The SER-UW Native Plant Nursery is uniquely positioned to research the behaviors of native plants. With intellectual and infrastructure support from the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture, our team is encouraged to experiment with treatment methods and fine-tune our understanding of significant local species and native plant nursery best practices. The following resources represent the significant infrastructure projects, research trials, and informational resources we’ve developed.
Research at the SER-UW Native Plant Nursery
Our nursery has an intimate and collaborative relationship with the University of Washington that exposes staff and students to native plant production techniques. Our research focuses on elevating and enhancing the best practices within the native plant nursery industry.
Nursery Projects
Our nursery staff and volunteers are constantly looking for new opportunities to improve our operations. Check out some of our recent projects!
Beneficial Insectaries
Beneficial insectaries are a form of integrated pest management (IPM) that uses biological control. Insectaries are designed to attract and create habitat for the natural enemies of pests, which then predate nursery pests.
Coppice Garden
Coppicing is a form of vegetative reproduction for woody shrubs that root easily. We grow Red Osier Dogwood Pacific Ninebark, Twinberry Honeysuckle, and Snowberry in our coppice beds.
Rotational Camas Beds
Camas can take several years to mature before flowering – sometimes upwards of a decade. Our rational beds provide a steady supply of mature bulbs.
Wet Beds
Wet beds allow us to acclimate our riparian plants to environmental conditions similar to that of their future out-planting sites.
Internship Projects
Each quarter, student interns produce an individual project based around their interests and the needs of the nursery. Projects have included, but are not limited to; data analysis, experiments, infrastructure improvements, and industry whitepapers.
Spring 2024 Projects
Winter 2024 Projects
Have the SER-UW Nursery Wet Beds Wet the Bed?
Planning for a UW Native Plant Nursery Conference
Stratification and Gibberellic Acid Effects on Thalictrum occidentale Germination
Survey of Plant Sale Customers
Tracking Pediocactus nigrispinus Germination From Seed
Utilizing Coppice Cuttings to Implement Self-Sustaining Bio-Fences for Pest Management
Fall 2023 Projects
Spring 2023 Projects
Winter 2023 Projects
Resources