I’m pleased to introduce guest blogger, Susan Peterson. She is a Master Gardener and absolutely loves the program, people and plants! See her smile and read her bio at the end of the blog.
In 2010, the WSU Master Gardeners of Chelan-Douglas County planted the first of several themed educational gardens in the Community Education Garden located at the corner of Western and Springwater Avenues in Wenatchee.
The “Natives ‘N More Garden” contains a mixture of native and non-native plants that may be grown in our north central Washington climate. The plants are labeled with their common and scientific names, with additional designations of which are native and Firewise.
Many people are a bit scared of growing native plants because they think you need to have a desert type environment, or that they aren’t “pretty”, or too challenging to grow. And yes, some with long tap roots like Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) are challenging, but also beautiful.
But, incorporating native plants into your garden helps reduce the amounts of water, fertilizers and chemicals needed, plus attracts pollinators. Mixing natives in with regular “big box store” selections is easy to do and you’ll find an array of textures and colors that reflect your mood or passion.
Native plants are less prone to disease and require less maintenance once established. They are easy to acquire through some of our local garden nurseries or mail order.
Orange globe mallow- Sphaeralcea munroana Perennial, 8-32 inches tall, dry, full sun in sandy or rocky soil, low maintenance 
Cornus sericea- Redoiser dogwood: Perennial shrub, 3-20 feet tall, moist, s/berries, red twigs in fall
The “Natives Garden” is currently undergoing renovation, which came to a standstill when Covid-19 struck, so all plans are on hold. What will happen in 2021, is the installation of a beautiful iron piece that will be the focal point of the garden. A “dry stream bed” will be installed, paths brought up to ADA widths, many more native plants, and further education.
Artist Shelly Gilmore’s metalwork creation for the Natives ‘N More Garden 
Artist Shelly Gilmore at work on a focal point piece for the Natives N’ More Garden
A garden brick is a beautiful way to show your love
We welcome you to come stroll the gardens!
Help the Master Gardeners of Chelan-Douglas Counties by sponsoring a brick. Since we lost almost all revenues this year, this helps us to continue to “grow” and educate our local communities. Thank you for your support!!
Sponsor a Brick at the
Community Education Garden
Just till the end of September, you can show your support or honor a loved one for by purchasing a Garden Brick at the WSU Chelan/Douglas County Master Gardeners’ Community Education Garden. We will permanently engrave your name or message on the bricks in the Welcome Garden patio. Visit the Garden Sponsorship website today to show your support!
Susan Peterson 
Pollinators come in all shapes and sizes and make our gardens and lives thrive
Meet author and photographer, Susan Peterson. She is the coordinator of the Natives ‘N More Garden at the Community Education Garden, the President of the Master Gardener Foundation, and enjoys writing for their newsletter. Susan is a former social worker but found her true niche working for the U.S. Forest Service as a Public Information Officer and regional recruiter. After her retirement, she followed her passion to give back to the community with the Master Gardeners.
Want to learn more about native plants? See many resources on this Wenatchee Naturalist website, visit the Washington Native Plant Society website, explore the UW Burke Museum Herbarium Plants of Washington Photo Gallery, or check out our region’s native plant nursery, Derby Canyon Natives.
