As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, gardeners in the Pacific Northwest may feel a sense of dread creeping in. But according to renowned horticulturist Marianne Binetti, this time of year presents a unique opportunity to rejuvenate your green spaces and set the stage for a vibrant growing season ahead.
Protecting Tender Plants
One of Binetti's key pieces of advice is to focus on protecting tender plants from the region's wet and mild winters. "The wet is what really gets these plants," she explains. "It's not the cold that freezes them, but the constant dampness that can lead to root rot." Her solution? Move potted plants close to the house, under the eaves or beneath the branches of evergreen trees, to shield them from the relentless winter rains. As she advises in The Olympian, "It is the wet that rots these tender plants, not the cold that freezes them."
Embracing Seasonal Rhythms
What this really means is that Pacific Northwest gardeners need to attune themselves to the region's unique seasonal rhythms. "We're not the Midwest or the East Coast," Binetti points out. "Our winters are mild, but they're also wet. That requires a different approach." She encourages gardeners to take cues from nature, observing how local plants respond to the changing conditions. "Notice the first signs of spring, the bounty of summer, and the leaf change in fall," she advises. "You don't need a garden to enjoy a garden."
Investing in the Right Plants
The bigger picture here is that successful Pacific Northwest gardening is about working with the climate, not against it. Binetti recommends prioritizing plants that thrive in the region's wet, mild conditions, such as hellebores, primroses, and Japanese maples. "Life is too short to ignore plant lust," she quips. "If you've always wanted a certain plant, make it a priority to get it this year."
Preparing for Spring
As winter turns to spring, Binetti encourages gardeners to get a head start on their seasonal chores. She recommends pruning fruit trees, planting cool-weather crops like peas and lettuce, and getting a jump on weeding before the growing season kicks into high gear. "Pulling, hoeing or smothering all weeds in your garden during the spring months will make a huge difference in the weed population over the summer," she says.
By embracing the unique challenges and opportunities of the Pacific Northwest's winter climate, gardeners can set themselves up for a thriving, vibrant growing season. As Binetti puts it, "Delight in the beauty of a new year and have a productive 2026."