In streamside or riparian areas, choosing the right plants and where to plant them depends on location in relation to the streambed. There are three zones that dictate the kinds of plants that can be grown.
Bare-root native plants are an economical way for gardeners to contribute to the health of ecosystems and watersheds. While they are affordable because of their small size, they also require careful handling.
Plants native to the Northwest are well adapted to conditions near streams where the groundwater table is shallow enough to interact with plant roots. Here's a guide to selecting plants for areas near streams.
Invasive plants disrupt ecosystems and have no place in streamside gardens. But these plants can be tempting because of their showy flowers and cheap prices.
Mechanical and physical controls are among the most fascinating components of an integrated pest management program. This arsenal involves numerous physical barriers, traps, nets and other mechanical devices.
In integrated pest management, biological controls might include predatory or parasitic insects, bacteria or fungi, and biopesticides. More and more biocontrol methods are becoming available to the home gardener.