Sound Native Plants was featured along with several other Western Washington growers in a Spokesman-Review story on trends in the nursery trade. We took the opportunity to promote restoration of native species.

King County recently published a 2-year study evaluating the effects of spraying grass versus irrigating on cottonwood live stake survival in a sunny, sandy loam site. The thought-provoking study found no benefit from applying one gallon of water per plant 5-6 times per season, but the grass-spray treatment had a positive effect. On this site, grass control effectively increased the cottonwoods’ access to water, but the irrigation did not. You can see the study results at https://soundnativeplants.com/…/King-County-Monitoring-Memo…

According to a new study on willow live stake planting by King County, SNP’s wild harvested live stakes outperformed smaller, nursery-grown cuttings and had an astounding 99%  survival rate and 90% cover after 3-years, with absolutely no site preparation or maintenance. You can see the study summary here – in the study, the largest sized stakes were provided by SNP. Even better, we reduced the price on these stakes by 25% since this study was conducted, making them much more cost-effective.

For years we’ve accepted used pots from the community, and washed and reused them. Sadly, we must now discontinue this service, for two reasons. First, we have grown increasingly concerned about the role of nurseries in spreading potentially disastrous plant pathogens. For example, sudden oak death was introduced into the Pacific Northwest by a nursery shipping infected plants. We have no reliable way to thoroughly sterilize our pots, and we don’t want to be responsible for spreading disease into natural areas. Second, most pots are now manufactured so cheaply that they break apart after one use. In recent years we have landfilled over 70% of the pots people bring us because they are broken and non longer usable. It is with some regret that we make this decision. Sometimes, the path toward responsible ecosystem stewardship is more complicated than we would like, and we think this is the most environmentally responsible choice.

Hope you're all enjoying this crisp breeze and beautiful blue skies! 

Once the rain comes and you feel like cozying up inside, take a look at our extensive info sheet resources. 

As the leaves begin to turn and the days get shorter, we approach the best time of year to plant perennials. While the aboveground foliage is entering dormancy, the roots below are awakened and ready to colonize the surrounding soils. More rain means less irrigation is required.

SNP is proud to be a host of the West Central Park plant donation registry. Stay tuned for more information on how you can donate plants to Olympia's blossoming community gathering place! http://www.aparkforus.org/

Questions? Contact Carly

The Sound Native Plants website is an incredible planning resource. Have you read our species selection guide? Or looked at our plant quantity calculator?

Then look at our current availability, and feel free to contact us if you don't see what you are looking for. More plants become available as the summer progresses, and this time of year many of our plants are sold as they appear available!

Email Carly to place an order.