Pacific Northwest Gardening: Plant Combinations, 1 by growin

growin wrote:
Oh Laurie1, the mini-orchard idea with swaths of Muscari is enchanting!

Go for a crabapple but be selective of which one as they seem to have problems on the coast here but might be better where you are. Don't be afraid to try something experimental - Japanese Persimmon, Chilean Guava, Pomegranate - I think you're in a warmer zone than you think. If you don't have the Western Garden Book yet, pick it up - you're listed as Zone 6. The espalier can be intensive or relaxed but I'd prefer espalier because it is cleaner. My friends large fig was dropping fruit everywhere and the hornets were eating them and what a mess the fallen fruit made!

Gardening/landscaping is a learning, growing thing so try trees that push your limits. I can't say how many times I'm driving through the city in heavy traffic and *screech* I come to a hault to inspect an interesting planting. "Now why didn't I think of that!" You're in a great climate with a huge property and you're surrounded on DG by enthusiasm (aka Peer Pressure lol) with some great nurseries nearby - ie Forestfarm, Cistus, Colvos Creek, etc so throw in some interesting/cool stuff in your plans. Magnolia 'Butterflies', Araucaria araucana, Acer pseudoplatanus 'Brilliantissimum', Davidia involucrata, Xanthoceras sorbifolium, Sambucus nigra 'Albovariegata'....gosh, the selection is endless.

Start with the plan on paper and work from it. Get a list going so you can do some effective compartive shopping. Don't forget to amend the soil on planting.