Coastal Gardening in Washington: From Wood Piles to a Thriving Paradise

Embracing the Coastal Garden: From Wood Piles to Blossoms

Owning a piece of land on the Washington coast is like holding a treasure chest of natural beauty. The combination of healthy soil, ample moisture, and the existing bounty of huckleberries and blackberries creates a gardener’s paradise. As you prepare to expand your garden with additional berries, herbs, and flowers, let’s delve into some practical advice to transform your coastal haven into a thriving ecosystem.

The Wood Pile Dilemma: A Decomposition Project

One of the most immediate challenges, and also opportunities, is the substantial wood pile. The fact that it’s rotten through is actually a good thing, as it indicates it’s well on its way to becoming valuable organic matter. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach this.

Assessing the Situation:

• Size Matters: The sheer size of the pile is your primary consideration. If it’s truly massive, attempting to move it manually could be backbreaking and potentially dangerous. Assess if you have access to machinery, like a skid-steer, or if you need to consider professional help.
• Decomposition Stage: How far gone is the wood? Is it mostly broken down into smaller pieces, or is it still holding some structure? This will influence your approach.
• Soil Conditions: Remember that the coastal environment is prone to high moisture levels. This can accelerate decomposition but also impact drainage. Consider the surrounding soil’s drainage capabilities.

Options for Handling the Wood Pile:

1. Burying the Pile (As Is, or in Sections):

   • The Case for Burying: Burying the wood pile is an excellent way to recycle the organic matter back into the soil, enriching it and improving its structure. As the wood decomposes, it creates a nutrient-rich environment for plant roots.
   • Considerations for Burial: If the pile is too large to move, you could consider burying it in sections. This will allow you to manage the process more easily.
   • Excavation: If you have access to machinery, dig a large trench or multiple trenches. If not, be prepared for significant manual labor. The depth of the trench doesn’t need to be excessive, but should be deep enough to cover the wood pile with at least 1-2 feet of soil. This will prevent the wood from drying out and speed up the decomposition process.
   • Layering: You might consider layering the wood with other organic materials, like compost or green waste, to speed up decomposition and add even more nutrients.

2. Breaking Down the Pile:

   • Smaller Piles for Easier Management: If the wood pile is relatively accessible, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable piles. This will make it easier to handle and bury.
   • Tools for the Job: Depending on the wood’s state, you might need a combination of tools – a sturdy shovel, a pickaxe, and possibly even a small chainsaw for larger pieces. Safety first: wear gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear.
   • Location: Decide where you will put the wood pile after breaking it down, and make sure it is easily accessible.

3. Composting In Place:

   • Accelerating Decomposition: You can accelerate the wood’s decomposition by layering it with other organic materials, such as nitrogen-rich green waste (grass clippings, food scraps), and keeping the pile moist.
   • Turning: Turning the pile regularly (every few weeks or months) will help to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
   • Time: This method takes more time, however it can lead to a superior result in terms of soil quality.

Planting on Top of the Buried Wood:

• The Benefits of Raised Beds: Burying wood creates a natural raised bed, which is beneficial for drainage in a coastal environment. This is particularly helpful in areas that tend to be waterlogged.

• Soil Selection: Before planting, cover the buried wood with a layer of good quality topsoil mixed with compost. This provides a good environment for plant roots.

• Plant Choices: Consider plants that thrive in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Here are some suggestions:

  • Berries: Your existing huckleberries and blackberries are a great start. You can add more, such as blueberries, raspberries, and other berry varieties. Just remember to consider the sunlight requirements.
  • Herbs: Many herbs will do very well in this environment. Try rosemary, thyme, lavender, and oregano. These herbs enjoy good drainage.
  • Flowers: Consider rhododendrons (if the soil is acidic enough), hydrangeas, and other flowering plants that are suited to the coastal climate. Native plants are often a good choice.
  • Vegetables: If you have enough sun, vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash will do well.

Taming the Ivy: A Persistent Challenge

Ivy can be an aggressive invader, and removing it from your property is essential to protect your other plants. Here are some strategies:

• Manual Removal: Pulling ivy is a tried-and-true method, but it requires diligence and persistence. Make sure to remove as much of the root system as possible. The more complete you are with pulling the roots the less the ivy will return.

  • Timing: The best time to pull ivy is after a good rain, when the soil is soft.
  • Tools: Use a sturdy weeding tool or a small shovel to help you get the roots. Be careful when using these tools around the roots of other plants.
  • Disposal: Dispose of the ivy properly. Do not compost it, as it can re-root.

• Smothering:

  • Mulching: Cover the ivy with a thick layer of mulch (wood chips, bark, etc.). This blocks sunlight and deprives the ivy of what it needs to grow. It can take time, but it’s effective.
  • Cardboard or Landscape Fabric: Lay down cardboard or landscape fabric over the ivy before applying the mulch. This adds an extra layer of protection and speeds up the process.

• Herbicides: Herbicides can be effective, but they must be used with caution.

  • Choose the Right Herbicide: Select a herbicide labeled for ivy control. Look for products containing glyphosate or triclopyr.
  • Application: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Apply the herbicide to the ivy leaves, avoiding contact with other plants.
  • Safety: Wear protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a mask. Work on a day with little to no wind, to prevent the spray from drifting onto other plants.
  • Repeat: You may need to apply herbicide multiple times to completely eradicate the ivy. Monitor the area and re-treat as necessary.

• Combining Methods: A combination of methods is often the most effective approach. Start by pulling as much ivy as possible, then smother the remaining plants with mulch, and finally, spot-treat any regrowth with herbicide.

Expanding Your Coastal Garden: Berries, Herbs, and Flowers

With the wood pile project underway and the ivy under control, it’s time to plan your new additions.

• Berries: The Washington coast is ideal for berries. Consider adding:

  • Blueberries: These thrive in acidic soil. Amend the soil with peat moss or compost to lower the pH.
  • Raspberries: Both summer-bearing and ever-bearing varieties do well. Provide support for the canes.
  • Other Berries: Consider adding gooseberries, currants, or other varieties that appeal to you.

• Herbs: Choose herbs that thrive in your microclimate.

  • Culinary Herbs: Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are great choices.
  • Other Herbs: Mint (plant in a container, as it can be invasive), chives, and lemon balm add interest and variety.

• Flowers: Select flowers that suit the coastal conditions and provide a visual spectacle throughout the seasons.

  • Perennials: Consider coneflowers, lupines, and black-eyed susans.
  • Annuals: Zinnias, petunias, and marigolds add color throughout the summer.
  • Bulbs: Plant daffodils, tulips, and other spring-blooming bulbs in the fall for early season color.

Soil Health: The Foundation of a Thriving Garden

Healthy soil is crucial for the success of any garden. Your coastal property likely has good soil to start with, but you can improve it further.

• Amendments: Add compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic matter to the soil to improve its structure, drainage, and nutrient content.
• Mulching: Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
• Soil Testing: Consider having your soil tested to determine its pH and nutrient levels. This will help you to make informed decisions about soil amendments.

The Coastal Microclimate: Understanding the Environment

The coastal environment brings unique challenges and opportunities.

• Moisture: The high moisture levels are generally a benefit, but they can also lead to fungal diseases. Choose plants that are resistant to these diseases.
• Wind: Wind can damage plants and dry out the soil. Provide windbreaks if necessary.
• Salt Spray: Some plants are sensitive to salt spray. Choose plants that are tolerant of salt or plant them in a sheltered location.
• Sunlight: Assess the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some areas may be shady, while others get full sun. Select plants that are appropriate for the light conditions.

Final Thoughts

Your Washington coast property is a blank canvas with limitless potential. By addressing the wood pile, managing the ivy, and carefully selecting your plants, you can create a beautiful, productive, and sustainable garden that you can enjoy for years to come. Embrace the process, learn from your experiences, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of gardening in this unique and rewarding environment.