what do you suggest for "grove" trees?

I want to plant a couple of groves of trees in our meadow. I have plenty of room (2+ acres), so that isn't a problem. I am in the Pacific NW, so the climate is somewhat moderate. We do get some rain, but less than 40" a year. Part of the meadow is a bit of a wetland during the winter, however, and that part would demand a different type of tree than the higher, dryer areas. My neighbor has one grove of birches, another of alders, another of sweet gums. I'd love some ideas that might not be quite so "common," if that makes sense. I love the clumping river birches, and have considered those for one of them. Any thoughts?

Clumping river birches, while very lovely, are becoming over-done here, probably because they're natives with an impressive track record. Dirr calls them bronze birch borer resistant, and notes only minor pests and diseases. But they are not native to the Pacific NW, so proceed with caution. Personally, I would recommend using some natives, like Western cedars and hemlocks or Sitka spruce, just because you can.

Cedars are so common here that they are truly "ho hum." LOL I'm in Washington, the "Evergreen State," and is it ever! I was thinking more along the lines of deciduous trees, although evergreens could be good as well. I already have a stand of Coast Redwoods planted, both green and blue, several Giant Sequoias and Deador Cedars. But in the main, those don't like to be in standing water in the wetter area of the wetland.

What about Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)? This is truly a stunning tree, changes to a brilliant burnt orange color before abscission, and I've never even seen a whole grove of them! For the drier place, Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)? Variable form, look for a spreading cultivar, this one smells like cotton candy in autumn, an elegant shade tree.

Prarie: Those are good ideas. I actually have 5 katsuras there now of various types. I only have one Dawn,and it is a "Goldrush," and it's not in the meadow. I've heard they actually do well with water, and we've talked of putting some "normal" ones in that area. I've never seen a "stand" of them - it could look quite stunning I think.

Hi billr, a few suggestions for the drier area are Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' which has strong yellow color, good drought resistance and almost "cake-layered" 90 degree growth. It has become more available recently and seems pretty hardy. The other suggestion are Eucalyptus dalrympleana, E. pauciflora ssp. niphophila and E. neglect, all of which take 8a. If you can find Glyptostrobus pensilis, which is the Asian equivelent to Taxodium, it grows in wet soils and has the same nice feathery foliage and seems quite hardy. Take a look at PF for Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Caucasian Wing Nut) which produces a large deciduous tree that suits a meadow and tolerates waterlogging. In my opinion it looks kinda tropical but not out-of-place in a meadow. There is some uncommon plants available from Cistus Nursery, not far away: http://www.cistus.com/ and from Colvos Creek Nursery: http://www.colvoscreeknursery.com/ I have other ideas but these might be a start.

Pterocarya fraxinifolia in the pic

Taxodium ascendens 'Prairie Sentinal' is a fine tree for wet areas and turns a nice bronzy-gold in fall, at least here in the midwest. Upright form lends it self to planting in groups without crowding each other out. If you have a large area, it would take more plants however. Also similar in form is Taxodium distichum 'Shawnee Brave.' One other swampy tree that I ran into was Nyssa aquatica which supposedly has good fall color.

Best of luck,
Ernie

Interestingly enough, I have 3 taxodiums planted presently. Besides the "normal" one, I have a dwarf (beside a little stream) and a weeping version (Cascade Falls). Interestingly enough, we once talked about Tupelo trees. I will have to look into that more. Funny someone should mention Cistus because we have gone their twice in the last two weeks! We love that place, especially their unusual trees. I actually got one more Eucalyptus there along with a number of other things. The most unusual is probably the Quercus Dentata "Carl Ferris Miller". I'd love to know where to locate some of the trees Growin mentioned. They don't seem to be readily available.

Billr, ask Cistus if they have the above mentioned Eucalyptus, if not Colvos Creek or Steamboat in Seattle area. I know Tropic to Tropic (www.tropic.ca) on this side of the border has them and can mailorder them. Remember to use some good rocks/bolders when planting Eucs to prevent blow-down when we get our rare wind storms (A common problem for Eucs here). I noticed this nursery on a google search for Glyptostrobus pensilis in Oregon: http://www.porterhowse.com. Colvos Creek lists Pterocarya fraxinifolia.

I'm not sure if you already have Betula jaquemontii or Betula albo-sinensis but the striking winter affect would work nicely as a "grove". A few Araucaria araucana in a spot that isn't water-logged together and a bit of protection from winter winds can make a dramatic and interesting impression. Embothrium coccineum, in a protected spot, can make a red flowering display. Sorbus commixta has nice fall colour and fine textured foliage.

Look through the online catalogues for Cistus & Colvos Creek and call them. Ask their opinion too. If I lived on your side of the border I would have just given you a bag of palm seed to plant in a spot and let them do their thing - so easy to grow and hardy.

Growin: Porterhowse nursery is really a wonderful place. We have some very nice things from there, although I haven't been there for several years. It's only about 45 mins from us. I will definitely follow up on that. I am a sucker for Eucs, to be sure. Their color and variety is stunning, and Cistus has numerous cultivars. I've got to get to Colvos Creek sometime. It sounds terrific. I accessed them several years ago when I was looking for a particular grass unsuccessfully. The loss of Heronswood this last year was horrible, and now Collectors (about a mile from our house) is also closing. It's sad to have these nurseries no longer with us.

Although Heronswood is no longer around, Dan Hinkley is somewhere. There is also other specialty nurseries, such as Colvos Creek, which have the same level of unusual plants. I can't say I know Porterhowse but will look it up. I also love Eucalyptus as they grow fairly well in the PNW. Only problem is the occasional wind blow-down and finding a reliable source for cold-hardy material. Sounds like you have a nice piece of property to work with. Have you looked into Nothofagus?