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Get to know your yard
Where is it sunny or shady? Dig in a few places to see where your soil is sand or clay, soggy year 'round or bone dry. Look around - are there plants with problems? Where do you want play areas, vegetables, color, views, or privacy? How much lawn do you need, or want to maintain? What kind of plantings would fit your yard?
Choose the right plant for the right place
Select plants that grow well in the Northwest, and fit the sun, soil, and water available in your yard. Native plants are best near waterways, and can work well on other sites too. Look around at neighbors' yards, nurseries, books, and demonstration gardens for plants that do well in sites similar to yours.
Group plants by their needs
Put plants that need full sun, or shade, or rich soil, or regular irrigation together with those with similar needs. That way you don't have to water the whole yard to reach one thirsty plant!
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