Site Information: This habitat in unincorporated Washington County has full sun, part sun, shade, dry, moist, and sloped areas.

What inspired you to enroll in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program?

I have observed an alarming loss of habitat since moving here to Oregon in 1984. I always wanted to live in the woods,so I’m growing my own.I am gradually removing lawn and planting more trees as we lose some to natural disaster and county road development. I dug two water retention areas in my yard and planted wetland species before I knew what a proper raingarden was. I put up several bird houses but the birds find their own favorite spots(the honeysuckle, a spruce tree and an old medicine cabinet tucked – in the hedge). I have a number of stumps and brush piles for wildlife and a tree toppled by the wind provides a sanctuary under the up-turned roots. An old claw foot bathtub serves as a water feature with an “island” of red twig dogwood in the center.

How would you describe your habitat?

I always wanted to live in the woods,so I’m growing my own.I am gradually removing lawn and planting more trees as we lose some to natural disaster and county road development. I dug two water retention areas in my yard and planted wetland species before I knew what a proper raingarden was. I put up several bird houses but the birds find their own favorite spots(the honeysuckle, a spruce tree and an old medicine cabinet tucked – in the hedge). I have a number of stumps and brush piles for wildlife and a tree toppled by the wind provides a sanctuary under the up-turned roots. An old claw foot bathtub serves as a water feature with an “island” of red twig dogwood in the center.

What are your top three favorite native plants and why do you love them?

That’s like choosing favorites among one’s children. Not possible. They are all uniquely different. I love the ones that survive from year to year.

What changes have you observed as a result of creating habitat?

I love showing the neighborhood kids the snakes and birds and frogs. I was delighted to observe many birds even when I stopped using the bird feeders.

What were the two most significant challenges you encountered while creating habitat, and how did you address them?

I live at the crest of a hill and before I grew a windbreak I had trouble with plants dessicating in the summer. I used lots of mutch but time and tall trees have helped.

What resources did you find especially helpful?

Books:

• The Portland Plant List
• Eradicate Invasive Plants
• Plants of the Pacific Northwest
• Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific
  Northwest
• Farming with Native Beneficial Insects
• Practical Permaculture
• Feed the Bees

How do you enjoy your Backyard Habitat throughout the different seasons? What are its highlights in each season?

Winter: Redtwig Dogwood, snow on the conifers
Spring: Trillium ‘ and the ferns unfurling
Summer: Bees visiting the flowers
Fall: purple asters and yellow goldenrod

What part of your backyard habitat are you most proud of?

The ever-expanding meadow of camas lily and the volunteer Oregon White Oaks.