On
a clear day, we can usually see the tip of the mountain from
Vancouver, WA over the eastern hills. Upon first approach it becomes
an overwhelming presence that the dominates the landscape. The
summit, at 12,276 feet makes this the third highest peak in the
Cascade range.
Native
Americans have harvested huckleberries on the flanks of Mt Adams in
the Gifford Pinchot Wilderness for thousands of years.
Our
10th
acre in suburban Vancouver, WA is blessed with a large, pine tree in
the northwest corner. Upon investigation it seems to be the perfect
spot for relocation of a rhododendron bush and a home for
huckleberries.
Both
plants are perfect as an evergreen, understory layer in this corner.
They will provide habitat and food to birds,butterflies and other
small wildlife – which I hope they will share.
The
rhododendron is at present in our front yard and will take a bit of
digging to get out. Thankfully we have a wheelbarrow and sharp
shovels. It's melon colored flowers and glossy leaves will add
contrast to the back corner.
As
to the huckleberries, we were able to buy them from our conservation
district which holds a yearly native plant sale.
http://www.clarkcd.org/
Count
this as our “before” picture. As you can see there is quite a lot
of work to do to get the area ready. Removal of blackberry vines,
mis-planted arborvitae and some English Ivy which has wandered in from
somewhere else. Plenty of raking too. The Rhododendron bush will have
room to spread in the semi-shade and so will the huckleberries, which
can get up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. This will help block our
view of our neighbors backyard.
The
evergreen huckleberry, Vaccinium ovatum, has attractive bronze
foliage in the spring with white, urn shaped flowers that bear dark
purple, tasty, edible fruit in the fall. The berries are high in
vitamins A, C, Iron and Calcium and very low in carbohydrates.
Huckleberries
are used as jam and in many dessert recipes such as apple and
huckleberry crisp.
What
native plants would you like to have in your garden?
