As the year comes to a close, it’s time to recognize and thank all the amazing volunteers who have made Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation the flourishing entity that it is today. If you volunteered your time with us this year, we thank you! Our volunteers come from all walks of life and work in a variety of areas to help make the Garden a better place for the community to enjoy. Whether it’s raking leaves, hauling plants, planning events, updating our website, writing grants, and more – each person brings something unique and valuable to the table. Who are these hidden hands of help? Rathe ..read more

As we near the shortest days and reflect on our year here at the Garden, we can’t help but feel gratitude for our volunteers. Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a gathering place for people to learn, be inspired, and feel connected to the natural world. But the garden operations do not simply happen on their own. In the past 12 months, hundreds of people contributed behind the scenes, showing up with their energy to help us achieve our mission. So on behalf of myself and the thousands who gathered at the Garden this year– we appreciate you! Thank you unstoppable Thursday volunteers. Thank you yout ..read more

Symphoricarpos albus – snowberry A very nice native shrub that produces small white berries that seem to pop when you crush them. Animals tend to leave them uneaten until the very last, so you watch the fruits progress from pure white to shriveled brown husks. Snowberries do best in dappled shade in organically rich, moist soil; then they spread by underground roots making a nice colony usually no more than 4 -5’ high. Return to Main Page The post Ambitious Plants – Symphoricarpos albus appeared first on Kruckeberg Botanic Garden ..read more

Epipactus helleborine – Helleborine Orchid This is an orchid but not one that people generally want. Not very showy but spreads itself around with abandon due to windblown minute seeds. A set of close knit roots makes it difficult to eliminate. It’s a mystery as to where it came from since it was getting noticed just about ten years ago. Return to Main Page The post Epipactus helleborine appeared first on Kruckeberg Botanic Garden ..read more

Geranium robertianum – Robert’s Geranium With small lacy leaves, an open habit and pink small blossoms, this plant tucks itself into every niche in the garden if allowed to. Easily pulled out but the seeds all around keep it reappearing. The seeds are propelled quite some distance; look for yourself to see the tightly coiled seed head. English gardeners value the white flowered form. Return to Main Page The post Ambitious Plants – Geranium robertianum appeared first on Kruckeberg Botanic Garden ..read more

Scutellaria altissima –Tall Skullcap A weedy member of the mint family but does offer seed to certain birds. An escapee from Central Europe, skullcaps are used in herbal remedies and for their bicolored white and lilac flowers. Quickly covers ground due to left over seed! There is a native skullcap, Scutellaria laterifolia that favors damp ground. Return to Main Page The post Ambitious Plants – Scutellaria altissima appeared first on Kruckeberg Botanic Garden ..read more

Pteridium aquilinum – Bracken Fern Tall (up to 6’), this deciduous fern appears all across the globe. In spring, emerging shoots rise quickly to gain as much sunlight as possible. Come autumn, the tri-parted fronds turn a light brown tone. Once you start trying to dig out a plant or stand of it, you’ll discover a black root system that breaks apart and is ready to resprout from smaller portions. Useful as a loose blanket for protecting smaller natives from excessive winter rains. Return to Main Page The post Ambitious Plants – Pteridium aquilinum appeared first on Kruckeberg Botanic Garde ..read more

Mahonia nervosa – Low Oregon Grape Usually no more than 2’ high, this native evergreen is useful in native plantings. It does well in shaded areas but can tolerate sun if the soil is moist. Showy clusters of yellow blossoms in late winter are a source of pollen for native bees and honey for resident hummingbirds. Clusters of dark blue fruits appear in summer; they’re edible but very tart. It spreads by both seed and underground roots and is another one difficult to extricate from an area. Best to let it fill in and enjoy it. Return to Main Page The post Ambitious plants – Mahonia nervosa ..read more

Oxalis oregana – Oregon Woodsorrel A pretty native ground cover that needs moist shady spots to look its best – and then it will send roots in all directions. Once established, digging it out becomes a test of patience as any small piece left behind will start the cycle over again. Return to Main Page The post Ambitious Plants – Oxalis oregana appeared first on Kruckeberg Botanic Garden ..read more

Stranvaesia davidiana ‘Undulata’ – Low Stranvaesia There’s been a name change of the genus from Stranvaesia to Photinia but most likely you’ll still find it in nurseries by its original name. The low growing form stays under 2’ high but can get up to 10’ wide. The parent plant is a tall growing shrubby tree in most cases but can reach over 40’. The small red fruits are what get this into trouble as birds eagerly eat them but then spread the leftover seeds everywhere. Return to Main Page The post Ambitious Plants – Stranvaesia davidiana ‘Undulata’ appeared first on Kruckeberg Botanic Gard ..read more