Tiger swallowtail butterfly Creating Wildlife Habitat I got into gardening with native plants when I realized a few things: we are losing native wildlife species quickly, and I didn't know there were native plants that could be used in the garden. Additionally, I couldn't find the ones I learned about. Today I'll write a bit about creating wildlife habitat intentionally through garden design. Since then, gardening with native plants has become a movement embraced by many gardeners and designers. I'm thrilled to see this change. Arthur Kruckeberg, a local scientist at the UW, published a book called 'Gardening with Native Plants in the Pacific Northwest,' which I first read nearly 30 years ago. My husband and I used that book, along with a few other pivotal works, as the basis for creating a garden to support wildlife. Another scientist, entomologist Doug Tallamy , brought our attention to the huge loss of insects going on worldwide. He created a movement called The Homegrown National Park , advocating planting native plants to support insects, and that if people with a plot of land to nurture or a pot on a balcony banded together, we could help create a huge swath of land to help sustain native animals. Insects, for the most part, aren't sexy for most of us (sorry Arthur), but they feed those pretty birds we love to see. It's not just the butterflies and birds, lovely as they are, but also native bees that nest in the ground, moths that pollinate at night, and even moles that aerate the lawn and bring nutrients to the surface while pulling organic matter below. Who needs an aerator when we've got them already, and for free? Not just that, but other animals use those tunnels to hide in. Birds love decaying wood and leaves! In my backyard in Seattle proper, not too far from Northgate, I've seen Pacific chorus frogs, the occasional otter, beaver a few blocks away, a stag, and even a northern flying squirrel - yes, they are native to the PNW! Many people come to the PNW to see our wildlife, and we can have a park in our own backyard. So , throw down some rotting wood, keep the leaves, replace some, if not all of your lawn, add some native plants and a source of water, then step back, make some popcorn and watch the magic begin. I'm so happy we are changing the way we look at beauty in the garden, and that a beautiful garden can also support the environment and wildlife. It's amazing at the changes taking place. When I'm feeling glum about environmental damage occurring, I feel heartened that so many people are working towards making this profound change. If you want to increase the amount of wildlife in your garden, please contact us for a garden design that will attract and support our wonderful birds, bees, butterflies and we'd love to help. Jonna https://www.kruckeberg.org/our-story/ https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Flying-Squirrels#:~:text=The%20southern%20flying%20squirrel%20is,and%20into%20Idaho%20and%20Montana . #APLDWA #WinterGardening

The Best Time to Design and Plant a Garden in Seattle and Camano Island Winter Design Series If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your landscape—or starting from scratch—there is  a right time to begin. In the Pacific Northwest, two seasons rise above the rest for creating resilient, beautiful gardens: fall and early spring . Each brings unique advantages, especially when we’re designing with ecology, long-term plant health, and the natural rhythms of our climate in mind. Why Fall Is the Gold Standard Fall is hands-down the most effective time to plant in our region. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the return of seasonal rains create ideal conditions for root establishment. Plants spend less energy on top growth and more on developing a strong root system, so they settle in faster, handle stress better, and require far less watering. Designing in late summer and early fall sets up the perfect transition to fall planting—your plans are ready just as the best conditions are. Early Spring Is the Second Best Window Spring planting works beautifully too, especially for deciduous shrubs, perennials, native plants, and cool-season grasses. Soil is still moist, rains continue, and temperatures are mild. The key is planting early enough to avoid the increasingly dry, hot spells of late spring and early summer. Designing during winter positions your project to take full advantage of this spring window. Winter Is a Powerful Time for Design Winter is a slower season for installation—but a perfect season for design. With foliage down and structure exposed, we can observe what the garden actually needs: better flow, stronger winter interest, improved habitat, or new planting spaces. It’s also the ideal time to take measurements, gather inspiration, and finalize concepts so installation can begin right when the planting season opens. Why Summer Isn’t Ideal (But Still Possible) Summer installations are doable when necessary, but they require careful plant selection, consistent watering, and temporary shade or irrigation—especially during drought periods. It’s the least forgiving time to plant, but a great time to plan. A Red Flowering Current branch getting ready to bloom in front of an evergreen shrub in early February during a frost at a Camano Island design Designers and Contractors Book Up Early One of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of a successful garden transformation is timing your collaboration with your landscape designer. Designers typically book several months in advance, especially heading into peak planting seasons. But it’s not just your designer’s schedule to consider— contractors also have their own backlogs.  Between design development, revisions, plant sourcing, and contractor scheduling, the timeline is almost always longer than people expect. This is especially true from spring through summer , when demand sharply increases and installation calendars fill rapidly. Starting early ensures: You secure a place on your designer’s schedule You have time for a thoughtful design process rather than a rushed one Contractors can be lined up without delays Installation aligns with the ideal planting window Allowing more time than you think not only reduces stress, it results in a more cohesive, well-executed project. A Simple Rule of Thumb Design in winter or late summer. Plant in fall or early spring. Start conversations with your designer early—contractor schedules depend on it. This seasonal rhythm results in healthier plants, lower maintenance, and gardens that thrive for decades. Ready to Start? If you’re considering a new garden for next year, the best time to begin the design process is now . By the time planting season arrives, you’ll have a thoughtful, ecologically grounded plan ready to come to life. Frost on evergreens and dried grasses in a garden that is beautiful in the winter #APLDWA #WinterGardening #Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds Don’t Migrate. Does Your Garden Support Them? Anna’s Hummingbirds in the Winter Garden Most people think of hummingbirds as a summer phenomenon. In the Pacific Northwest, that assumption fails in winter. Anna’s hummingbirds don’t migrate. They stay. Through freezing nights, cold rain, and short days, relying entirely on what the landscape can still provide. Which makes winter the most honest season for understanding whether a garden truly works. This reel shows more than a beautiful moment. It shows a functional winter garden. Anna's hummingbird keeping watch over its food source Why This Matters in Garden Design A dozen Anna’s hummingbird  feeding at once on Arthur Menzies Mahonia  is not accidental. It’s the result of intentional plant selection, scale, and placement. Winter-blooming plants like mahonia are often chosen for color alone. In reality, they are critical infrastructure, providing dense, reliable nectar when energy conservation matters most. When winter nectar plants are grouped and easy to locate, birds burn fewer calories searching for food. That efficiency is the difference between presence and absence in January. Good winter design is not decorative, it is functional. Feeders Help, but Gardens Do the Heavy Lifting Feeders can be important during cold snaps, but they are not a substitute for planting. Hummingbirds depend on landscapes, not accessories. Even in winter, Anna’s hummingbirds need insects for protein. They forage in bark crevices, evergreen foliage, and leaf litter where life persists despite the cold. Gardens that are aggressively “cleaned up” in winter remove those food sources, often without realizing it. A winter garden stripped bare may look tidy but it rarely supports much life. Structure Is Shelter Small birds lose heat quickly. Wind exposure, rain, and cold nights increase energy demand, making shelter just as important as food. Dense evergreen shrubs, layered conifers, and protected thickets near nectar sources create microclimates that allow hummingbirds to rest, feed, and survive winter conditions. These structural elements are often framed as aesthetic choices, but their ecological role is fundamental. Evergreen structure is not a styling decision, it is protection. Water Still Matters Liquid water is often overlooked in winter landscapes. Shallow basins, moving water, or heated birdbaths provide essential access when natural sources freeze. Placement matters as much as design, with sheltered locations reducing exposure and heat loss. Winter water does not need to be elaborate. It needs to endure. What This Says About a Garden A garden that supports hummingbirds in January is doing more than looking good. It suggests that function was integrated into the design, structure was prioritized early, and seasonal performance guided plant choices. This is how we approach landscape design: beauty and usability first, followed closely by ecological function that works year-round. Winter reveals whether a garden is merely ornamental, or whether it participates in the living systems around it. This is the best way to support Anna's hummingbirds in the winter garden. If you’re interested in a garden that performs beyond summer, supports wildlife year-round, and still feels intentional and refined, this is where thoughtful design begins. Winter is not an afterthought. It’s the foundation. 🔗 Learn more about our winter-forward design approach at lakamaslandscapedesign.com An Arthur Menzies Mahonia is perfect for overwintering hummingbirds - shelter and food source #APLDWA #WinterGardening #Hummingbirds

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 designed landscapes for its showy blooms, adaptability, and ecological importance. Ideal Uses 🌱 Naturalized meadows and prairie-style plantings Rain gardens or moist, open woodland edges Pollinator gardens (especially for native bees and butterflies) Mass plantings for seasonal displays Plant Profile 📋 Botanical Name:   Camassia leichtlinii Common Name:  Great Camas, Large Camas Family:  Asparagaceae Plant Type:  Perennial bulb (also grown from seed) Native Range:  Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia to California Mature Size:  24–40" tall, 12–18" wide Exposure:  ☀️ Full sun to 🌤️ part shade Soil:  Moist, well-drained, tolerates clay; prefers not to dry out completely in spring bloom season Bloom Time:  ⏰ Late spring to early summer Flower Color:  💙 Blue to violet (rarely white) Foliage:  🌿 Strap-like green leaves that fade in summer dormancy Hardiness Zones:  USDA 4–9 Maintenance Tips 🛠️ Plant bulbs in fall, about 4–6" deep. Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming to replenish bulbs. Tolerates seasonal wetness but dislikes standing water. Can be grown from seed, though it may take 3–5 years to flower. Sow seed in fall, outdoors, for best germination. Minimal care once established—naturalizes well if conditions are right. Design Notes 🎨 Best in drifts or massed for impact. Combines beautifully with native sedges ( Carex  spp.), Iris tenax , Lupinus polyphyllus , and spring-flowering shrubs. Perfect transition plant between cultivated beds and wilder meadows. Ecological Notes 🐝🦋 Supports pollinators including native bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. Historically an essential food plant for Indigenous peoples, who carefully managed camas meadows with fire. Provides early-season nectar before many summer-blooming plants begin. Cautions ⚠️ Do not confuse with Zigadenus  (death camas), which is toxic and lacks the blue flowers. Where to Buy Camassia leichtlinii  🔗 Local & Regional Sources (PNW) Tadpole Haven Native Plants (Snohomish, WA)  – Specializes in Pacific Northwest natives, including Camassia leichtlinii  (availability may vary). tadpolehaven.com Far Reaches Farm (Port Townsend, WA)  – Wide assortment of rare and native plants; often carries Camassia leichtlinii  and ships within the region. farreachesfarm.com RoozenGaarde / Washington Bulb Co. (Mt. Vernon, WA)  – Known for tulips, also offers Camassia leichtlinii  bulbs seasonally. tulips.com Northwest Meadowscapes (WA)  – Offers Great Camas  ( Camassia leichtlinii ) seed and sometimes bulbs. northwestmeadowscapes.com Mail-Order Sources (National) Van Engelen  – Multiple Camassia leichtlinii  selections (including named cultivars). vanengelen.com K. van Bourgondien  – Heritage bulb supplier with several Camassia leichtlinii  cultivars. dutchbulbs.com Further resources for plant purchases (including additional nurseries and shipping options) are on my   Resources page Also, see my blog 'What's In A Name' to see where Lakamas' name comes from.

When planning your landscape design in the greater Seattle area, one key factor to consider is the use of native plants. Native plants are species that naturally occur in a particular region and have evolved to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions. Incorporating native Pacific Northwest plants into your landscape design not only enhances the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space but also offers a range of benefits for the environment. Red Flowering Currant is one of our best loved native plants for its spectacular flowers Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate, making them more resilient to weather conditions such as heavy rain and drought, which are common in the Pacific Northwest. This means that they require less maintenance, watering, and fertilization compared to non-native species, ultimately reducing the need for chemical inputs and conserving water resources. What's not to love about that? In addition to their low maintenance requirements, native plants also play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife such as birds, bees, and butterflies, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. By choosing native Pacific Northwest plants for your landscape design, you can create a thriving ecosystem that attracts a diverse range of wildlife to your outdoor space. Furthermore, incorporating native plants into your landscape design can help to preserve the unique character of the Pacific Northwest region. By using plants that are native to the area, you can create a sense of place and connect your outdoor space to the natural landscape that surrounds it. This not only enhances the beauty of your property but also helps to create a more sustainable and ecologically sound environment. At Lakamas Landscape Design, we specialize in creating custom landscape designs that feature a diverse selection of native Pacific Northwest plants. Our experienced team understands the importance of using locally sourced plants to enhance the beauty and sustainability of your outdoor space. With a keen eye for design and a passion for native plant species, we can help you create a landscape that is not only visually stunning but also environmentally friendly . If you are interested in incorporating native Pacific Northwest plants into your landscape design, we invite you to get in touch with us. Visit our website to fill out a short questionnaire and schedule a consultation. Let us help you create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that reflects the unique character of the greater Seattle region.

Are you looking to enhance the beauty of your property while also promoting the natural ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest? Look no further than Lakamas Landscape Design. We are a unique landscape design business dedicated to expertly incorporating native plants into our designs to transform residential and commercial properties into stunning and sustainable outdoor spaces. An urban Seattle garden nestled next to a green belt - can you believe this garden is in a busy urban area?! At the helm of Lakamas Landscape Design is a highly skilled professional with an Ornamental Horticulture degree specialized in Landscape Design. With a deep passion for the region's native flora, Lakamas brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project we undertake. By utilizing native plants in our designs, we not only create visually appealing landscapes but also support the local ecosystem by providing food and habitat for native wildlife. It is our passion. Native plants are well-adapted to the Pacific Northwest's climate and soil conditions, making them low-maintenance and drought-resistant choices for landscaping. By choosing native plants, clients can reduce the need for excessive watering, fertilizers, and pesticides, ultimately creating a more environmentally friendly landscape. To make the process of working with Lakamas Landscape Design seamless, the business provides a user-friendly website with a contact page that includes a brief questionnaire for new clients. This allows us to gather essential information about the project goals and site conditions before beginning the design process, ensuring that every aspect of the landscape is carefully considered and tailored to the client's needs. Lakamas primarily serves clients in the Seattle metro area, including Mercer Island, Redmond, or Sammamish. Whether you are looking to revamp your backyard oasis or create a welcoming outdoor space for your commercial property, Lakamas Landscape Design has the expertise and vision to bring your landscaping dreams to life. By choosing to work with native plants, you can not only elevate the beauty of your property but also contribute to the preservation of the unique ecological diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Transform your property with expert landscape design that celebrates the beauty and sustainability of native plants. Contact Lakamas Landscape Design today to start the journey towards your ideal outdoor space.

Are you looking to enhance your outdoor space with unique landscape designs that feature native plants from the Pacific Northwest? Look no further than our landscape design company, where we specialize in creating stunning outdoor environments using plants indigenous to the region. My backyard native plant meadow in Seattle, based on a Garry Oak meadow At Lakamas Landscape Design, we understand the importance of incorporating native plants into our designs. Not only do these plants thrive in our climate, but they also support local ecosystems and wildlife. Our experienced team, led by a horticulture specialist with a focus on landscape design, is passionate about creating sustainable and visually appealing landscapes that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. By choosing native plants for your landscape, you can enjoy a low-maintenance garden that is well adapted to the local environment. From colorful wildflowers to majestic evergreen trees, we can help you select the perfect plants to create a beautiful and harmonious outdoor space. Lakamas Landscape Design serves clients in the Seattle Metropolitan area, from Camano Island to Woodinville. If you're ready to transform your landscape with unique designs featuring native plants, we invite you to get in touch with us. Our team is dedicated to bringing your landscape dreams to life and creating a sustainable garden that you can enjoy for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create a one-of-a-kind outdoor oasis.. Let's work together to make your landscape vision a reality.

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 of place makes a garden feel authentic and grounded, not generic. People travel the world to experience landscapes that look and feel different from one another. We don’t want every garden to look alike—we want each region to celebrate what it has to offer. When your Seattle garden or Camano Island landscape reflects the local climate, scenery, and plant life, it resonates more deeply. It feels “right” because it celebrates where you live. Native Plants: Grounded in Our Region This is why I love working with native plants. Once overlooked, they’re now making a well-deserved comeback. Many have found their way into mainstream nurseries, but countless treasures remain tucked away in small specialty nurseries you may not have heard of. I keep a growing list of trusted local gardens and parks to visit on my Resources page. Exploring these places is one of the best ways to discover plants and ideas that can give your garden a sense of place. Beyond Natives: Ornamentals That Belong Creating a sense of place with plants isn’t limited to natives. Our rainfall patterns (not just the amount, but when  it falls), temperature swings, and elevation all shape what thrives here. Many plants from regions like New Zealand, Tasmania, South America, or other parts of North America integrate beautifully into a Seattle or Camano Island garden. Fuchsia magellanica in bloom Lately, for example, I’ve been captivated by hardy perennial fuchsias —not the annual bedding types, but the varieties that return year after year and flower endlessly through the season. They bring long-lasting beauty and adapt well to our climate. Microclimates: The Hidden Layer of Place Another layer of “place” is your microclimate . What does that mean? Simply put, it’s the set of unique conditions in your garden. Maybe your yard sits in a shady hollow that stays cool and damp, or perhaps you’re perched on a hilltop with blazing sun in front and deep shade behind. Microclimates can even shift within a single corner of your property, influencing what thrives where. Understanding your microclimate is one of the keys to choosing plants that will not only survive but flourish. Celebrate What You Have Above all, find delight in what you have. I often think of it like curly vs. straight hair—people always wish for the opposite, but the magic comes when you embrace what’s naturally yours. Celebrate our region’s wet winters and dry summers. Plant for all seasons: Winter bloomers  to feed Anna’s hummingbirds Spring bulbs  for a burst of color Summer perennials  to thrive in long days of sun Fall foliage  from maples and conifers for rich texture Look up to the mountains, take in the towering conifers and broad-leaf maples, and walk the shoreline. Revel in it—then bring that inspiration home, or let us help you create a garden that reflects your own sense of place. Juvenile Female Anna's Hummingbird drinks from a native Red-flowering Current https://www.nps.gov/articles/anna-s-hummingbird.htm https://www.hummingbird-guide.com/annas-hummingbird.html

A dry creek bed symbolizes a stream in a Japanese Garden at the Seattle Arboretum Japanese-inspired hardscape design integrates seamlessly with Pacific Northwest landscapes because both styles celebrate natural materials, restraint, and a deep connection to place. Mossy boulders, rain-textured stone, filtered woodland light, cedar, and seasonal water movement already echo the atmosphere of traditional Japanese gardens. When adapted with regional plants and geology, these elements create outdoor spaces that feel rooted in the local ecology while retaining the simplicity, symbolism, and contemplative calm of Japanese design. Japanese gardens hold a special place in my heart—especially their use of stone, structure, and meaningful restraint. While I specialize in naturalistic planting design, I often draw inspiration from the quiet elegance of Japanese garden hardscape elements. They translate beautifully into Pacific Northwest landscapes, where our mossy stones, textured bark, filtered light, and gentle rain already echo many of the same qualities. In particular, I’m drawn to the more rustic interpretation of Japanese gardens: those that feel timeless and weathered, with boulders that look as though they’ve always belonged there. The hardscape plays a central role—stones are not just decorative, but compositional and symbolic. A few elements especially well suited to Northwest gardens include: Naturalistic stone placement Organic boulders and rock groupings are arranged to feel geologic and intentional, often suggesting mountains, shorelines, or forest outcrops. The stones frame plantings and guide the eye, shaping the space without the need for walls or fencing. Steppingstone paths Rather than long, linear paths, steppingstones slow the pace and encourage presence. Each step is an invitation to look up, look down, notice light filtering through foliage, or take in the next carefully revealed view. Rustic stone stairs Stone steps—rough-cut, irregular, and deeply textural—offer a sense of permanence and grounding. They feel carved from the land rather than placed upon it. Symbolic water features A dry creek bed can represent a flowing stream even when water isn’t feasible. This approach is especially effective in the Pacific Northwest, where natural drainage swales can be transformed into evocative seasonal features. Lanterns and basins Granite lanterns and stone basins are placed sparingly, and only where they have meaning—traditionally at decision points in the garden, or where one pauses to take in the view. These sculptural features become quiet focal points. A stone basin surrounded by natural rocks Even though Japanese gardens are not “naturalistic” in the contemporary ecological design sense, they are deeply rooted in nature through symbolism—where a single stone may suggest a mountain, a pair of boulders may represent crane and tortoise (longevity and good fortune), and a pruned plant may stand in for a wind-shaped coastal tree. When these principles are thoughtfully translated into Pacific Northwest gardens, the result is a landscape that feels serene, contemplative, and deeply connected to place—without needing to replicate a traditional Japanese garden in full. If you are interested in incorporating Japanese-inspired hardscape elements into your own landscape, we would be glad to help you explore what is possible. A bench with natural cobble stones to rest the feet upon https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/ https://www.kubotagarden.org/ https://japanesegarden.org/ https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/visit/nitobe-memorial-garden/

Part of the Lakamas Winter Design Series Anna's hummingbird perched on top of a Mahonia 'Arthur Menzies' Winter Evergreens for Structure, Color & Seasonal Interest Winter gardens in the Pacific Northwest are defined by structure, contrast, and subtle shifts in texture. Evergreens are the backbone, offering depth and continuity during the quiet months. In a season where deciduous plants take a rest, evergreens keep the garden looking intentional, layered, and alive. This post focuses on evergreen shrubs and groundcovers—both native and ornamental—that bring form, fragrance, foliage color, and habitat value to winter landscapes in the Seattle greater Puget Sound region. Why Evergreens Matter in Winter Design Evergreens anchor the garden year-round, but in winter they become the stars because they: Provide strong architectural structure when leaves have fallen Offer color and texture Support overwintering pollinators and shelter for birds Transition beautifully into spring without feeling stagnant Most importantly for landscape design is that when combined with deciduous shrubs, ornamental grasses, and winter-blooming plants, evergreens create a four-season design that feels balanced and richly layered. Evergreen Trees for Winter Interest Arbutus ‘Marina’ Height/Spread: 20–40 ft tall, 15–25 ft wide Winter Features: Peeling cinnamon bark, glossy evergreen foliage, and winter flowering Light: Full sun Soil: Well-drained; dislikes overwatering Design Uses: Four-season focal tree; a refined, more adaptable alternative to Pacific madrone Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ Height/Spread: 20–30 ft tall, 12–15 ft wide Winter Features: Dense evergreen canopy, rich copper-backed leaves that glow in winter light Light: Full sun to part sun Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic Design Uses: A refined evergreen tree with year-round presence—smaller and more cold-hardy than standard Southern magnolia, ideal for urban or courtyard gardens Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese Umbrella Pine) Height/Spread: 20–30 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide Winter Features: Unique whorled needles that hold structure and deep glossy color in winter Light: Full sun to part sun Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic; slow growing Design Uses: A sculptural, standout specimen—reads as a quiet but powerful focal point and pairs beautifully with Japanese maples and winter shadow play Evergreen Shrubs for Winter Interest Arthur Menzies Mahonia (Mahonia × media ‘Arthur Menzies’) A bold, large-scale evergreen shrub perfect for dramatic winter structure. Height/Spread: 10–12 ft tall, 6–8 ft wide Winter Features: Bright yellow fragrant plumes in December–January Cultural Notes: Part to full shade; rich, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established Design Notes: Excellent focal point in woodland gardens; architectural form contrasts beautifully with ferns and hellebores. Wildlife Value: The Anna's hummingbirds love this plant in the winter, as it provides important food source during this time of scarcity. Sarcococca (Sweet Box) Sarcococca humilis Height/Spread: ~1–2 ft tall, slowly spreading Winter Features: Tiny but intensely fragrant white flowers in January–February Cultural Notes: Shade-loving; very tolerant of dry shade once established Design Notes: Ideal for paths, entries, and anywhere fragrance can be appreciated. Sarcococca ruscifolia / confusa Height/Spread: 3–5 ft tall, rounded form Winter Features: Fragrant white flowers followed by red-to-black berries Cultural Notes: Deep to partial shade; adaptable; low maintenance Design Notes: More upright than S. humilis; excellent for layered winter structure. Camellia (Fall & Winter Blooming Shrubs) Fall- and early-winter-blooming camellias add life and color when little else is flowering—and they provide nectar for Anna’s hummingbirds  all winter long. Excellent winter-interest choices: Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ Camellia sasanqua ‘Shishi Gashira’ Camellia sasanqua ‘Apple Blossom’ Height/Spread: 4–10 ft depending on cultivar Cultural Notes: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade; rich, acidic, well-drained soil Design Notes: Evergreen foliage, long bloom season, excellent natural form. Evergreen Groundcovers for Winter Form & Texture Carex 'Evergold' brightens up the garden while adding texture all year long Asarum caudatum (Wild Ginger) — Native Height/Spread: 6–8 inches; slowly spreading Winter Features: Glossy evergreen leaves in mild PNW winters Cultural Notes: Moist shade; woodland perfection Design Notes: A soft, naturalistic groundcover that pairs beautifully with ferns, hellebores, and Mahonia nervosa. Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo Grass) Height/Spread: 6–8 inches; clump-forming Winter Features: Reliable deep purple-black foliage Cultural Notes: Sun to shade; adaptable; slow spreader Design Notes: Provides strong color contrast in winter; excellent edging or massing plant. Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ Height/Spread: 10–12 inches Winter Features: Arching cream-and-green variegated blades Cultural Notes: Shade to part sun; well-drained soil Design Notes: Bright, clean color all winter; softens hard edges. Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) Height/Spread: 6 inches Winter Features: Shiny evergreen leaves with red berries Cultural Notes: Part shade; acidic soil Design Notes: Woodland groundcover with a polished look. Paxistima myrsinites (Mountain Lover) — Native Height/Spread: 1–2 ft tall, low-moundingWinter Features: Dense, fine-textured evergreen Part shade to shade Soil: Well-drained, drought-tolerant once Uses: Excellent native alternative for low evergreen structure Putting It All Together Evergreens form the winter framework—your bones and structure. Layering them thoughtfully ensures your garden looks alive, intentional, and welcoming even on the darkest days of the year. Combine structural shrubs, textural groundcovers, fragrance, and winter flowers to create a four-season landscape that reflects the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Where to See Exceptional Winter Evergreens See the Resources Page for more information Seattle Japanese Garden A masterclass in winter structure—strong forms, evergreen bones, moss, stones, and subtle texture. Washington Park Arboretum – Witt Winter Garden One of the best  winter gardens in the Pacific Northwest. Includes glowing red- and yellow-twig dogwoods, witch hazel, evergreen pairings, and fragrance. Bellevue Botanical Garden Wonderful textural combinations and layered winter interest. Kubota Garden (Seattle) Evergreen structure, flowing forms, and year-round color through foliage. Skagit County Master Gardener Discovery Garden (Mt. Vernon) Great examples of regionally appropriate evergreens and winter combinations. Washington Native Plant Society Gardens (regional) Native-focused plantings showing winter structure, evergreen understories, and habitat value. A new planting of evergreens in a shady, naturalistic garden with Camellia 'Buttermint', Kalmia latifolia, Mahonia 'Arthur Menzies' in bloom peeking out the back, and a groundcover of Cornus canadensis (deciduous)

The beautiful Camas flower (Cammasia leichtlini or quamash) So, why did I pick Lakamas for my business name, and what's the story behind it? Great question! I wanted a name that captured my passion for our often overlooked native plants and had a strong connection to the Pacific Northwest (or the West Coast if you’re from Canada). I was after something unique, even though I love names like Trillium and Cascadia, and I wanted to connect my life-long connection to the Cascadia region - Seattle, Camano Island, and Vancouver BC. During my search, I stumbled upon Chinook Wawa, a trade language used throughout Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. It was a blend of local indigenous languages like Chinookan and Coast Salish, along with European languages, especially English and French. 'Lakamas' is the Chinook Wawa name for the Camas plant, a native bulb that blooms with stunning blue, purple, or white flowers in spring. It was a tasty edible tuber for the PNW people and is part of the endangered Garry Oak meadow ecosystem. I’ve planted about 200 bulbs in my urban backyard meadow, and they’re just as beautiful as more common plants like hyacinths, not to mention the invasive Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) that unfortunately looks similar to Camas and tends to spread aggressively, outcompeting Camas. Camas thrives in our dry summers, dying back like other spring bulbs only to make a comeback in spring. Plus, it self-seeds, so let it do its thing while you keep the Spanish Bluebell in check—but I’m getting sidetracked. I suspect 'La' kamas might be French for 'the' Camas plant, which nods to my past life in Canada and those French lessons in school—a language I wish I spoke better (or at all). The pretty flower in my logo - that's a Camas flower too. Even though I chose Lakamas as my business name over a year ago, I recently found an article that perfectly captures the living history and significance of this local language—it’s a must-read, check out the link below. How awesome that this local lingo is still alive and kicking! Despite spending most of my life here in the Cascadia region, I hadn’t heard of this regional lingua franca. Choosing the name Lakamas felt perfect—not only does it represent our region and a beloved native plant, but it also honors the diverse history of our area, where people from various cultures and languages came together. My design approach is all about collaboration and communication with clients to help them realize their garden dreams. There’s a special synergy when a designer and client click, and the design benefits from input on both sides. The name Lakamas embodies this philosophy. Chinook Wawa: https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2025/04/chinook-jargon-wawa-revival Spanish Bluebells: https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=826961

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 reddish-brown bark and picturesque branching add interest throughout the year. Ideal Uses Wildlife gardens and habitat restoration Naturalistic or woodland gardens Erosion control on slopes Hedgerows or informal screens Understory planting in open-canopy forests Plant Profile Type:  Deciduous tree or large shrub Height:  15–40 ft (sometimes taller in ideal conditions) Spread:  10–20 ft Sun:  Full sun to part shade Soil:  Moist, well-drained to dry soils; tolerant of poor or rocky soils Water Needs:  Low to moderate once established Growth Rate:  Medium to fast Bloom Time:  April–May Flower:  White, 5-petaled in clusters Fruit:  Small red cherries; bitter to taste USDA Zones:  5–9 Native Range:  Western North America (WA, OR, CA, BC, etc.) Maintenance Tips Prune in late winter to maintain shape or remove suckers Tolerates drought once established but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry summers May spread via suckering, especially in open areas—use root barriers or regular pruning to manage if needed Remove fallen fruit if mess is a concern in cultivated areas Red fruit in summer Design Notes for Prunus emarginata - Bitter Cherry Pairs well with native understory plants like Mahonia nervosa , Ribes sanguineum , or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Valuable for supporting native bees, butterflies, and birds—especially when fruiting Use in layered habitat plantings or restoration sites where native structure and diversity are goals Adds multi-season interest with spring flowers, summer fruit, and attractive bark in winter More Information https://www.wnps.org/native-plant-directory/207-prunus-emarginata