Visit the Echo Lake School Native Plant Garden Saturday

6th Grade volunteers tend the garden
Echo Lake Elementary Native Plant Garden
Photo by Donna Franklin

Saturday, April 27, 11am -3pm
The entrance to the garden is on N 195th between Wallingford and Ashworth

The Echo Lake School Native Plant Garden is on display as a part of the Washington Native Plant Society Native Plant Appreciation Week.

The garden is in its fifth year and is really beginning to flourish. In 2009 work parties cleared part of a large, ivy-covered slope and students planted the first shrubs and perennials. The next year the school district cleared the remaining ivy and prepared it for planting. The result was an area 35 feet by 100 feet which was divided into six different habitats: deciduous woodland, coniferous forest, coastal bluff, mountain meadow, prairie, and wetland. There are currently 114 different species of native plants representing 44 plant families growing in the garden. The plants are labeled with wooden stakes or metal tags.

Woodland trail through the garden
Photo by Donna Franklin

Trails, lined with salvaged logs and weathered fence planks, provide access to the different areas. Tree stumps provide a bit of seating, and rocks, rotting logs and dead branches add interest. Teachers bring their classes to the garden to walk around, write poetry, sketch, etc. or sometimes for formal tours. Students in the Green Thumb Cub give up recess time to help maintain the garden.

There are other gardens on display too. More information about the Washington Native Plant Society and the Native Plant Appreciation Week.