Planting A Shade Garden

Although we love our sunshine in the Pacific Northwest, there are many amazing plants that can be grown in full shade. Using a little creativity, you can transform a shady space in your landscape into a thriving shade garden.
Shade comes in various forms, ranging from light to deep shade. Really look at the light conditions of your garden to figure out the type of shade it receives, as this will influence the plants that will thrive there. Also keep in mind that when the foliage of deciduous trees is gone, the shade garden will be more exposed to weather.

Shade gardens can offer an extensive palette of foliage colors, textures, and shapes. Consider incorporating a mix of shade-loving perennials like hostas, ferns, and astilbes. These plants bring visual interest and thrive in the cooler, shaded corners of your garden.

Shade Garden Plants for the Pacific Northwest

• Hellebores (Lenten rose)
• Bleeding Heart
• Pacific Trillium
• Brunnera
• Bergenia
• Hosta
• Bugbane
• Siberian Bugloss
• Oakleaf Hydrangeas
• Sweet Box
• Gold Dust Plant
• Oceanspray
• Sword Fern
• Astilbe
• Hetz’s Japanese holly
• Toad lily

Regular maintenance is key to a thriving shade garden. There are some tasks that are slightly different from those required of their sun-loving counterparts.

• Keep an eye on moisture levels so the plants are receiving the right amount of water but not too much. Leaves that remain wet after water for long periods of time in the shade can get fungal diseases. Avoid watering in the late afternoon.
• Prune any overgrown plants and remove any diseased foliage promptly.
• Mulching is important for a healthy shade garden. A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperature. It can also help with drainage to avoid overly wet conditions.

A shade garden can be a wonderful space for relaxation and an eye-catching addition to your landscape. Let our experienced team help you design and install a shade garden. Call for a free estimate today!

Creating a More Edible Landscape

Edible landscaping is an exciting way to transform your outdoor space into a sustainable food source. It combines the beauty of traditional landscaping with the practicality of growing fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the ways to create a more edible landscape, from creating a garden bed to planting fruit trees. By doing so, you’ll have a unique and beautiful landscape that will also provide you with a delicious and nutritious bounty.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Edible Landscape

Creating an edible landscape is a fantastic way to make the most of your outdoor space while promoting a sustainable, environmentally-friendly lifestyle. One of the most critical aspects of this process is choosing the right plants for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie to this concept, here are some tips for selecting the best edible plants for your landscape.

Choose Both Perennial Plants and Annuals:

Perennial plants are those that come back year after year without the need for replanting. Choosing these plants for your edible landscape will save you time, energy, and money in the long run. Perennials like asparagus, rhubarb, and fruit bushes are great options for edible landscaping. Once established, these plants will provide a continuous harvest for years to come.

Edible annuals include your favorite veggies like lettuces, kale, tomatoes, and eggplants, or you can even run beans up a trellis.

Herbs and Edible Flowers

While planting rows of vegetables in a garden plot is one way to create an edible landscape, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You can incorporate edible plants into your front yard landscaping or add them to flower beds and borders. Plants like nasturtiums, violets, and herbs like lavender and thyme are beautiful and edible.

Incorporating Raised Beds and Containers for Vegetables and Herbs

Raised beds and containers are a great way to add more edible plants to your landscape without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. These options also offer more control over soil quality and can be placed in areas where traditional in-ground planting isn’t possible.

When selecting containers, it’s important to choose ones that are large enough for the plants to grow and have good drainage. Raised beds should be built with untreated wood or other materials that are safe for growing food. These can be designed to fit your available space and can even be elevated for easier accessibility.

Once you have your containers or raised beds in place, consider filling them with a high-quality soil mixture and adding compost regularly. This will help ensure your plants receive the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy.

Maximizing Space with Espaliered Fruit Trees

If you want to incorporate fruit trees into your edible landscape with limited space, consider using espaliered fruit trees. Espalier is a technique for training fruit trees to grow flat against a wall or fence, saving space and creating an attractive feature in your garden.

Espaliered fruit trees require a little more effort and patience than regular fruit trees, but the rewards are well worth it. Using this technique, You can grow various fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and plums.

Choose a tree with a strong central leader and remove any competing branches. Plant the tree near a wall or fence, then install wires or a trellis system to support the tree as it grows. Prune the branches regularly to encourage lateral growth and maintain the desired shape.

One of the benefits of espaliered fruit trees is that they produce fruit earlier than traditional trees. You can also harvest fruit more easily since the tree is trained to grow flat against the wall or fence. Espaliered fruit trees are also easier to care for, as pruning and spraying can be done more efficiently.

In addition to maximizing space, espaliered fruit trees can enhance your garden’s aesthetic value. They can be used as a living fence or a decorative feature that adds interest to your landscape. They also provide a source of fresh fruit that you can enjoy throughout the growing season.

As a full-service landscaping company, we can help handle your maintenance needs, address landscaping issues, and complete projects. Call us today at  (360) 574-8979.

Unleashing the Tropics: Growing Tropical Plants in Your Pacific Northwest Garden

Tropical plants bring bold color and dramatic foliage to Pacific Northwest gardens. While the region’s damp, cool climate poses challenges, many tropical and subtropical species can thrive here with the right care. With thoughtful site selection, soil preparation, and winter protection, it’s possible to enjoy exotic plants from spring through fall.

Understanding the PNW Climate and Garden Zones

The Pacific Northwest spans USDA hardiness zones 8a to 9a in most lowland areas. Winters are generally mild, but cold snaps, heavy rain, and occasional snow can damage non-hardy plants. Success with tropical gardening depends on creating microclimates that buffer wind, increase drainage, and maximize sunlight. South-facing walls, covered patios, and well-mulched beds all provide insulation that

Soil and Sunlight Requirements

Tropical plants often need more sunlight and better-draining soil than the native soil provides. In most of western Washington and Oregon, native clay or silt soils retain water, which can cause rot. Amend planting areas with compost, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage. Group tropicals where they receive at least six hours of direct sun daily, or position them in containers that can be moved to follow the light.

Best Tropical Plants for Pacific Northwest Gardens

Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)

Mandevilla offers continuous blooms in shades of pink, red, or white. It thrives in containers or against trellises during summer. Move indoors before the first frost. Prefers full sun and rich, fast-draining soil.

Banana (Musa basjoo)

The hardy Japanese banana survives down to zone 7 with heavy mulching. Produces lush, wide leaves and grows up to 12 feet tall in a season. Dies back in winter but regrows from underground rhizomes.

Canna Lily (Canna indica)

Known for large leaves and vivid flowers, cannas tolerate wet soil and thrive in full sun. In colder areas, dig and store rhizomes over winter.

Elephant Ears (Colocasia, Alocasia)

These tropical foliage plants provide bold texture. They prefer consistently moist soil and partial sun. In-ground plantings need heavy mulch or indoor storage over winter.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and H. syriacus)

Tropical hibiscus must be overwintered indoors. Hardy hibiscus (Rose of Sharon) tolerates zone 5 and blooms profusely in late summer. Requires full sun and regular watering.

Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

One of the few palms that survive year-round outdoors in the PNW. Tolerates zone 8 winters and adds instant tropical flair. Needs wind protection and good drainage.

Gunnera (Gunnera manicata)

This prehistoric-looking plant thrives in boggy soil and partial shade. Cover the crown with mulch in winter to prevent frost damage.

Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus)

Produces globe-shaped blue or white flowers in summer. Best grown in containers for winter storage unless garden is in zone 9.

Bougainvillea

Another tropical plant that can thrive in the region is the Bougainvillea. With its stunning bracts in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and orange, Bougainvilleas create a tropical paradise feel. They require full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for the Pacific Northwest’s long summer days.

Canna Lilies

Canna Lilies are another tropical plant that thrives in the Pacific Northwest. Canna Lilies add a tropical flair to gardens and containers with their vibrant blooms and striking foliage. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Dinosaur Food Plant

If you’re looking for a large architectural plant, the Gunnera manicata, also known as the Dinosaur food plant, can be a great choice. This plant features enormous, umbrella-like leaves reaching up to six feet in diameter. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it suitable for our Pacific Northwest climate.

Cold Weather Protection Tips

Tropical plants grown in containers should be moved into garages, greenhouses, or sheltered entryways before the first frost. For in-ground plantings:

• Cover root zones with 4–6 inches of mulch.

• Wrap stems with burlap or frost cloth.

• Use cold frames or cloches to retain warmth in garden beds.

Check plants regularly through winter for signs of mold or rot, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.

Garden Design with Tropicals

Use tropical plants to create focal points or lush backdrops. Layer bold-leafed plants with finer textures like ferns or grasses. Surround containers with evergreen shrubs to soften the transition during winter dormancy. Combine tropicals with stone, water features, or wood structures to balance moisture and create visual interest.

Professional Support for Installation and Maintenance

Site prep, sourcing, and seasonal maintenance often require professional insight. We help homeowners across Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR select, install, and care for tropical plants that thrive in local conditions. This includes preparing microclimates, improving soil, and offering winter protection solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can tropical plants survive winter in the Pacific Northwest?

Many tropical plants can survive winter here if grown in containers and moved indoors or protected with mulch, frost cloth, or cold frames. Hardy varieties like Musa basjoo and windmill palm can stay in the ground with added protection.

What is the best way to prepare soil for tropical plants?

Improve drainage by amending native soil with compost, pumice, or coarse sand. Most tropical plants need loose, rich, well-drained soil to thrive.

When should I bring tropical container plants indoors?

Move them inside before nighttime temperatures consistently fall below 45°F. This often occurs in early to mid-October in most areas of the PNW.

Which tropical plants can I grow year-round outside in this region?

Windmill palm, hardy banana (Musa basjoo), and Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) are among the few tropical-looking plants that can remain in the ground all year with little protection in zone 8.

Grow Tropical Plants Successfully in the PNW Climate

Pacific Northwest gardens can support bold, tropical aesthetics with the right combination of plant choice, placement, and protection. Container growing, microclimate use, and overwintering strategies all increase success.

Frontier Landscaping installs tropical plants for homeowners across Vancouver, WA and surrounding communities. Contact our team today to request a consultation and bring vibrant color and bold foliage to your outdoor space.

The Best Flowering Vines for the Pacific Northwest

Are you looking for the perfect flowering vines to add beauty and style to your Pacific Northwest garden? With so many options, it can take time to choose the right ones. Fortunately, there are some amazing flowering vines that are perfectly suited to the Pacific Northwest climate and will thrive in your garden.

Climate-Friendly Flowering Vines

Clematis (Clematis spp.)

One of the most popular flowering vines for your Pacific Northwest garden is clematis. These long-lasting and easy-to-care-for plants are a favorite among gardeners. Clematis come in a variety of colors and sizes so that you can find the perfect plant for your landscape. Their delicate petals look stunning in the spring and summer months, and they can provide your garden with a beautiful climbing accent. Clematis are well-suited for nearly any type of soil, so they’re also easy to maintain. Consider adding this flowering vine to your garden to bring beauty and charm to your landscape.

Ideal Uses:

• Mailbox posts, arbors, trellises
  
• Interplanted with shrubs or low ground covers
  

Care Tips:

• Sun on leaves, shade on roots
  
• Mulch base to retain moisture
  
• Prune according to group classification
  
• Provide strong, upright support

Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

Honeysuckle is one of the most popular flowering vines for your landscape in the Pacific Northwest. With proper care, this flowering vine will give your garden a long-lasting display of colorful blooms and fragrance throughout the growing season. Beautiful, fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Honeysuckle can be trained to climb up walls, trellises, or other structures, providing a burst of color and scent to any outdoor area. When planting honeysuckle, make sure you choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. You can also trim and prune this vine to control its growth and maintain a neat shape.

Ideal Uses:

• Fence lines, privacy screens, and overhead trellises
  
• Wildlife habitat and sensory gardens
  

Care Tips:

• Full sun to partial shade
  
• Light pruning after bloom
  
• Water deeply in dry spells
  

Avoid invasive species and overfertilization

Black Eyed Susan Vine

For a unique flowering vine to incorporate into your landscape, Black Eyed Susan Vine is a perfect choice. This species of Thunbergia is an excellent addition to the Pacific Northwest garden. It thrives in warm summer temperatures and is known for its lush green foliage and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It is an annual vine, growing up to 20 feet long, and provides an impressive covering on any trellis or fence. Its long, sprawling vines are full of fragrant blooms, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The Black Eyed Susan Vine is also drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners looking for easy-care flowering vines for their landscape.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a beautiful and fragrant flowering vine for your landscape. It has a delicate, star-shaped flower with a heavenly scent. In the Pacific Northwest, several varieties of jasmine grow well in our area.

A beautiful addition to your landscape, jasmine is an excellent choice for a hardy and fragrant flowering vine. Jasmine vines need full sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Regular pruning is necessary to keep your vine blooming during the warmer months. Jasmine attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.

Passionflower Vine

One of the best flowering vines for your landscape in the Pacific Northwest is the Passionflower Vine. This easy-to-care-for and fast-growing vine boasts unique other-worldly, star-shaped flowers ranging from purple and blue to white and yellow. The Passionflower Vine is a very hardy vine, able to withstand extreme temperatures and difficult growing conditions. It is an excellent choice for those looking to add color and texture to their garden and offer a privacy screen.

Climbing Roses

Climbing roses can bring your Pacific Northwest garden to life. You can have beautiful blossoms and fragrances while also attracting pollinators. Climbing roses can be planted next to a patio and grow over an arbor, trellis, and other supports.

Some varieties of climbing roses to consider include:
Arborose Quicksilver – has lavender blooms and a sweet fragrance. A wonderful climbing rose, it also has disease-resistant foliage.

Don Juan -This red rose produces blooms up to 4 inches and is fragrant. Don Juan is one of the better climbing roses.

Lady Banks – is a popular yellow rose that can grow up to 20’ feet tall. This climber prefers well-drained soil and needs sturdy support. A thornless variety, Lady Banks received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

Star jasmine is an evergreen vine known for its strong fragrance and clusters of white, star-shaped flowers. It grows slowly in the first season but establishes a dense, twining structure over time. This variety is ideal for spaces where scent and structure matter most.

Ideal Uses:

• Patios, fences, and courtyard gardens
  
• Trellises and lattices for vertical coverage
  

Care Tips:

• Full sun to partial shade
  
• Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
  
• Moderate watering after establishment
  

Annual pruning to manage shape and blooms

Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)

Passionflower is a striking option for gardeners seeking unique blooms. This fast-growing deciduous vine produces ornate flowers that range in color from blue and purple to white, and it is well-suited for quick vertical coverage. It performs best in full sun and thrives with regular pruning.

Ideal Uses:

• Arbors, privacy screens, and chain-link fences
  
• Pollinator-friendly borders and trellis features
  

Care Tips:

• Full sun with well-drained soil
  
• Regular water during dry periods
  
• Prune in early spring to control growth
  
• Tolerates brief cold snaps

Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

This fast-growing annual vine produces cheerful flowers in bold tones of orange, yellow, and white, each featuring a distinctive dark eye. It’s perfect for adding color to small spaces and thrives in warm microclimates across the region. Though treated as an annual, it blooms vigorously for one season.

Ideal Uses:

• Containers, hanging baskets, and patio railings
  
• Low fences and seasonal vertical displays
  

Care Tips:

• Full sun and rich, well-drained soil
  
• Consistent watering during hot spells
  
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers
  

Not cold hardy; replant annually

Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.)

Climbing roses offer large seasonal blooms and a formal, established look when trained against walls or garden structures. They require more attention than other vines but reward gardeners with showy, repeat-blooming color throughout the season. Choose varieties adapted to regional zones for best success.

Ideal Uses:

• Arched entryways, arbors, and pergolas
  
• Garden focal points and vertical highlights
  

Care Tips:

• Full sun and nutrient-rich soil
  
• Deep, infrequent watering
  
• Prune in early spring and after bloom cycles
  

Support canes and secure with ties.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Flowering Vines

What are the best flowering vines for shady areas in the Pacific Northwest?

Clematis and honeysuckle tolerate partial shade, and star jasmine can adapt to filtered light if planted in well-drained soil.

Which flowering vines are drought-tolerant in the PNW?

Black-eyed Susan vine and honeysuckle perform well in dry conditions once established. Clematis benefits from mulch to conserve moisture and minimize heat stress.

Can I grow flowering vines in containers?

Yes. Compact clematis and black-eyed Susan vines grow well in containers with added support structures and consistent watering.

When should I prune flowering vines?

Timing depends on the vine. Clematis should be pruned based on bloom group, climbing roses in early spring, and honeysuckle right after blooming.

Are flowering vines safe for pets?

Some vines may be toxic to pets. Passionflower and honeysuckle are generally safe in small quantities, while clematis and star jasmine should be avoided.

How to Use Flowering Vines in Garden Design

Flowering vines are a great addition to gardens in the Pacific Northwest, adding a pop of color and texture to your landscape. Vines can climb walls and fences, twine around trellises, or trail along the ground, creating an interesting and eye-catching visual.

Using flowering vines in your garden design is an excellent way to add color, texture, and scent to your landscape. Frontier Landscaping provides quality landscape installation and landscape maintenance services to keep your yard looking beautiful year-round. Give us a call today at (360) 574-8979.