With Sunshine Appearing (More Frequently), Thoughts Turn to Spring Gardening in Sammamish

If you never thought that something could look almost completely symmetrical and round - all on its own - it might be time to look at the soil beneath your feet.

Sammamish gardeners already know that with the right love and care, and weather, too, bulbs and flowers can sprout with vibrancy and lushness. Both can take your eyes away from the dryness that is often associated with the color brown.

According to the calendar, spring has arrived. So, Sammamish Patch thought it would be worthwhile to look at what's in store at the Gray Barn Nursery & Garden Center.

It sits at the bottom of the Plateau on the Redmond side just off State Route 202. Just head north on, but down Sahalee Way Northeast until it meets the state highway, which is also known as Northeast Redmond-Fall City Road.

This place is quiet. It's also peaceful to stroll the nursery grounds to see what's already sprouting and what soon will bloom.

On the tables on Tuesday sat pansies, orchids, daisies, sage, catmint and assorted other flowers and plants. All in hues that can make you stop and look. Purple, yellow, pink, a light maroon.

Assistant Manager Lindsey Irwin encouraged people, especially those who are new to cultivating plants and vegetables, to continue gardening despite last year's spring rain from April to June.

"A lot of people ventured out last year to try it," she said. "But last year's weather was horrible."

The allure, though, for gardening remains, she added. "It's organics. It's knowing where your food comes from," she said.

The region's bumpy economy also has nudged people to grow their own.

What gardeners can do in March, Irwin said, is to begin fertilizing, especially areas where there are roses, lawns and perenials. The Gray Barn Nursery sells organic fertilizer and she encouraged people to be cautious with synthetic ones.

People also might want to consider adding compost to their gardens in the spring, Irwin said. "That helps make your soil more nutritious," she said.

Among the vegetables, she said, that can be planted in March: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes and onions.

"Everything we have now, you can plant," she said, adding that pansies are an option.

Of course, all with the goal of seeing if something delicious -- or even vibrant, round and symmetrical -- can sprout from the ground.

In a way, that seems to be half the fun.

And the barn, which is a reminder of the Sammamish-Redmond area's rural past?

It was built in 1916, she said.

Editor's note: The Gray Barn Nursery has its own blog. Staff members offer their picks for best performing plants. The nursery also has a Facebook page. In fact, check the nursery's Facebook page because it looks like specials are offered periodically. If you have photographs of your vegetables and flowers, feel free to add to this gallery or send them to brad.wong@patch.com, if you'd like to see them on Sammamish Patch.