Between our garden and Evergreen Primary School lies a field which becomes a seasonal wetland during our rainy season. While the area usually dries out during the summer, a recent consultation from from Melissa Breckenridge of the Pierce County Water Conservation concluded that enhanging the area with natives and continuing to remove invasives could also have a beneficial effect on our garden environment by inviting more beneficial insects and other species to the site.
Amongst the plant species found in and around the site are native rushes, sedges, rose, willow, alder and salal.
We recently were awarded a small grant from the Master Gardener Foundation of Pierce County (MGFPC) Sharon Ballard Community Garden Grant Committee. The grant allots some funds for the purchase of more native plants so that we can continue to enhance the plant diversity around our garden and integrate it with the native plant community.
Invasive Species at our Garden
We have Scotch Broom, Himalayan Blackberry and Poison Hemlock in the garden which require ongoing maintenance and removal.
New members Jontz and Jude with Dan and blackberry and broom roots.
Poison Hemlock in the North Meadow (Center)
Poison hemlock – Conium maculatum is present in a few places north of the compost area. This plant is highly poisonous and should be avoided. Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board is helping with eradication. The hemlock has been sprayed once this year and the UP School District has has mowed the area. We will continue to monitor and manage this species as seeds can be dormant for ~5 years. Children and pets should avoid the north meadow.
University Place Community Garden 