trees, perennial flowers, bulbs, and groundcovers that you’d enjoy. Place plants with similar light, soil, and water needs together. Prioritize which plants are most important to you and “spend” your water on them; these are probably your pricey trees and shrubs. Plan to use perennial flowers and gorgeous ornamental grasses to add color to your landscape instead of thirsty summer annuals. Learn to appreciate our Pacific Northwest native plants, but plant them in spaces that mimic their natural habitat.
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great soil as it decomposes. Check in 4-8 weeks. If the grass is dead, you can rake back the chips and plant! Replace 2-4 inches of mulch around the new plants, and re-purpose the rest of the mulch in your yard. It’s as easy as that! Some things to think about Right plants, right place: There are great lists of plants online (greatplantpicks.org) and in books like the Sunset Western Garden Book and Gardening in Summer-Dry Climates: Plants for a Lush, Water-Conscious Landscape by Nora Harlow. Talk to friends about what does best in their gardens... low-water-use shrubs,
Consider adding hardscape areas, groundcovers, low water-need plants, mulch, and eco-lawn mixes to existing turf areas. Replace some of your lawn with water-permeable patio areas OSU/WSU —wood, rock, pavers, gravel Extension Programs are good choices. You can create some lovely OSU – Columbia County) 503-397-3462 Gardening Spot on KOHI (1600 am) radio: Every gathering spaces in your Saturday, 8:05–8:15am landscaping to enjoy with your family and WSU – Cowlitz County friends. 304 Cowlitz Way, Kelso, WA 98626 Free online Workshops While you’re Call 360-577-3014 Ext.3, for connection info. planning, consider Details: cowlitzcomg.com/events getting a soil Aug. 17 Noon • Extending the Growing Season test for specific Aug. 24 12 Noon • Seed saving — for NEXT season recommendations for Aug. 31 12 Noon • Growing Garlic in the Pacific NW improving your soil Sept. 7 Noon • Ask a WSU Master Gardener
before planting—you can’t go wrong by adding more composted organic matter to your existing soil. Planning for drip irrigation and mulching will get the water where you need it and keep it there. I think our dry, hot summers are probably here to stay for the foreseeable future — let’s adapt our landscaping to the conditions. One of the best things about planning drought-resistant landscaping is you’ll have less work to do in the garden and be able to enjoy it more. Your plants will be healthier because they
are adapted to dry summers, you’ll be doing less weeding and watering because of your drip irrigation and mulching, and your water bill will be much lower. Learn as you go — some plants will work great for you, others may not. Be flexible because there are so many fun options to choose from! •••
Original • Local • Organic All about the good life here
Kalama resident Alice Slusher volunteers with WSU Extension Service Plant & Insect Clinic. Call 360577-3014, ext. 8, or send question via cowlitzmastergardener@ gmail.com.
Only good news Lewis & Clark subscribed So did Thomas Jefferson Past covers make unique gift wrap
Sept. 14 Noon • Planting in Shady Areas
COMMUNITY/FARMERS MARKETS Astoria Sunday Market
Ilwaco Saturday Market
Thru Oct. 23. Sundays • 10–3 Downtown on 12th, just off Hwy 30, Astoria, Ore. • 503-325-1010 www.astoriasundaymarket.com Mgr: Shelby, 503-440-7168 shelby@astoriadowntown.com
Saturdays • 10–4 Thru Sept 25 Arts/crafts, housewares, cut flowers, foods. Port of Ilwaco, Ilwaco, Wash. www.portofilwaco.com Info: marketmanager.ilwaco@gmail.com or phone 360-670-0120
Clatskanie Farmers’ Market Saturdays • 10–2, June to Sept. Copes Park. From Hwy 30, turn north on Nehalem, east on Lillich. New vendors welcome; find application at clatskaniefarmersmarket.com Info: 971-506-7432 Darro Breshears-Routon clatskaniefmvendorcoordinator@gmail.com
Elochoman Marina Farmers Market
Columbia-Pacific Farmers Market
Scappoose Community Club Farmers Market
Fridays •12–5pm, June to Sept Downtown Long Beach, Wash. www.longbeachwa.gov info: cpfmmallory@gmail.com; 360-224-3921
Cowlitz Community Farmers Market Open 9–2, Sat thru Oct, Tues thru Sept. 1900 7th Ave, Cowlitz Expo Center, Longview, Wash. www.cowlitzfarmersmarkets.com Info: Laurie Kochis 360-957-7023 lauriekochis@msn.com
Fridays thru Sept 10 • 3–6pm 500 2nd St,, Cathlamet, Wash. cathlametmarina.org Info: port1j@cni.net, call or text Deb Holland, Mgr: 360-849-9401
Saturday, 9–2 • Thru Sept 25 Behind City Hall next to Heritage Park, 2nd St., Scappoose, Ore. www.scappoosefarmermarket.com Info: Bill Blank 503-730-7429 email: scappoosefm@gmail.com
We gladly list local farmers markets. Please send details and contact info to publisher@ crreader.com Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2021 / 35
