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Resources for gardening in a changing climate

Practical, Oregon-based guidance to help your garden thrive—no matter how the weather shifts.

As Oregon’s climate becomes hotter, drier, and less predictable, gardeners are adapting—and we want to help. You’ll find everything from low‑water plant lists (organized by region) to demonstration stories—like water wise gardens in Southern Oregon and resilient planting ideas from Roseburg’s Discovery Garden. Explore the drop-down sections for our curated collection of tips on everything from coping with seasonal stress to extending your growing season. Looking for something you don't see here? Let us know.

Top tips for gardeners to help fight climate change

As Oregon gardeners have noticed, our climate is changing — it's hotter, drier and more severe. Learn how to adapt your home garden to climate change, from consuming less to planting with the environment in mind.

Brooke Edmunds | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

The top low-water plants specific to Oregon's gardening regions

One of the most asked-for resources by gardeners are lists of plants that require no to low-water, specific to their location. Here they are!

Regional low water use plant lists

Low-water use plant lists for seven regions of Oregon. East of the Cascades: Central and Southern Oregon, Hood River County, Northeast Oregon, Umatilla County. West of the Cascades: Oregon coast, Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon

Master Gardener™

Changes in planting zones

Extreme heat

How to help hydrangeas weather a heat wave

A heat wave can turn a hydrangea's lush green leaves and beautiful blooms brown and brittle in no time. But it doesn't have to be that way. Here's what gardeners can do to protect hydrangeas from the heat.

Heather Stoven | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How to protect yourself and your plants during extreme heat

Keep hydrated. Carry a water bottle – and use it! You need water as much as your plants do.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 17, 2025 | News story

How to care for plants after a heat wave

Not all damaged plants are beyond saving.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 10, 2025 | News story

June 2021 heat impacts on trees explained

The June 2021 heat wave caused significant damage to trees in Oregon. Learn some key findings on causes, types of damage, physiological "thermotolerance" of trees, and possible forest management implications.

Glenn Ahrens | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Resources for managing in heat waves

When Oregon experiences extremely high temperatures in summer, these resources can help your family, plants and animals weather the heat.

Jul 2022 | Collection

Additional resources:

Extended growing seasons

Low tunnels for season extension in Oregon: Design, construction and costs

Low tunnels are temporary structures designed to cover a single row of plants. They are made of plastic sheeting draped over hoops. Low tunnels protect crops from rain and extend the growing season. Learn how to build and install a low tunnel for your crops.

Javier Fernandez-Salvador, Erica Chernoh, Avery Pheil, Ken Poblador, Tessa Barker | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Season Extension Techniques | Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series Webinar Recording

Season extension is a bundle of techniques used to provide an earlier and/or later harvest in the garden. In this webinar we will examine a variety of season extension tactics available to home gardeners and compare how they may be used differently to match regional needs. This class is just in time for fall planting! About the presenters: Nicole Sanchez is Assistant Professor in Horticulture with Oregon State University Extension Service. She is based in Klamath County and additionally serves Lake and Harney County. She coordinates the county Master Gardener program and is a member of the Small Farms team. Co-Instructor Heather Stoven is an Assistant Professor of Practice based in Yamhill County. She coordinates the Master Gardener and Small farms programs within her county.

Master Gardener™

Additional resources

Water management

Top 5 plants for unirrigated landscapes in Western Oregon

Drought-tolerant landscape plants for Western Oregon, including California lilac (Ceanothus), Rockrose (Cistus and Halimium), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos), Spider flower (Grevillea) and ground cover shrubs.

Heather Stoven, Neil Bell | Jul 2024 | Collection Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Grow drought-tolerant vegetables to save water in the garden

Beat drought by growing vegetables that don’t mind drying out.

Kym Pokorny | May 30, 2023 | News story

A Water-wise Home Landscape: A Xeriscape

Water-wise gardening conserves water and helps protect the environment. A xeriscape is a “dry scene” that uses very little water, but a water-wise garden includes any style that is designed to conserve water.

May 2018 | Collection

Watering tips: theory and techniques

The theories of watering, from when to water, how deep to water, where to water and the symptoms of over and under-watering. Recognizing that water is a resource gardeners need to be responsible about, these tips provide easy to understand information.

10-Minute University | Sep 2024 | Online resource

Regional low water use plant lists

Low-water use plant lists for seven regions of Oregon. East of the Cascades: Central and Southern Oregon, Hood River County, Northeast Oregon, Umatilla County. West of the Cascades: Oregon coast, Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon

Master Gardener™

Dry farming resources

A collection of materials on dry farming from the Small Farms Program at Oregon State University.

LeAnn Locher | Sep 2024 | Online resource

Drip irrigation for the yard and garden

This publication from Washington State University Extension discusses how to set up a drip irrigation system for a small yard or garden space.

Apr 2025 | Online resource

Increased pests, diseases and invasive species

Controlling Invasive Plants

Some common garden plants have become invasive pests in wild habitats. In Oregon, these invasives include some favorites such as English ivy and butterfly bush.

Feb 2026 | Collection

Solve Pest Problems: Invasive Insects and Plants

A collection of resources for identifying and understanding invasives. Invasives are non-native species that spread aggressively and alter the environment. Non-native species that harm Pacific Northwest habitats include invasive insect, worm, and plant species.

LeAnn Locher | Sep 2024 | Online resource

Native plants

Incorporating Pacific Northwest native plants into your water-wise landscapes

If you're planning a water-wise landscape in the Pacific Northwest, you don't have to look far for plants. Many Pacific Northwest native plants have a natural tolerance for summer dry periods.

Linda R. McMahan | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Northwest native plants for the sunny border

Recommendations for native plants in sunny areas.

Linda R. McMahan | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Gardening with Oregon Native Plants West of the Cascades

Growing a garden in western Oregon is easier when you include native plants. That’s because native plants are adapted to our wet winters and dry summers. Native plants also provide benefits to native pollinators...

Linda R. McMahan, Heather Stoven, Erika Szonntag | Oct 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Selecting native plants for home landscapes in Central Oregon

If planted in a suitable habitat, native plants are well adapted to Central Oregon soils and climate. When grown in the right conditions, native plants experience less environmental, insect, and disease damage than nonnative plants.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Native Plant Picks for Bees

Pollinator gardeners grow more than flowers. Increasing numbers of gardeners are supporting struggling insect populations by growing plants attractive to bees. One of the best ways to attract bees native to your ...

Aaron Anderson, LeAnn Locher, Jen Hayes, Mallory Mead, Signe Danler, Diane Jones, Gail Langellotto | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington

For 75 years, people have turned to one book to learn about Northwest trees — Trees to Know. This edition covers even more species and adds a section about Northwest forests and climate change.

Ed Jensen | Feb 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Shrubs to Know in Pacific Northwest Forests

This full-color, simple-to-use field guide makes shrub identification easy and fun. It features complete descriptions of the most common shrubs that grow in and around Pacific Northwest forests —from southern British...

Ed Jensen | May 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Native Plant Society of Oregon

Dedicated to the enjoyment, conservation and study of Oregon's native plants and habitats.

May 2018 | Online resource

Native plants offer beauty, support pollinators and thrive in PNW gardens

OSU Extension shares share how to choose and grow natives at home.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 22, 2024 | News story

Oregon Flora

OregonFlora has assembled a comprehensive guide to the ~4,750 vascular plants of Oregon. Their foundational research supports diverse audiences — citizen scientists, students and gardeners, ecologists and land managers, policy makers, university researchers and leaders — in the critical work of protecting biodiversity, managing natural resources, promoting sustainability, and furthering understanding of our botanical treasures.

LeAnn Locher | Sep 2024 | Online resource

Soil health

Understanding soil health and biota for farms and gardens

Like sunlight, water and air, soils are the foundation of life on Earth. Learn how soils link plants, the atmosphere, agriculture, food security, health, the economy and the environment.

Shikha Singh, Linda Brewer, Scott Lukas | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Soil health and organic farming (Organic Farming Research Foundation)

Increased risk of wildfires

Fire-resistant plants for home landscapes

Home landscaping is an important part of a community's resistance to wildfire. Learn what plants can help you create an attractive environment and reduce the risk of fire.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Oct 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Firewise Landscaping Basics

Learn about plants that can help you reduce the risk of fire while also creating an attractive environment. See why landscape maintenance and plant placement are just as critical as plant selection.

Amy Jo Detweiler | May 2024 | Video

Keeping Your Home and Property Safe from Wildfire

Learn to reduce wildfire risk by creating defensible space around your home.

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Alicia Christiansen, Kara Baylog | Sep 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Before Wildfire Strikes: A guide to improving wildfire preparedness and living with fire in Hood River County

This guide provides comprehensive information on wildfire preparedness specifically tailored for residents of Hood River County. This resource emphasizes the importance of creating defensible space around homes, preparing ...

Kayla Bordelon, John Punches, Charles Young, Andrew Spaeth, Lauren Kraemer, Rachael Cleveland | Apr 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Before Wildfire Strikes: A Guide to Wildfire Risk Reduction in Wallowa County

Learn practical steps you can take to reduce fire risk to your home and your community. Understand how to develop a preparedness plan and insights on the collaborative efforts underway in Wallowa County.

John Punches, John Rizza, Jacob Putney | Oct 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Additional resources:

Storm and weather damage

Why some trees can stand up to ice storms

The ice storm in 2021 in Clackamas and Marion counties provided lots of lessons about the kinds of trees that are vulnerable to weather damage. It also showed that well-spaced trees are stronger in the face of adversity.

Glenn Ahrens | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Protect landscapes when freezing weather moves in

Simple ways to help plants survive winter cold.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 5, 2024 | News story

Webinar recording: Adapting Your Garden and Landscape for Climate Change

Extreme weather events in 2021 have included a damaging ice and wind storm, and most recently, a record-breaking heatwave. These events have hit Pacific Northwest gardeners and landscapers hard. We are accustomed to a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. With climate change, we can expect more variability in our weather with more frequent and intense weather events. How are these extreme events affecting your plants? Learn strategies to adapt gardens and landscapes to these new conditions.

Master Gardener™

And also...

Through thoughtful practices, lawns can be climate-friendly

Love your grass lawn but want to make your landscape more climate-friendly? There are thoughtful ways to keep a lawn as part of your landscape while balancing climate change concerns.

Alec Kowalewski, Brooke Edmunds, Ruying (Wrennie) Wang | Sep 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Tribes & Climate Change

Native Americans rely on tribally important ecosystem services such as traditional foods, hunting, timber production, non-timber forest resources (recreation, water), and cultural resources. Unfortunately, many of these resources may be highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A research team used projections from climate and vegetation models and stakeholder input to demonstrate a generalizable approach for assessing possible climate change effects on nature’s benefits, also referred to as “ecosystem services.” Stakeholder consultations included tribal and federal land managers, tribal members and representatives of tribal organizations. Here, they present the data in a series of interactive maps and graphics along with text description of the research approach, results and suggestions for how this approach can be useful going forward.

Michael Case, PhD, John Kim, PhD, Becky Kerns, PhD | Apr 2020 | Online resource

Additional resources:

Gardening for the Future: Visiting the Discovery Garden in Roseburg, Oregon

See how the Inspiration Garden in Roseburg is adapting to a changing climate. We’re sharing real-life stories and solutions from demonstration gardens across Oregon. Learn what changes they’re making—and how you can start, too.

Master Gardener™

Gardening for the Future: Waterwise beauty in Central Point, Oregon

In Southern Oregon’s hot, dry summers, the Jackson County Master Gardener Waterwise Garden highlights low-water plants that provide color, pollinator habitat, and beauty through every season.

Master Gardener™

Gardening for the Future: from gravel to garden in Portland

From gravel lot to thriving garden, the Education Garden at PCC Rock Creek is now a living classroom. Built by the Washington County Master Gardener Association Education Garden Team, it showcases waterwise planting, pollinator habitat, and climate-smart practices. Read the story and take a virtual tour.

Master Gardener™

Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series for 2025

We know many Oregon gardeners are seeing changes in weather affecting their gardening. What does this mean for your garden’s future? This year’s Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up series is about growing resilience in a ...

Master Gardener™

Events

May 2

Edible Gardening: Efficient Irrigation Techniques

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR
May 9

Spring Plant Sale and Educational Event, Clatsop County Master Gardener Association

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Astoria, OR
May 30

Growing native plants*

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Beaverton, OR
Jun 13

Destination Inspiration 2026

10:00 am - 1:00 pm Independence, OR
orange flower with green stem with type What's your garden future?
Illustration: Colby Brooks

Let's talk.

We’re forming a community of gardeners who are learning and sharing from each other, so that we can grow our knowledge together.

Join the conversation with us and share what you’ve seen, and we’ll share back what others are doing.

Help inform the resources for Oregon’s gardeners growing resilience in a changing climate.

We have three simple questions for you, asking how climate change is showing up in your gardening.

Join us!

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