The Pacific Northwest’s unique climate allows for an amazing gardening experience; our warm dry summers and mild winters support everything from desert plants to Japanese gardens, to thriving fruit and vegetable gardens.
We have incredibly diverse native plant life as well which provide food and habitat for our birds and pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, moths, butterflies, and even bats. More than 600 species of native bees call Washington State home, none of which are the honey bee you may be most familiar with!
Review the links below for general information about many common garden-related topics. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Master Gardener Plant Clinic at masoncountymastergardener@gmail.com or (360) 427-9670 ext. 687.
- Native Plants
Great Plant Picks – Pacific Northwest Natives
Native Plant Salvage Foundation
Washington Native Plant Society
Books:
- Garden Planning & Planting Calendars
Portland Nursery Planting Calendar
Books:
- Weeds, Pests, Diseases
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Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks
WSU Puyallup Plant & Insect Diagnostic Laboratory
Mason County Noxious Weeds Program
- Beekeeping & Pollinators
Beekeeping:
Olympia Beekeepers Association
Washington State Beekeepers Association
Pollinator Habitat:
Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Resources: Pacific Northwest
Books:
- Soils and Compost
Soil Testing:
A&L Western Agricultural Laboratories
Publications:
OSU How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes
Web Resources:
WSU Extension Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Program
Tilth Alliance Composting Resources
Department of Ecology Composting
Mason County Community Gardens
Catalyst Park Community Garden
Mason County Master Gardeners, Shelton
Callanan Park Community Garden
Mason Conservation District and HOPE Garden Project, Shelton
P-Patch at the Farm at Water’s Edge
Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, Belfair