The diversity of native plant species in this garden represents two important ecosystems grown in this region for centuries: the Garry Oak Ecosystem and the Coastal Douglas Fir Ecosystem.
Garry Oak Ecosystems and Coastal Douglas Fir Ecosystems have historically been dominant in the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island. Now, both ecosystems are endangered. The Garry Oak Meadow Flower Garden preserves these two ancient and valued ecosystems and their staggering biodiversity for future generations.
Over the past 15 years, volunteers have worked on restoring the main open meadow area in this garden 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 Garry Oak ecosystems, with the bright red and yellow blooms of Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) flowering alongside them in and around the meadow.
In the garden beds surrounding the meadow, seasonal flowers such as Broad Leafed Shooting Star (Dodecatheon hendersonii), Sea blush (Plectritis congesta), Flowering Red Currant (Ribes sanguineum), and Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum) grow through early summer. Later in the summer, catch the warm glow of Golden Rod (Solidago canadensis) or 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. Red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), evergreen huckleberry (V. ovatum), and tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) flourish and grow important berry crops for wildlife and humans alike.
