Intriguing discoveries. We have been recently discussing planting Quercus garryana in new and restored landscapes more regularly. What a powerful keystone species and fascinating to see it in isolated pockets in our area. Clark Nursery up North in WA grows them currently in our area and specializes in native plants for the last 50 years.
Were you aware of the spruce trees on both sides of Olson Drive? There are at least four, three of them on the north side and one on the south side. I have not examined them up close, just admire them while driving by, there might be more present not visible when traveling Olson Drive.
There are a few old growth fir trees surviving in my neighborhood. The largest is the Doug fir near the Vaughn Bay Cemetery, just north of the intersection of 100th ST NW and 186th Ave.
Dan, man, thanks for the tips. I know of the spruces on the N side of Olson Drive and actually have access to that property now, though haven't yet been able to measure them. I think there may be a few more than three. I wasn't aware of one on the S side. And would love to follow up on the old-growth firs in your neighborhood, if you'd email me.
Wow, two great trees. Two great discoveries. Seems a good sign and reasons for being thankful to the natural world for once again illustrating resiliency and tenacity.
Chris, in my rambles thru Sehmel Homestead Park i have come across 2 young California Laurels (Umbellularia californica, aka Bay Laurels). Have you any on the Key Peninsula? I have been rambling there for years without seeing any until this year.
Aha, that is interesting! According to the Burke Herbarium, the only other wild specimens from WA are from Snake Lake in Tacoma. But the range of CA Bay-Laurel only extends as far north as southern OR, so these must originate from plantings? Thoughts? I'll definitely pay attention on the KP. How old do you think the trees you're seeing are?
Very young. One was only a few inches tall, the other was close to a foot. I was wondering if they were spread by birds - from a local garden planting…🤔…or during migration.
Chris, your essays give me good context for my "healing" efforts on our 4 acres here in the Crescent Valley watershed. For the last 20 years we've enjoyed plunking plants in and seeing which survive the climate and the deer.
Now I'm wondering whether a Garry Oak or two would be appropriate for an old (small) riding arena I used for 25 years, but has gone to weeds the last 20 years. I'm currently restoring it with native grasses. Lots of tall cedar and fir ring the arena--too much shade?
Could be too much shade, but want to give one a try? I still have a few extras of the ones I grew last summer, sourced from Willamette Valley acorns brought up here by a friend... Will email you.
Just as good on the second and third read. As part of the natural ecosystem, humans can encourage native biodiversity.
This was such a great read! Thank you!
Intriguing discoveries. We have been recently discussing planting Quercus garryana in new and restored landscapes more regularly. What a powerful keystone species and fascinating to see it in isolated pockets in our area. Clark Nursery up North in WA grows them currently in our area and specializes in native plants for the last 50 years.
Indeed! I'm hoping to find a better source for them. We've planted several, and I had good success growing them from acorns this last year.
Were you aware of the spruce trees on both sides of Olson Drive? There are at least four, three of them on the north side and one on the south side. I have not examined them up close, just admire them while driving by, there might be more present not visible when traveling Olson Drive.
There are a few old growth fir trees surviving in my neighborhood. The largest is the Doug fir near the Vaughn Bay Cemetery, just north of the intersection of 100th ST NW and 186th Ave.
Dan, man, thanks for the tips. I know of the spruces on the N side of Olson Drive and actually have access to that property now, though haven't yet been able to measure them. I think there may be a few more than three. I wasn't aware of one on the S side. And would love to follow up on the old-growth firs in your neighborhood, if you'd email me.
Wow, two great trees. Two great discoveries. Seems a good sign and reasons for being thankful to the natural world for once again illustrating resiliency and tenacity.
Chris, in my rambles thru Sehmel Homestead Park i have come across 2 young California Laurels (Umbellularia californica, aka Bay Laurels). Have you any on the Key Peninsula? I have been rambling there for years without seeing any until this year.
Melissa
Aha, that is interesting! According to the Burke Herbarium, the only other wild specimens from WA are from Snake Lake in Tacoma. But the range of CA Bay-Laurel only extends as far north as southern OR, so these must originate from plantings? Thoughts? I'll definitely pay attention on the KP. How old do you think the trees you're seeing are?
Very young. One was only a few inches tall, the other was close to a foot. I was wondering if they were spread by birds - from a local garden planting…🤔…or during migration.
Would love to see 'em sometime.
I’d be happy to show them to you.
Chris, your essays give me good context for my "healing" efforts on our 4 acres here in the Crescent Valley watershed. For the last 20 years we've enjoyed plunking plants in and seeing which survive the climate and the deer.
Now I'm wondering whether a Garry Oak or two would be appropriate for an old (small) riding arena I used for 25 years, but has gone to weeds the last 20 years. I'm currently restoring it with native grasses. Lots of tall cedar and fir ring the arena--too much shade?
Could be too much shade, but want to give one a try? I still have a few extras of the ones I grew last summer, sourced from Willamette Valley acorns brought up here by a friend... Will email you.