Vancouver’s Naturally Beautiful Backyards Earth Friendly Garden Tour 2008 on Tuesday, July 01, 2008

by Scott Lukens

On July 13, 2008, my yard will be part of The Naturally Beautiful Backyards Earth Friendly Garden Tour.  This program of Columbia Springs is offered in partnership with Clark County Solid Waste Program, Washington.  The goal of the tour is to provide an opportunity for Clark County residents to be inspired by local gardeners who use natural gardening techniques. Earth-friendly gardens are healthier for children, pets and the environment.

The July 13, 2008 self-guided tour will highlight 15 gardens, each featuring host gardeners and volunteers on hand to answer questions about alternatives to chemicals, pest remedies, and plant species that support native wildlife and thrive in urban environments.  I’ve been pruning like crazy, but I’ve quit worrying about our mole holes—the moles will leave as soon as the ground hardens. 

Our water feature is a bird magnet, but the real stars of the tour will be:  our butteffly garden, our hummingbird garden, all the native plants we have planted (and don’t have to water), our mason bee blocks, and our compost bins.  In the 7 years we’ve lived here, we’ve reduced the grassy lawn by 50%, replacing it with native plants that provide habitat for backyard birds and other wildlife.