Gardenig in Oregon. Tips & Guides

Despite its common name – beet armyworm – pointing to one specific crop, no garden is safe from this pest. It will chow down on everything from corn to tomatoes to flowers.If only our kids loved as many different types of vegetab

Many gardeners plant marigolds in their veggie patches to repel bugs and other types of pests. But let me tell you – marigolds offer so much more than pretty pest control.Tagetes erecta, or African marigolds, belong t

In my long list of “favorite plants,” the African violet sits comfortably somewhere near the top. That’s because of its profuse and reliable blooming, the ease of care, and the mystique of being a plant native to Africa. But there’s a more personal reason in there, too.When I was in charge of maintaining greenhouse st

If you’re a “Here We Come A-wassailing,” Yule log, Tiny Tim, and plum pudding-type of holiday reveler, have I got the holly for you to grow at home!English, aka common, holly (Ilex aquifolium) is native to Europe, no

California poppies create spectacular displays of bright yellow-orange blooms that cover grassy hillsides in early spring.Their soft and silky petals reflect the sun’s light, making th

The Pacific Northwest is one of Mother’s Nature’s verdant playgrounds.While the deserts highlight her talent for architectural simplicity, and she

Fresh tarragon lovers in blistering hot regions often have to forgo growing their favorite herb.French tarragon simply doesn’t thrive in places wh

While its primary common name makes it sound like this plant comes from the Caribbean island, Cuban oregano is a plant known by many other names as well, including Mexican mint, Spanish (or French) thyme, and Indian borage.Here’s the funny thing: Cuban oregano is not true ore

Fragrant, fast-growing, and a delight in the kitchen, ‘Genovese’ basil is an easily cultivated and rewarding herb for the gardener and cook alike!It’s the traditional Italian herb used to create the very bes

Ornamental cherries are celebrated with festivals and parades, gifted from one country to another, and cherished in gardens. They’re arguably the queens of the spring flowering trees.Once you plant one in your garden, there will be no question as to

I love roses, I really do.But every so often, as I’m battling a stupid b

What’s round, pear-shaped, or oblong, and often a rich purple color? If you live in the United States, English-speaking Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you know it as eggplant (Solanum melongena).Or maybe “guinea squash,” if you

Asian pears bear delicious fruit with a crisp, juicy bite, and flavors that range from mild and melon-like to sweet caramel and butterscotch.Distinct in flavor and shape from their European cou

In the plant world, when does “full sun” not really mean full sun?When you live in a place that gets

The fungus Armillaria can attack all fruit trees, including apricots.Although soil fumigation is sometimes recommended, it typically doesn’t w

Cuban oregano is one of those special plants that adds year-round beauty to your home and flavor to your dishes. Outdoors, it will grow as a perennial only in USDA Hardine

Avocado trees (Persea americana) are notorious for being susceptible to cold. So what’s an avocado lover who gardens in a cooler area to do?Don’t give up hope! The good news is

Everyone needs a patio umbrella to shade their outdoor space. We found 7 cool canopies to shield any type of open air grouping, from small conversation spots to alfresco dining areas. We even recommend a unique half-canopy for decks, and a

In a world of hyper-specialization, a generalist like arborvitae is a breath of fresh air.Many plants are only fit for one thing, suc

Those flamboyant bearded irises may get most of the attention, but the not-so-humble Douglas iris is ready for more time in the spotlight.A North American native, this spectacular species g

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The lawn may be the largest part of your garden landscape. From seeding and mowing to weeding and raking autumn leaves, you do your best to keep it looking lush and lovely, and take pride in the accomplishment.And once those leaves are cl

Are you up for a challenge that is extraordinarily rewarding? Grow olive trees!Of course, if you’re located in the US and you

Instead of pondering just how many pecks Peter Piper could pick, here’s a much more enjoyable way to spend your time:Figure out which variety of pickling cucumber would be

If you’re looking for color and whimsy in your landscape, or you want to attract pollinators to your wildlife garden, baby blue eyes is the plant for you.There comes a moment when a gardener discovers they’re a

We all know, of course, that letter carriers deliver the mail. But I wonder how many of you know about the 1920s mailman who “delivered” what would become most popular avocado in the United States?It’s an interesting tale, and I’ll tell you all abou

Roses are one of the most varied flowering plants out there. There are over a hundred species, and thousands of hybrids and cultivars.They come in an endless range of colors, s

Just about everyone has heard of chamomile, whether they’ve seen the cheerful little plants growing in the garden, or have relaxed with a piping-hot cup of chamomile tea.But not everyone knows that there are two species that sh

Growing lettuce is a lot like getting along with people. You want to be careful not to expect too much, without expecting too little, either.Some gardeners want this cool-season vegetable to keep

Growing vegetables in the Pacific Northwest can be challenging due to varying temperatures and weather conditions. The Pacific Northwest is a large region. This means that the best vegetables to grow in Washington state may not be the best vegetables to grow in Oregon. That said, the following contains general information on vegetable gardening in the Pacific Northwest along with some of the easiest vegetables to grow in the area.