A collections of resources for sustainable yard and garden care. Find information on rain barrels, making compost, Northwest native plants and listen to episodes of the Yard Talk podcast.
Archives: Recommended Websites
Royal Botanic Gardens – Kew
“The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the world’s leading botanic gardens, holding over 1 in 8 of known plant species. The site also offers information about Kew’s science and access to its databases.”
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Information and instructions on importing small lots of seeds.
Woodland Park Rose Garden
“Woodland Park Rose Garden offers a splendid setting for flower lovers to stroll the grass pathways circulating through 2-1/2 acres of rose displays.”
Volunteer Park Conservatory
The Conservatory is a Victorian greenhouse in Seattle’s north Capitol Hill neighborhood. “Professional horticulturists with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation care for the Conservatory’s collections, including bromeliads, palms, ferns, cacti, and seasonal display plants.”
Royal Horticultural Society Horticultural Advice
Help and advice problem solver, including links to advice on top pests and diseases.
Bellevue Botanical Garden Plant Database
“This plant information form lets you search the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s plant collection. Based on your criteria, you can locate plant information, photos, and locations in the garden.”
International Rose Test Garden [in Portland]
“World renowned for housing a diverse and expansive collection of rare, unique and beautiful roses.” The garden is located in Washington Park, Portland.
Why Leaves Change Color
This frequently asked question is answered in depth by the US Forest Service.
Burke Museum (UW) Herbarium Database
The database system provides access to label information from specimens housed in the WTU herbarium. As one of the largest herbaria in the Pacific Northwest, WTU’s total holdings number around 564,000 specimens. These are divided between collections of vascular plants, mosses, hepatics, fungi, lichens, and algae, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest region.