1 June 2019
The front of the house showing a grape arbor in the middle; to the left is a large old "miniature rose" bush, to the right is the front yard, planted in a wide variety of plants. To the right is a stand of sunchokes (Helianthus tuberosus), and numerous foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) - both purple and white forms.
I used to mow this yard, like my other neighbors, but gave it up several years ago and started planting. Among the plants are several native grasses and large clumps of (native?) bunch grass, which had grown under the oak since I moved here in 1968 - they were continuously mowed down in the succeeding years, but somehow managed to survive. Now I let them grow to their natural stature - clumps about 3 feet tall and almost 3 feet wide, with sharp saw tooth edges which will cut the skin if brushed against. I think these must be native bunch grasses associated with the Oregon White Oak, since both are very tough and enduring.
