Plant right for your site

Get to know your yard

• Where is it sunny and shady?
• Where is the soil sandy or clayey?
• Are there pockets of dry or soggy soil?

Choose the right plant for the right place

• Place large-growing plants away from your house to avoid constant pruning.
• Select native or Northwest-adapted plants that grow well in our climate.
• Choose plants that resist pests and use less water.
• Group plants by their sun/shade, soil and water needs.

Give plants a good start

• Mix some compost into planting beds.
• Spread out and loosen roots so they'll begin to grow.
• Water external link with a slow, gentle stream to soak down to two inches.
• Tamp soil down for good root contact.

What about lawns and vegetable gardens?

• Lawns and vegetable gardens need irrigation, several hours of full sun and level well-drained soil.
• Limit lawn areas to locations where you need them.