The diversity of native plant species in this garden represents two important ecosystems that have been growing in this region for centuries, the Garry oak ecosystem and the Coastal Douglas fir ecosystem.
Over the past 15 years the main open meadow area in this garden has been restored by planting Garry oak trees (Quercus garryana), associated shrubs and a variety of meadow flowers. Spring’s deep blue camas flowers (Camassia leichtlinii, C.quamash) are the most abundant and well known field species in the Garry oak ecosystem, with the bright red and yellow blooms of western columbine(Aquilegia formosa) appearing along with them in and around the meadow.
In the garden beds surrounding the meadow, grow the delicate pink flowers of Broad leafed shooting star (Dodecatheon hendersonii), Sea blush (Plectritis congesta), Flowering red current (Ribes sanguineum) and Nodding onio n(Allium cernuum).
Later in the summer look for the warm glow of golden rod (Soldigo canadensis) and the purple blush of Douglas aster (Aster subspicatus) in the lower meadow.
Around the edges of the dry Garry oak ecosystem, there is a transition zone to the shadier, more moist Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem. In late summer, Red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), evergreen huckleberry (V. ovatum), and tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) grow important berry crops for wildlife and humans
The Garry oak Meadow Flower Garden provides a home for these two ancient and valued ecosystems with their great diversity of species, saving them for future generations.
