What is a Sense of Place? As a landscape designer, one of my guiding themes is creating a sense of place . This concept can mean many things—the surrounding plants and natural features, the street you live on, the architecture of your home, or even the views beyond your property. In this post, I’ll focus on one of my favorite aspects: the plants that shape and reinforce that sense of place . Why Sense of Place Matters Mossy Bigleaf Maples in the Hoh River Valley A true sense

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