Osoberry is one of the earliest signs of spring in the Pacific Northwest. Blooming in late winter when most shrubs remain dormant, Osoberry brings movement, subtle fragrance, and ecological value to both cultivated gardens and naturalistic designs. In Seattle and Camano Island landscapes, it signals the shift toward longer days and becomes an important nectar source when few others are available.

Part 5 of the Lakamas Winter Design Series James Roof Silktassel blooms in the winter with long icicle-like tendrils Winter reveals the true bones of a landscape. In Seattle and Camano Island, where soft light and cool, wet soils define the season, native evergreens bring essential structure, texture, and ecological function. Thoughtfully chosen evergreen shrubs and groundcovers create a layered, winter-ready framework that feels deeply tied to the region. Below is a focused

🌿 Acer circinatum — Vine Maple Red fall color with yellow and green - superb! It's fall, and what a great time to talk about Vine Maples (Acer circinatum). This small tree is perfect for an urban or suburban yard, or really, just about any yard. It does everything you ask of it - fall colors of orange, reds and yellows, and I'd say just as wonderful, lime green spring leaves that unfurl with red petioles and samaras (those adorable winged seeds). I love the color contrast, w

Lovely soft lavender flower of the Great Camas plant in the wild Camassia leichtlinii (Great Camas, Large Camas) 🌿💙 Description 📝 Camassia leichtlinii is a striking native bulb of the Pacific Northwest, known for its tall spires of star-shaped blue to violet flowers in late spring to early summer. Historically valued as a food source by Indigenous peoples, Camas meadows once carpeted valleys and prairies in vibrant blue. Today, it is prized in both naturalistic and designe

Serviceberry ‘Autumn Brilliance’ ( Amelanchier × grandiflora ) is a small tree with four-season appeal —from clouds of spring flowers and summer berries to brilliant red-orange fall foliage and graceful winter form. Ideal for Pacific Northwest gardens , it attracts pollinators, feeds songbirds, and thrives in a variety of soils. Whether planted as a specimen tree, a multi-stemmed accent, or in a wildlife-friendly landscape, this low-maintenance beauty adds both ecological val

White flowers in spring, evergreen leaves and deep mahogony bark make this plant one of the most handsome in the garden 🌿 Plant Profile: Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’ ✨ The most adaptable Manzanita for gardens ‘Howard McMinn’ is a standout selection of manzanita, beloved for its year-round appeal  and garden reliability . Unlike fussier species, this cultivar tolerates a bit more summer irrigation, making it a good fit for landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. 🌸 Description

A tall, sun-loving perennial, Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) brings a burst of golden-yellow color to late summer and fall landscapes. Its upright stems support dense plumes of small flowers that attract pollinators in droves, especially bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. Though often misunderstood as invasive, Canada Goldenrod plays an essential role in native ecosystems when used responsibly.

White flower clusters in spring Prunus emarginata Bitter Cherry Description Prunus emarginata, or Bitter Cherry is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to western North America, including the Pacific Northwest. It features glossy, finely toothed leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring that are highly attractive to pollinators. In summer, it produces small, bright red cherries that are sour to taste but provide valuable food for birds and wildlife. Its

💬 Description: Gaillardia aristata is a hardy North American native that lights up the garden with flame-colored blooms in red, orange, and yellow. Its long bloom season and resilience to drought make it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes and restoration plantings. 🌿 Ideal Uses: - Native and pollinator-friendly gardens - Meadows and wildflower mixes - Roadsides and erosion-prone areas - Deer-resistant borders and waterwise landscapes 🌼 Plant Profile: Botanical Name:

With a keen eye for design and a we We can help you create a landscape that is not only visually stunning but also environmentally friendly.