First year blooms of verbena hastata, attracted a grey hairstreak! Portland metro area

Western wahoo (Euonymus occidentalis) in bloom now - a lesser common native shade loving shrub. Nice big patch of it in bloom right now at Columbia Springs trails in Vancouver, Wa.

Noticed people asking about what pacific wax Myrtle hedge looks like and native evergreen hedges in general.

I found these hedges around my city to inspire you.

Photos 1,2 are Pacific Wax Myrtle - while I like its wild look, I’m sure you could trim this up to be a tighter hedge if preferred.

Photos 3,4 are Coast Silk Tassel which also makes an attractive evergreen hedge

Of the two, pacific wax Myrtle grows and matures faster, but if you are patient, you can see silk tassel makes a really attractive hedge, and when it’s in bloom it looks really dreamy with the flower tassels!

Saw this posted on a habitat Facebook page. Good opportunities to view IRL native plant gardens. Portland area

“The Council voting to select Alternative 2 as their preferred alternative is in direct opposition of what the majority of public commenters expressed wanting in written comments and testimony for this week’s Hearing. The Council’s decision also contradicts the Ag Advisory Commission and Ag Lands Study recommendations while favoring the Planning Commission’s recommendations… Clark County’s projected growth could be accommodated within existing UGAs.

Alternative 2 would expand the UGAs of most Cities adding 1,037 of rural county land including 787 acres of good or prime agricultural soils and 882 acres of land with prime or good forest soils, and rezoning 355 acres of agricultural land to urban designations (CCDCP, 2025:39-40). “

TLDR; despite public outcry, against ag lands advisory recommendations, and risking further noncompliance with state law, majority of councilors signaled they value development and urban sprawl over future food security and natural resource protection.