The following information sheets are available as pdf files:

Nursery topics
Native plants for urban landscapes - species list for ornamental plantings
Native plants for screening septic mounds - species list for screening septic mounds including planting maintenance recommendations
Why local genetics? - article on why it is important to choose native plants from local genetic stock
Plants we don't grow - some plants we do not grow and the reasons why
Plants not to buy - considering site conditions and surroundings before deciding to buy certain species

Please see our catalog for information on more nursery topics

Project planning
Fall planting - explains why fall is the best time of year to plant!
Wintertime planting - why winter is a fine time to plant in western Washington
Plant size - information to help you determine the right size plant material for your project
Calculating plant quantities/plant spacing guidelines - general guidelines on calculating plant quantities, including spacing for low, medium, and high density plantings.
Availability of native plants in western Washington - species, forms, and sizes of native plants generally available
Plant bid request - a list of information a nursery must have to efficiently bid on your plant list; also includes a bid request template (pdf file; print to use)
Installation bid request - a list of information landscape contractors must have to efficiently bid on your project, to help you get increased and more consistent responses; also includes a bid request template

Site preparation
Earthwork and site preparation - recommendations on timing, decompaction, habitat features, and weed control
Mulches - table outlining functions, recommended depth, sources, and costs for various mulch materials (wood chips, bark, straw, etc.)
Compost - descriptions of various products available and a discussion on different types of applications
Compost Socks - an explanation of this erosion control technique, including installation specifics
Soil treatments - drawbacks and benefits for fertilizers, amendments, and mulches to help you choose the best treatment for your project site
Weed control: English ivy - descriptions of the damage English ivy does to other vegetation and to steep slopes, plus how to remove
Weed control: Field bindweed - various control methods by mechanical, light limitation and chemical means
Weed control: Herb Robert - various control methods for this newer invader
Weed control: Himalayan blackberry - strategies for control
Weed control: Invasive knotweeds - strategies for control for various invasive knotweed species prevalent in western Washington
Weed control: Reed canarygrass - methods to control this aggressive wetland non-native by mechanical, chemical, and competitive means

Vegetation
Evaluating plant health before planting - how to inspect the plants you ordered to decide if they are healthy stock
Marine shoreline species - a list of plant species that commonly occur on marine shorelines and bluffs
Information on live stakes and cuttings - overview of types of material, how to order and handle the material, and tips for success
Role of vegetation in slope stability - the various ways vegetation helps to stabilize slopes
Salvaging native plants - recommended species to target, equipment needed and other details helpful for staging a successful salvage operation
Weeds to watch out for - list of invasive plants new to western Washington (Fall 2007)
Prevegetated coir logs - information on improving erosion control and vegetation establishment with prevegetated logs made from woven coconut fiber

Please see our catalog for more information on vegetation and species selection topics

Soils
Native soils of western Washington - basic overview of the derivation and characteristics of soils of western Washington
Limiting soil compaction - reduce impact on a planting site through comprehensive site assessment, planning and scheduling, and low-impact practices and techniques
Restoring compacted soils - foster a healthier soil through mulch, soil amendments and various decompaction methods

Installation
Plant storage and care on site - as you are getting ready to receive plants at your installation site, consider how to best care for them until they go in the ground
Planting tips - recommendations on planting depth, root disturbance, watering in, and staking; link to planting video and brochure produced by WSU Cooperative Extension: Plant it Right
Planting diagram - drawing of a well-installed plant
Plant protectors - information on protecting plants from wildlife and the benefits of tree shelters
Weed cloth - installation specifics and uses of weed cloth (also known as landscape fabric)
Erosion control fabric - information on various types of products available and installation specifics
What to do about beavers!?! - ecological role of beavers, effects on restoration projects and how you can protect your plantings
Fascine installation - how and why to use fascines for site stabilization projects
Summer irrigation - descriptions and recommendations of irrigation systems for summer watering, especially important for spring plantings

General
Irrigation systems for restoration and mitigation sites - paper presented at the 2003 SER/SWS Northwest Chapter Annual Meeting; includes summary table and irrigation schematic
Estimating slope - slope terminology and estimation methods
Wetland buffers - explanation of the ecological functions and importance of wetland buffers as well as various permit requirements
Wetland delineations - explanation of a "jurisdictional" wetland and the wetland delineation process
Priority habitats - overview of what priority habitats are and how these areas are regulated
Priority species - explanation of priority species and the regulations that apply
What is native? - basic overview of plant taxonomy and how we define the "native" in Sound Native Plants
Indicators of potentially unstable slopes - focuses on hydrophilic (water-loving) vegetation and the effects of moving water on soil
References and resources - list of field guides, organizations, periodicals, and books that we have found more or less useful on native plants, native plant gardening, and landscape management topics