As we emerge from Vancouver’s winter, it’s vital to contemplate the repercussions on the weather on our greenery. Regrettably, this winter has proven exceptionally harsh for many plant species across the PNW, resulting in widespread losses.
Even stalwart veterans, including mature trees that have weathered numerous such events, are succumbing. Depleted energy reserves, exacerbated by the cold spell, have proven to be the final straw for many.

We perceive this challenge as an excellent opportunity for revitalization and
fortification within our gardens. It’s time to reassess and opt for sturdier,
more resilient alternatives that can thrive in our distinctive climate.

Below, we present recommendations that offer better prospects for your garden this coming season.

🌱✨ Hedges & Shrubs:

1. BOXWOOD (BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS) – Classic choice for formal hedges, with dense foliage and easy maintenance.
2. JAPANESE HOLLY (ILEX CRENATA) – Evergreen shrub that tolerates pruning well and adds texture to hedges.
3. YEW (TAXUS H.M EDDIE) – Evergreen shrub that tolerates pruning well and adds texture to hedges.
4. PORTUGESE LAUREL(PRUNUS LUSITANICA) – A large growing dense laurel, producing fragrant white flowers; this vigorously growing variety makes a great hedge or accent plant.
5.  RUSSIAN SAGE (PEROVSKIA ATRIPLICIFOLIA) – Tall perennial with aromatic foliage and lavender-blue flowers, drought-tolerant.
6. YARROW(ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM) – Tough perennial with fern-like foliage and flat-topped flowers in various colors.
7. BARBERRY(BERBERIS) – Barberries are tough landscape plants whose saturated colours add intensity to the garden.

🌱✨ Trees:

8. PACIFIC DOGWOOD (CORNUS NUTTALLII) – Native tree with showy white flowers in spring and red berries in fall, partial shade.
9. SPRUCE (PICEA) – Many varieties of spruce make excellent plants for the PNW landscape. Heights can range from 25’ to under 1’ tall.
10. RED MAPLE (ACER RUBRUM) – Deciduous tree with brilliant fall foliage,
adaptable to various soil types.
11.  SERVICEBERRY(AMELANCHIER SPP.) – Small tree or large shrub with delicate white flowers in spring and edible berries, attracts birds.
12. PAPERBARK MAPLE (ACER GRISEUM) – Unique tree with cinnamon colored peeling bark and vibrant fall foliage, prefers well-drained soil.
13.  CERCIS CANADENSIS â€“ REDBUD – Vibrant, pink flowers are born in Spring all along the bare stems of Cercis trees.
14. SYRINGA RETICULATA (JAPANESE TREE LILAC) – Grown as either a small tree or large shrub, Japanese Tree Lilacs are a fantastic way to introduce fragrant flowers.

Embrace the opportunity to enhance your landscape with plants that thrive.