Winter Blooming Perennials : The First Sweet Smell of Spring

Last night around 5:30 I swear I could feel spring coming.  Yes, I said last night at 5:30 because the sun is completely gone by then, but at least it’s up past 4:30 now that the days are getting longer.   … Continue reading →

Umbellularia Californica (Oregon Myrtle) : Pacific Northwest Native Evergreen

My latest aromatic favorite, seldom cultivated in Seattle, is Umbellularia Californica (an evergreen native of southwest Oregon and Northern California).  It is also known as Oregon Myrtle, California Laurel, or California Bay Laurel, California Bay, Headache Tree, Pepperwood, Spicebush, Cinnamon Bush, and … Continue reading →