Links We Like
General Plant Information
We recommended these plant information sites for in-depth plant research:
- Gardenia.net - extensive gardening information, with ideas for new and expert gardeners alike.
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder - in-depth descriptions of over 7,500 plants.
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants - images and information on over 1,800 landscape plants, mostly woody, that grow on or near the OSU campus in Corvallis, OR. Many entries describe the location of the plant so if you live locally you can examine it in person.
- Oregon State University Extension Service: Gardening - a treasure trove of gardening resources.
- Plant Lust - abundant photos and growing conditions info, as well as the ability to peruse ~90 nursery catalogs simultaneously.
Books
- The Aromatherapy Garden: Growing Fragrant Plants for Happiness and Well-Being by Kathi Keville
- Beardless Irises: A Plant for Every Garden Situation by Kevin C. Vaughn
- California Bees and Blooms: A Guide for Gardeners and Naturalists by Gordon W. Frankie, Robbin W. Thorp, Rollin E. Coville, Barbara Ertter
- The Explorer's Garden: Rare and Unusual Perennials by Daniel J. Hinkley
- Flora of Oregon, Volume 1: Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Monocots Editors: Stephen C. Meyers, Thea Jaster, Katie E. Mitchell, Linda K. Hardison published by OSU and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.
- Pacific Northwest Garden Tour: The 60 Best Gardens to Visit in Oregon Washington & British Columbia by Donald Olson
- The Plant Lover's Guide to Clematis by Linda Beutler
- Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest by By Mark Turner and Phyllis Gustafson
Pollinator Information
Gardens are not only a source of beauty for humans to enjoy: they can provide critical habitat for pollinators that keep us fed and our natural ecosystems functioning. Here are some resources to help you help the pollinators:
- Oregon Bee Project: a cooperative effort between the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and a diverse set of stakeholders who are actively engaged in caring for our bees.
- Bee Action - Friends of the Earth: a list of actions you can take to protect bees in your garden and nationwide.
- National Audobon Society, Plants for Birds: extensive information on gardening for birds including a plant database and planting guides.
- Pollinator Partnership, Planting Guides: ecoregional planting guides tailored to specific areas of the United States
- The Xerces Society: a non-profit, Oregon-based organization focused on protecting invertebrate pollinators and their habitats.
- 4 Principles to Help Bees and Butterflies (link to PDF)
- Gardening for Pollinators, general resources
- Monarch Nectar Plant Guide: Maritime Northwest (link to PDF)
- Nests for Native Bees: nest types & guidelines (link to PDF)
- Pollinator-friendly Regional Plants Lists
- Tunnel Nests for Native Bees: Nest Construction & Management (link to PDF)
Area Eateries
Here are some yummy places to visit on your way to or from the nursery:
- Pink House Cafe, Independence (link to Yelp)
- Three Legged Dog Public House, Independence (link to Yelp)
- West Valley Taphouse, Dallas (link to Yelp)
Places To Visit
- Airlie Winery, Monmouth: a destination winery that offers wine tasting, picnic sites, and kid- & dog-friendly romping areas.
- Old Mill Feed & Garden, Dallas: our local source for livestock, pet, and garden supplies. Housed in the historic Dallas Co-op building since 2007, it's a fun place to visit.