Growers and researchers seek short, tidy and tough trees that can coexist with utilities When the power goes out in a storm, daily life halts abruptly. Our TVs go dark; we can’t cook our food or keep it cold, much less brew coffee, charge our many electronic devices or turn up the heat. We are […]
About Elizabeth Petersen
An appetite for edibles
By — Posted
When I grew up in southeast Portland in the 1950s and ’60s, my parents grew plenty of food in our yard. The parking strip in front of our house supported apple, peach, pear, plum and quince trees. The backyard held a full size cherry tree that boasted sweet fruit, provided comforting shade and supported both […]
The multiplicity of Japanese maples
By — Posted
Oregon leads the way in production of this diverse family of beautiful landscape trees.
Next-level rain gardens
By — Posted
Growers highlight native plants and underutilized selections for stormwater management systems.
The future of annuals
By — Posted
With their eye-catching color and ease of care, annual flowers remain popular among all generations of gardeners.
Millennials in the garden
By — Posted
People born around the turn of the 21st century are digitally obsessed and socially charged — and they’re the fastest growing group of garden consumers in the country.
The gilded garden
By — Posted
Sun-dappled perennials, grasses, shrubs and conifers make green spaces sparkle.
Expanding the tree palette
By — Posted
Experts from near and far recommend options for diversifying — and strengthening — the urban canopy.
Generations of red maples
By — Posted
Oregon is a key player in the breeding and production of Acer rubrum, one of the country’s most successful shade trees.
Bringing native habitats back from the brink
By — Posted
Initiatives such as the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
are spurring the movement to repair damaged ecosystems, one garden at a time.
