AGC Member Peter Finkle sent these pictures. He wrote, “People need to be uplifted these days, and photos of beautiful flowers are a good bet, especially for this group.”
Plant Name: Iris tenax
Common name: Oregon Iris
Plant type: Perennial
Height: 1’ – 3’
Spread: 2’
Bloom Time: April – June
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
Exposure: Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Drier, Well-Drained
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes: Attracts Hummingbirds; Drought Tolerant once established; Evergreen.
Note: Rhizomes may be poisonous to animals & humans.
Uses: Rock Garden Plant; Edge of Gravel Path or Front in the Perennial Border.
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 – 9
Report submitted by: Viki Ashford
Photo Resource: Wikimedia Photo by: Peter B James Pbjamesphoto
Plant Name: Deschampsia cespitosa
Common name: Tufted Hairgrass
Plant Type: Ornamental Grass
Plant Height: 2’ – 3’
Spread: 1’ – 2’
Bloom Time: July – September
Flower Color: Tones of Gold, Silver, Purple, Green
Exposure: Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Average, Medium, Moist, Well-Drained Soil;
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes: Showy Flowers; Attracts Birds; Winter Interest; Airy Panicles of Variably-Color form a cloud that is attractive when backlit; Deer Resistant.
Note: Cut Foliage to Ground in Late Winter
Uses: Ground Cover; Rock Gardens; Mixes well with Shade Loving Perennials; Butterfly Gardens, Woodland Gardens.
Native to: Most of North America
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Report by: Viki Ashford
“As of Oct 2018 all homes within the City of Ashland, Oreg
on are considered to be in the Wildfire Hazard Zone. In addition, forested lands in and around the city lead into the Ashland Creek Watershed, the source of the City’s drinking water. Fires have been a frequent visitor to our landscape and will return due to accidents or lightning strikes. Fire plays a natural role in our forest ecosystem but can threaten homes and lives in our town. Wildfire awareness is essential to living in a wildfire hazard zone. Ashland Fire and Rescue is a valuable resource for homeowners and citizens concerned with wildfire in Ashland. The resources located here include plans, maps, and detailed information for homeowners and citizens.” Resource: https://www.ashland.or.us/ashland_wildfire_safety
Firewise Plant list: ashland.or.us/plants
Plant Name: Thalictrum sparsiflorum
Common name: Fewflower Meadow Rue
Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 4’ – 6’
Spread: 2’ – 3’
Bloom Time: June – August
Flower Color: White to Pinksh
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Average to Medium Well-Drained Soil
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes: Showy Flower; Deer Resistant. Blueish, Columbine like foliage with airy clusters atop sturdy stems.
Note: Powdery Mildew & Rust can occasionally be a problem. Contrary to its name, it produces many flowers.
Uses: Good Background Plant when grouped.
Native to: Western North America
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 7
Submitted by: Viki Ashford
Demystify Vegetable Gardening with a Spring Seed to Supper Class
Whether you live in an apartment or on acreage, learn low-cost gardening techniques for building, planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting a successful summer vegetable garden from Jackson County Master Gardener™ Association members.
Choose a convenient location and join community members for six weekly Seed to Supper classes, learning the ins and outs of good flavor, nutrition, and accomplishment from your bountiful and thrifty new vegetable garden.
Who: Adults Cost: Free To Register: Call (541) 841-6487 or email freshaccess@accesshelps.org
Locations, Dates, Times: Six weeks, during March to June.
OSU Extension Office,
569 Hanley Rd., Central Point,
Thurs, March 26–April 30, 2–4pm
New Beginnings Christian Center,
270 W Evans Creek Rd., Rogue River,
Thurs, April 16–May 21, 2-4pm
Phoenix Elementary,
215 N Rose St., Phoenix,
Tues, April 7–May 12, 5–7pm
Medford Library,
205 Central Ave., Medford,
Wed, March 18–April 22, 2–4pm
Medford YMCA,
522 W 6th St., Medford,
Wed, May 6–June 10, 6–8pm