Fall Planting Party

The photo above is the "before" picture of the area where we held our fall planting party on Sunday. Of course, before the "before" picture, the area was covered by blackberry and ivy, plus morning glory. Basically, it was just like the two sides of the cleared and mulched area. The large sword fern in front the fence was the only native, uncovered after we tackled the invasives. And, yes, that is our doomed young cedar, yanked out by the "camper" which could not be saved.

Nine adults and two kids participated in our planting party. We had good weather! Parks provided 6 serviceberry plants, 3 vine maples, 6 snowberries and 3 flowering red currents. (Thanks, Kirk!) The general plan for restoration recommended by Nelson is to plant understory first. Once they have created a canopy, groundcover can be planted. But because I had them, I also brought a tub of salal I dug up from my yard. If they die, that would be no big loss. In delivering the plants, Tony C. told Jim that currents are not good for white pine. So, Gary took them to the north side of Trail of Cedars where there are no white pine.

Here are some photos:

You can see the size of the plants we received. The serviceberry came in the 5 gallon pots.

We also worked to widen the area, on both sides.

Everyone picked a spot to work on.

A wider shot of the work party.

Refreshment time!

My guess is that Gary was still talking about the Cubs.

Finished area.

Janet and Frances had left by the time we did group photos. Yuto tossed a trowel up in the air.

..and caught it!

One more for the day!

Mission accomplished.