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• Reputation: 675 Q&A: 19 1 4 195 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Gardening Follow Following 2 Master Gardener Andrea

  4 0 I learned about native Washington State cacti shortly after becoming trained as a Master Gardener. At the time, the Bellevue Demonstration Garden (http://www.mgfkc.org/resources/demonstration-gardens/bellevue-demonstration-garden) was planning a cactus garden to educate us about Washington natives. During the planning phase, I had the privilege to visit retired WSU Extension Agent George Pinyuh’s Kent garden, which featured an impressive collection of native cacti. Who knew? George Pinyuh will be giving a free workshop called Cactus in the Northwest at the Bellevue Demonstration Garden Saturday, August 20, 2011.  Meanwhile, what can we find in Washington? Opuntia fragilis (Brittle Prickly Pear) is the only cactus species native to western Washington. It can be found in scattered populations east of Sequim (near Port Townsend), the San Juan Islands, one spot on Whidbey. East of the mountains you can find O. fragilis, O. Columbiana, O. polyacantha, Pediocactus nigrispinus (hedgehog cactus), and Escobaria vivipara. Unfortunately, many of these plants are disappearing and conservation is encouraged. For more details and photos, read “A Primer on Washington Native Cacti” http://www.angelfire.com/bc/eucalyptus/desertnorthwest/articles/native_cacti.html. How can you grow cacti in W. Washington? "A Primer on Washington Native Cacti” states: In western Washington, all will require the exceptionally well drained soil found in a rock garden or cactus garden. You can mound up a soil mix composed mostly of grit, pumice or sand and you should have excellent results. They can also be planted between cracks in rocks. Any situation where moisture will drain away quickly, or where the roots are protected from rainfall will work for them. Opuntia fragilis prefers rather sandy soil, but the others will thrive on coarse, gravelly soil without too much fine material. I'm afraid I don't know where you can locate these natives.  If you can attend George Pinyuh's workshop, he might be able to advise. And, don’t forget to visit the Bellevue Demonstration Garden to view their collection of cacti.  Master Gardeners work in the garden every Wednesday and Saturdays from 9am - 1 pm. For gardeners who are interested in cacti and succulents, consider joining or attending a meeting of the Cascade Cactus and Succulent Society of Washington State. Contact information can be found at www.cascadecss.org.  Happy cacti gardening! Master Gardener Andrea answered in Other Gardening about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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• Reputation: 203 Q&A: 8 0 0 47 4 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Gardening Follow Following 0

  0 0 Wow, I am glad Master Gardener Andrea knows her stuff, Nanc...you plum STUMPED me on this one. I will let you in on all brassicas that grow well in our state. Your Endless Friend, Sarah Sarah Cassidy answered in Other Gardening about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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