We will be moving to the greater Seattle area within the next year and finding a town that is "gardener-friendly" is foremost on our list. Would like suggestions as to what areas have better soil, climate/or whatever you consider to be other gardening- oriented redeeeming features (lots of nurseries, clubs, or ?). Thanx for your help!
I lived in Redmond (about 20 miles east of Seattle) many years ago and always had good luck growing things there. The climate is good for all sorts of annuals and perennials and one of the most fantastic nurseries in the area is just north of Redmond in Woodinville. You have to visit Molbak's. They have a great selection of indoor and outdoor plants. I spent many hours and lots of $$ there!
The farther east you go the colder it gets in winter, rather rapidly shrinking the number of kinds of some types of plants you can grow. Various things that will persist in Seattle will freeze out periodically in Redmond (see climate zone maps and discussion in Sunset WESTERN GARDEN BOOK). If you are interested in Zonal Denial plants you will want to be right on Puget Sound, where a record low might even be above 10F. If you are mostly focused on alpine plants or other cold climate lovers, the closer to the mountains the better.
Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties put you within easy commuting distance of the major job areas (Seattle, Redmond, Bellevue, Tacoma). There are also many nurseries in these areas; some of my favorites (larger nurseries): Molbaks - Woodinville Flower World - Snohomish/Woodinville Swansons - Seattle There are gardening clubs in nearly every community, or within driving distance. You can also locate regional gardening groups via Web groups such as davesgarden.com. These 'virtual' groups often get together for special gatherings/activities. (Check out the PNW - Pacific Northwest forum on Dave's Garden for more info on area gardening events and clubs.) Puyallup (in Pierce County) is home to a plant pathology lab, sponsored by the local land grant college (WSU - 6 hours to the East!) and the area is home to many Master Gardeners.
