Green Tips from the Community - March 2025

 Edible Perennials 

As much as it is so wonderful to plant an annual vegetable garden, it is also a treat to have some edible perennial plant, shrubs and trees in your yard. In the PNW we have many options to choose from. Here are a few ideas…

Plants/shrubs:

Evergreen huckleberry, blueberry, lingonberry, currents, gooseberry, salmonberry, oregon grape, pomegranate, honey berry, goji berry, strawberry, elderberry, black elderberry, american cranberry

Vines/ Canes:

Grapes, kiwi berry, marion berry, raspberry, thornless blackberry

Herbs:

Rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, bee balm, fennel, chamomile, mint, chives, marjoram, nettles, lavender, yarrow, dandelion 

Trees:

Apple, pear, asian pear, fig, hazelnut, almond, peach, plum, kiwi, cherry, olive

Please remember to read about each plant of interest before you purchase to see if they are self fertile or if they require more than one plant to produce. Also, what sort of conditions are best to plant in, full sun, shade, dryer or more moist soil?  

Our local nurseries have some of the plants, shrubs and trees and most of the herbs. Restoring Eden nursery (restoringeden.co) in SeaTac area has most of the plants, shrubs and trees. To buy many of these organic, you may have to shop online and have them shipped. 

Have fun and thanks for reading,

Kippy Irwin

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