Tips to Get Started

by Karen Munday

Thinking about turning your yard into Certified Backyard Habitat?  Now is a great time to start planning your yard and getting ready for the fall planting season.

Make a quick drawing of your yard and where you want to start. Take note of what areas of your yard get summer sun or shade, and what areas stay moist or dry. Also, take an inventory of what you already have in your yard. Summer is the best time to identify plants since most plants are leafed out or flowering.

Then make a wish list. Start looking around at native plants and figure out what you want in your yard so you’ll be ready for the fall and winter planting season. Fall and early winter is a great time to get native plants into the ground. It gives the roots time to become established in damp soil before next year’s dry summer months.

Want additional help? If you live in Portland, check out our Backyard Habitat Certification Program or call Nikkie West at 503-292-6855 ext. 126. Apply now and we will contact you to schedule a site visit. Remember to check back, as we will expand the program to other areas of the Metro region in  the coming years.