Bonnie Bruce of Celilo Gardens | Illustrations by Katy Dockrill
With small gardens, it’s important to choose plants that will mature to the appropriate size and not become huge. These are some great options.
BEESIA DELTOPHYLLA
Mounding evergreen with shiny, heart-shaped leaves. Produces small white blooms. Grows to 12 inches high. Likes partial shade. Water regularly.
CHAMAECYPARIS LAWSONIANA
Dwarf evergreen conifer with blue/gray/green foliage. Columnar and compact. Grows slowly up to 6 feet. Likes sun or light shade. Somewhat drought tolerant.
CAREX OSHIMENSIS
Early blooming, evergreen grass with lime green strappy leaves which age to golden and create a bright spot in the garden. At maturity, it will form a clump 18″ to 20″ in diameter. Likes partial shade to full sun. Water regularly.
TAXUS BACCATA
Evergreen conifer. New growth is bright golden aging to dark green with red bell-shaped berries in winter. Narrow and compact size is perfect for tight spaces. Matures to 7′ high and 18″ diameter. Likes full sun. Somewhat drought tolerant.
ATHYRIUM NIPONICUM
Many varieties. Includes delicate blush of burgundy running down the center of each frond. Grows 12″ to 15″ high, 12″ to 24″ in diameter. Likes shade. Water regularly.
VACCINIUM NUMMULARIA
Edible groundcover blueberry. Small, oval evergreen leaves tinged with orange, white spring flowers and edible berries. Grows 12″ to 15″ high, 18″ to 20″ in diameter. Likes full sun. Water regularly.
