginning with propagating and growing flowers at his grandfather’s nursery. He opened Drake’s 7 Dees in 1974, while earning degrees in Business and Horticulture from Oregon State University. He later expanded into the design/build side of the industry, allowing him to combine his passion for plants with his love of family by maximizing the quality of family time spent outdoors.
Drake is co-founder of the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association and is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager (LICM)—a designation that less than two percent of landscapers have attained. Additionally, Drake serves on the Board of Directors for the Portland Japanese Gardens, widely regarded as one of the seven best Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
Drake is married to former Oregon Speaker of the House, Lynn Snodgrass. Together, he and Lynn received the Farm Bureau President’s award in 1999 for their service and dedication to agriculture in the state of Oregon. Drake and Lynn have two wonderful daughters, two talented son-in-laws, and seven grandchildren. In his spare time, Drake enjoys camping, water and snow skiing, reading, and of course, gardening.
Tim Sellin
Senior Design + Production Manager
Born and raised in the Portland Metro Area… Tim has had an appreciation for the outdoors from a young age. Inspired by our local beauty ranging: the Mt Hood National Forest to salty, sea spray of Cannon Beach, the arid high-desert of Central Oregon to the rugged terrain of Steens Mountain – Tim sought higher education at the University of Idaho in their Landscape Architecture department. Graduating with honors in 2004, he returned home to establish his professional career.
Now making his home in Sandy, Oregon – Tim and his wife [Nicole] are raising two happy and healthy kiddos and 4 fur-babies. Between soccer, football, cheerleading, girl scouts and other extra-curricular activities… the Sellin family are heavily involved in their community and church family. Since college, Tim has spent 13 of his 17 years with Drake’s 7 Dees and has ‘set roots’ in anticipation of long-term growth at the family-focused company. Having spent his time away from Drake’s in a ‘boots on the ground’ capacity, Tim has fostered a love for the operational/production side of landscape business, as well as the design/sales.
His goal in life as well as business is to put others first.
Steven Kurvers
Senior Design Associate + Studio Manager
Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture, BSLA… 2009
California Polytechnic University, Pomona… Cum Laude
American Society of Landscape Architects – Honor Award
Steven has 15 years of experience in the residential landscape design/build and garden center industry, including 9 years with Drake’s 7 Dees. Steven also has experience working with the National Park Service in Yosemite on sub-alpine restoration projects, as well as volunteer experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer serving the community of Zaouiat d’Ifrane in Morocco.
Together, Steven and his wife Anna have four lovely children, all 5 years old and under! In his (very limited) spare time, Steven enjoys camping, hiking, archery hunting, and cooking. Steven’s passion for his work lies in helping others, through design to envision a more beautiful space that, once built, becomes a reality that improves their quality of life.
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