Planning Party at Outta's

Rachel, I heard you were quite sick a few days ago. I'm glad you are feeling better now.

Holly you're right.Also the Hazel doesn't grow just one trunk like the red alder does,and the red alder catkins are up to 5" long.

Okay...thinking it's alder because it looks like all the other alders here and believe me, there are plenty. Doesn't matter anyway, cuz it's staying. I like it regardless of its heritage, simply because I like where it's at and it doesn't seem to be a pushy tree at all.

With regard to wispy, no...it's not what I'm looking for overall. I was implying a Sedonaesque voice of a long-haired old hippy woman (me) in a caftan (not me) with lots of beads and wearing sandals implying wispily that you should "open your mind and let your imagination flow. Be the garden." But wispy may work in some areas, just depends. I don't have any preconceived notions of plants, only an overall idea of feeling and flow (sort of but not really but kind of...you know?).

The soil is a mix of everything mentioned. The QAW is awesome. It's many inches deep of forest duff. I got an aquilegia from Poochella at the GE which was in a one-gallon pot. I dug a hole in the QAW to plant it and never hit soil...just duff. Very moist, very organic, very rich. Nearer the house is all icky construction messed up soil. Area 1 ~ I don't know because I haven't dug in it at all yet. I imagine it's not real nice and will need to be amended.

Veggie garden is going to be in straw bales, only 10 this year I think. It will be very limited, probably mostly tomatoes, peppers and beans. Don't want to go too far overboard this year since it's all a bit overwhelming. Don't think I'll do berries this year until we get a bit more cleaned up.

Our deer population is small. Last year we had one doe, her yearling and her fawn. Haven't seen them this year but have seen evidence of a youngster near the hellebores in the faerie garden. Last year she was a pill and ate all the leaves off the apple and cherry trees, which will be netted this year. We have never seen here in Area 1, only over by the west end of the property near the drive and in the QAW a couple of times.

And thanks for the kudos to the big guy. This is the 3rd time we've tried to pass this danged test. He's always done well except at the end when IDing the subject. He always picks the person he loves better regardless. Today we used two people he has never met and he had no problem with ID. Yea for him! Here's the big guy at the end, getting treats and love and getting his trailing harness removed. What a face! Who could not love that?

Congrats to Chile, good boy

Lovely pics, I can almost picture it, as living in the woods like I do, with most of the same landscape (almost) Just that yours is bigger LOL
And it is a Alder, trust me I have many and there are lovely trees, but there have thier bad sides to.

Alders are good. They fix nitrogen in the soil for the next generation of trees. If your place is like mine, you may have them mixed together. I have both. The alders grow relatively fast (gotta get the forest ready for everyone else). Suckers are definitely a clue - hazelnuts sucker like crazy.

Conrats to Chile and his Momma! Go team! He is just so darn cute! I'm really looking forward to your party but I must be honest and admit that I am looking forward to meeting your furbabies just as much! And seeing you and Tim of course :0) Hugs, Rach

The "alder forest" in back of me was pretty much clear cut almost four years ago. Since then I have little baby alders popping up everywhere - particularly in my containers . . . go figure! I did get the owner to leave a small stand of alders that I look at out my window, thank goodness he was willing. All this time later and it is still barren and ugly with 20 foot piles which were just left. Looked like a bomb hit it at first, but at least there is some green here and there now (mostly thistle, nettles, blackberry vines, noxious weeds, etc.). The property is for sale - wish I could buy it and turn it into a park. $825,000 for the 20 acres is a bit out of my pocketbook (like $824,950 out!).

What I didn't manage to say in that little epistle is that I like alders! They never totally lose their foliage either.

Outta - that was a tremendously comprehensive tour - and much appreciated. My printer worked wonders for once, (hmmm, maybe because I actually have two full ink thingies for a change?) and I have printed out a very clear copy of the plans - and it was so helpful during the tour. Excellent.

I think the area I am focussing on is the straw bale area - I think this could be enormously useful to the rest of the project. I use two beds in my vegetable area for cut flowers and for a nursery - with the number of plants we need, I start perennials in the greenhouse, and then bed them out in the nursery bed to grow on a year before planting in position. I loose a lot less of them because they don't get weeded out by mistake, and I always have a resource area for those 'ohmigawd, must find something' spaces. But it also allows me to start trees from cuttings (willow, hazel, oaks I find in the beds get moved here, and my pear trees) these have been so helpful. I think you might want to consider starting some of the decorative willows (Salix Opulifolia has beautiful black stems, and Salix Opulifolia Nancy Saunders has maroon stems with shakeresque gray green leaves, stunning - I know where you can get masses of cuttings). These would love your damp boggy areas and will grow into beautiful lacy screens as tall or as low as you like - they love to be pollarded. Second year they are ready to plant out, and can put on 3m in a year of open branch work.

Yup, I'm going to work on that area. Anyone want to join me?

Somebody (hehehehehe) sent me three of those Salix Nancy Sanders last Fall - they are all leafing out just a wee bit right now (I put them in gallon pots). Our cold, nasty weather I'm sure has slowed them down but they are alive and well! Very exciting for me to watch.

Outta, how I wish I could be there on your planning day - I'm horrible at planning . . . I shoot from the hip, I'm afraid - but would just love to absorb the joy and the fun that is sure to be involved! Well, one never knows . . .

Mumur-the alders are considered a weed in any stand of timber.They reseed from long distances,and all they need is a bit of mineral soil to sprout.Some timber owners used to spray a herbicide to kill them.(They might still do that).

Ned, sadly I do know that about alders - it's just that it was basically the only thing even resembling a tree near my property (and I can't plant anything tall as it would ruin my neighbors view) so I referred to it as my "Hundred Acre Woods." The owner clear cut and sold the alder (my understanding is he needed money) and left the very, very, very few evergreens. He was required by the county to re-plant with evergreens and he did so, but did so in the heat of summer and few of them made it. He has since been required to plant again or lose his tax-free status. I myself planted a bunch of evergreens on the edge of the property (not really mine) - most of which were gifted to me from our own Poochella. I'm happy to say many of them are alive and well.

What is alder wood used for? I don't think we grow it here.

And, I'm so glad the willows are budding out,murmur! Not that I know anything about them! Hurrah for trees. Mine are just coming out here, and they have darling little furry pussywillows! Really cute (I think mine are a year older than yours) - and my oldest one (3 years) I stooled down this year (well, it was in the wrong place, and Heidi says you have to move a plant 3x to get it right, and so - hey, who am I to question, so the physocarpus (sp?) and the willow traded places - and are just as happy as before and I am happier) - and now it has these magical little tiny teeny mahagony buds all over it! It is magic! Love those trees.

This message was edited Apr 21, 2008 7:14 PM

It is used in furniture & some interior cabinetry.It is not a species to plant on purpose.The red alder is native to the Northwest coast into Alaska.

I'll keep that in mind Ned - the last thing I want to do is crowd out our natives.

Here's a great article about our Red Alder:

www.cof.orst.edu/coops/hsc/NWWoodlands.doc

Alder is also used for firewood around these parts.

Yes. It grows fast, so it's immensely renewable.

We had a lot of alder in Fairbanks, along with willow, as I recall. I have to admire trees that can withstand 130-degree temperature swings (70 above to 60 below, though it doesn't get to 60 below much anymore, I'm told). I'm also in awe of the Ravens, who did the same. To this day, I find that miraculous.

What I was going to say about the bad things of and Alder, but I had to leave the computer, and couldn't get back.

The bad things are , In the winter when it freezes, the sap gets hard and the tops snap, I have had 5 that have done that, and when they fall it is a very bad mess more so if they hit anything. and another is that sometimes they can grow into each other as saplings then into 1 tree which makes the weak and subject to disease. The reason I know my DH work at the Pope and Talbot lumber mill in Port Gamble for 25 years, in the alder chip plant. which was sent out to make paper and as for fire wood they burn to fast and don't give out much heat.
I'll take some pics to show how ugly they look after the tops have snap.
They do make a nice tree when young.

I went to Sheri's today, Got there a hour earlier than planed, She was not home yet. But had a really nice visit with her DH Tim and the fur babies (big fur babies) And felt so welcome and if I had half a chance I would steal the bath tub. LOL
He was talking about cooking and trying to print a recipe, Then said something about Chile cant remember what he said, looked and as always camera in pocket took this Just to cute
Sheri has not seen it yet.

I've seen it now. . .thanks, Tills! That's his favorite position to sleep in on the floor. Always looks like he's hiding his face.

Sure wish you could have stayed a bit longer and wish you could be here on the 17th. As you saw today, I am a bit overwhelmed by all there is to do, how to do it, and what to do it with! I'm really looking forward to the input! And thanks for the loan of the book. It will be fun to "leaf" through the pages! ^_^

Sheri I so enjoyed it, And like you have so many ideas.
When you all get to walk it, and look at the area surrounding it and all the views you can see in the distance, just to cool.
Very nice place you have, and no worry the man cave fits. LOL

And I want this.

You need to focus on one area, what you have is a 5 year or more project. I need to scan some pic for you of what my place has been threw. And you where here and seen it, that is 15 years in the making LOL and still working on it. Takes time and patience ( o Lord I sound like Laurie)
Love Ya Laurie
Baby Steps one project at a time. I was overwhelmed so many things you can do, but its where to start and the big thing money. LOL

Her new find has the grand spot.

Ahhhh, Tills! (smiling).

Okay. . .time to update the thread. The gathering is next weekend and I'm really looking forward to getting your thoughts and ideas of what to do with this place. Also, I noticed that Sequim Rare Plants is open so if anyone wants to take a side trip there, it's only about 8 miles east of here. Also, a few miles west is the Greenhouse Nursery, and Diana would love to see everyone to say Hi. There will be muffins, bagels, juice, coffee, tea, etc upon arrival. DH is planning an Italian lunch ~ Veggie lasagna, salad, garlic bread, beverages (yes...wine, too), and some nice desserty-type thing. He would like an approximate head count so that no one leaves hungry. So, if you're planning on planning, let me know soon so the preparations can be made.

I'm there!!!!! What can I bring? Hugs, Rach

I'm hoping to be there. Are you dmailing directions, times, etc? Are we to bring tools, etc? I know it's a planning party, but you never know!

I'm there with mattock and shovel and gloves and boots and slicker, if necessary. What time? What else should I bring (besides dog treats)? Speaking of which, how are the dogs with treats - sensitive stomachs or anything. Can they handle wheat and corn free biscuits?

Outta, why do I think 'leaving hungry' is an impossibility at your house? Even if you plan for 12 but end up with 200.

Must get my plans across to you - will do that this week. On my list!

(And my neighbours just brought us a spare kilo of Asparagus! To go along with the kilo we picked today!)

Laurie, perhaps you could just zip that asparagus over here along with you? ; )

I will be there unless I am requested to work.
I have some Phygelius crowns dug up for you, Sheri. 'Winchester Fanfare' is the cultivar (dark coral with yellow throat): a Hummingbird magnet. Its a "rectus" and gets about 5' x 5', but does well, like the capensis, here.
Let me know if you want me to bring them next weekend.

Okay. . .now I know I'm losing my mind. I swear I posted a reply here answering all questions, but apparently I did not. I even went back through other threads I'm watching just in case I posted it on the wrong one, and did not. *sigh* Anyway ~ here goes:

Everyone is invited including DHs, significant others, family, friends, strangers picked up while hitchhiking along your travels here (we're a friendly lot). No one need bring anything other than imaginative minds and ideas. This is not, I repeat, NOT a work party. This is an opportunity for me to be incredibly lazy creatively and pilfer all your wonderful ideas for my own personal gain and pleasure. Does that make me a bad person? Nah.....

Directions will be D-mailed. Since there are really only two ways to get here from where everyone lives (Hood Canal Bridge or Hwy 101) I will send directions from the junction of the two highways. Our home is about 30 miles west of that junction.

Time? I figured any time in the morning, 10ish to 11ish, since this will be a day of wandering, not working unless of course, Katye, you feel an overwhelming compunction to pull up shot weed. There is plenty of that to keep you busy for, oh, say, a couple YEARS!

Kathy ~ The boys do not have even slightly delicate digestive systems. Proof in the pudding (or bar-be-que sauce). . .DH and Crikey left the house 15 minutes before I arrived home from a few errands yesterday morning. Chile was left alone (*gasp*!). When I walked in the front door he didn't greet me like he normally does and I heard an unusual snarfing sound. When I rounded the corner, there he was with his front paws up on a dining chair at the island, a place mat covered with droolery, and a foot-long tongue finishing up a bowl of bar-be-que sauce DH had left out. So, long story even longer, they'll eat anything (we don't allow bones, though).

Laurie ~ I am so excited to get your ideas! The straw bales were purchased Friday and are currently in prep. I am planting tomatoes, peppers (hot and sweet) and bush beans for sure, the rest is still waiting for the moment of epiphany. Can't wait to receive your input, which I'm sure will completely change my mind!

Katye ~ Of course I would love the Phygelius! I can't wait to see a 5 X 5 rectus (or maybe I really don't want to see that)! I've learned quite quickly that I want just about everything everyone offers. Is this a fence planting plant or a shrub that could be a focal point of a bed or both or neither or. . .? You must be here, you simply MUST! If they request your services at work, just tell them you have to tend to a sick friend who is all alone in the world (mental illness counts as "sick," yes?)

Guess that's it ~ TTFN!

LOL. I'm familiar with that snarfing sound . . .

Barbecue sauce - that has to be a test of a sound digestive system. Not even sure I could handle a whole dish of that. ROFLMBO.

Well, turns out it was just Rachel and me at Sheri and Tim's today. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time walking through the QAW and the land below their property. Of course, there was too much talking and plant identification for additional pictures, so you'll just have to use your imagination. Maybe Sheri can post a picture of the swamp-cabbage bog sometime. It's certainly beautiful. Sheri had described their property pretty well - I felt as if I'd been there before as soon as I turned in.

It's amazing how different some of her native plants are from mine. She's the queen of Claytonia-land. And though I have some Claytonia, too, the Claytonia I have is a little different looking than hers. Sheri has lots of singing nettle, but not nearly the ranunculus repens that I have. LOL

The dogs were awesome. Chile and Crikey are big guys. I had no idea. But they are so, so sweet. They were both just too hot today - probably looking tonight like my guys are right now. Pooped from the heat.

Tim made this incredible lasagna and salad for lunch. And we had such great luncheon conversation with Tim, Sheri, Rachel, me, Tim's mother and Sheri's mother. I suggest that we make them both honorary PNW Dave's Garden members. What lovely ladies. And so welcoming. We could have stayed forever.

Sheri and Time have done great things with the property so far - some real cleanup of the woods and trees and the potager and beds next to the house look fantastic. I'm so impressed. There are lots and lots of seedlings coming up in the potager. Put your orders in now for those hot peppers, folks.

Thanks, Sheri and Tim for a great day.

K

I was so disappointed to miss the party today! Duty called (family duty that is). It sounds like a good time was had by all. Swamp cabbage bog? Sounds like primroses are in order to me!

You would be shocked and appalled if you knew how many times I silently cussed the fact that I couldn't be there today!!! I can only imagine what a great time you had - small group or not!!!! Sigh . . . I did at least get garden time - and that's two days in a row!!!

I got kid time. Hot sticky kid time, bored because mom isn't here kid time. But he's a sweetie and I love him, even when he's a bit cranky. I got some garden time, but mostly to keep things watered. would have lost several plants had I not been handy with the hose a bit today.

Same here, Pixy - and like a dodo, I actually divided a Heuchera . . . sure hope they make it despite the heat. I just couldn't resist . . . it was a freebie (I got three of them last year because I bought something-or-other . . . can't remember what or where, but Internet). All three have just flourished and when I saw all those separate little parts, something came over me . . . and voila! Eleven plants!!!!! I suspect the other two are just as ready for dividing, but I'll watch this bunch first. Imagine if I end up with 30+ from 3 freebies!!!

I second Katie's commentary. I had such a wonderful time, thanks Sheri and Tim! Tim is a wonderful cook and a very gracious host. As we girls wandered through the woods and property Tim would pop in and ask us if we needed any liquid refreshment. All the while he was building Sheri a stand for her grow lights. Both of thier mom's are a delight, I enjoyed hearing thier stories and visiting with them. And the puppies, what sweeties, so handsome!

Well I'm off to bed now. Thanks again for a great day!

P.S. I got to jump Katie (her truck that is) she was so excited when she got there she forgot to turn off her lights! It was quite comical to watch the two retired "firebugs" hook-up the jumper cables! Let's just say that Sheri likes electricity!

It was a marvelous, intimate gathering which gave birth to a plethora of new ideas for me. And I agree...I would LOVE to have someone in the know lead a hike and point out plants to me (and maybe this time I will take my camera out of my pocket and take a picture or two...yep, it was there the whole time!) Kathy ~ I potted up two Claytonia and three snowberries for you... hopefully they will survive. I also walked around picking maple seedings and throwing them in pots. I walked around with Tim and shared your ideas with him and he is VERY receptive. He particularly likes the door idea as well as the bed in the middle of the QAW. I think that and the deck will be our focus this year. Maybe next year we can plan the full sun area. And Chile has been despondent since you left...can't quit snoring! Thanks, Kathy and Rachel, for a wonderful day! ^_^

I am again sighing with envy. I do so want to see you again, Rachel, and meet Sheri and Kathy . . . darn anyway! (And see again anyone else, or finally meet anyone else!!!!)