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Your Daily Dose of Natural Beauty, courtesy Advertiser Zenith Holland Nursery – Coral Lewisia carries beauty AND Native American/pioneer history:

Today we consider the brilliant coral petals of a Coral Lewisia, a plant that can add not only visual interest to your garden or patio, but is also an interesting conversation starter. “Why’s that?” – you may ask. To begin, we can look at the lovely colors of the native Pacific Nothwesterner; a stimulating display of tone-on-tone coral is found in the variegated blooms of this perennial flowering plant, which attract both bees and butterflies. The deep orange streaks form a starburst radiating from the center of the flower, enhancing the more delicate halo of pale coral petals. Few could argue that it fails to lend visual interest wherever you choose to place it in your landscaping scheme.

But along with a feast for the eyes, this plant has an interesting history. A hint to the backstory is in the name Coral Lewisia, named after Merriweather Lewis, he of the legendary duo, Lewis and Clark. Lewis is credited with discovering a specimen of Lewisia in 1806 while on the famous expedition. The history of this plant extends much further back, however, as it was known as “bitterroot” by native Americans who ate the root (boiling reduces the bitterness)and used it as a remedy for sore throats. It is also known to spur-on lactation. It is not a surprising coincidence that the general location of Lewis’ discovery became known as the Bitterroot Mountains.

As you would expect of a native plant, Lewisia require little care in our area, aside from choosing a well drained spot to plant them. They are often used in rockeries, but can also be placed in pots, as long as they are protected from prolonged wet weather, which can lead to root rot.

Lewisia are found in a variety of colors, but the coral strain are undeniably eye-catching. Visitors to you garden may easily to note their warm tone vibrance, at which point you can dazzle them further with your knowledge of their storied past!

You can learn more about caring for Lewisia here:

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/lewisia.html

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR
This “Daily Dose of Natural Beauty” is brought to you by Zenith Holland Nursery, thanking you and the South King County community for your continuing support.

As a designated “Essential Business” member of the Food and Agriculture sector, Zenith Holland Nursery is operating daily offering a broad selection of edibles including fruits and cool season vegetable starts that can be planted now. Owner /Operator Lyn Robinson and her husband are on site daily to assist customers with their horticultural needs, while other staff remain safely at home.

If you are one of the many folks who would like to seize your stay-at-home time to plant a Victory garden, Zenith Holland can help. They are a local resource for seeds, soil and fertilizer. While practicing social distancing measures on site, they can also answer questions or orders by phone.

Established in 1907, Zenith Holland Nursery is proud to be the oldest continually operating business in Des Moines. They specialize in growing and providing quality plants ranging from hardy perennials to culinary herbs, colorful annuals, sedums, ground covers and hanging baskets. The nursery sits on just over an acre of land with eleven greenhouses.

Zenith Holland is located just south of downtown Des Moines at 23260 Marine View Drive South (map below).

Their current hours are:

    • Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. so you can shop small, shop local, shop essential.

Zenith Holland Nursery
23260 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines, WA 98198

Phone: (206) 878-7002

Website: https://www.zenithholland.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZenithHollandGardens/

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. To learn more about how your business can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at [email protected].