Season 1
EPISODE 1
In this episode of Land Language, hosts Brit Sastrawidjaya and Bethany Rydmark sit down with nursery owner, author, and plant ecologist Paul Bonine (co-owner of Xera Plants, paleoclimatology background, and longtime horticultural educator). Together, they go deep into the future of regenerative landscaping through native annuals, cover cropping, soil biology, and plant-driven weed management.
“ Every garden should have a succession plan, not just a planting plan.”
—Paul Bonine
Paul Bonine, co-owner of Xera Plants, author, and plant ecologist, brings decades of experience observing Pacific Northwest ecosystems up close—from clay soils that turn to concrete in summer, to the evolutionary role of native annuals, to the quiet intelligence of succession plants like ceanothus, clover, meadowfoam, and clinopodium. This episode reframes how designers and contractors think about weeds, soil, irrigation, and the plants we choose as tools — not just ornament.
This is a foundational conversation for any practitioner seeking to reduce carbon-heavy construction habits, increase biodiversity, and work with the land’s ecological timing instead of fighting it.
We explore:
Using plants as tools — meadowfoam, clover, ceanothus, and vines that solve real site problems
Cover crops as soil builders, moisture managers, and alternatives to mechanical soil prep
Weeds as indicators, not enemies — when pulling harms soil biology and when not to pull
Succession planting for nitrogen fixation, weed suppression, and long-term soil regeneration
Working with native ecologies in clay soils, forests, drought periods, and compacted sites
Low-carbon landscape practice — reducing trucking, mulch dependence, and unnecessary disturbance
Shifting client expectations toward seasonal change, wildness, and realistic maintenance
This episode is a masterclass in practical ecological landscaping—plant-forward, science-grounded, and refreshingly honest about what truly works in the Pacific Northwest.
Paul Bonine is a renowned plantsman, author, and co-owner of Xera Plants, a Portland-based nursery specializing in climate-adapted, pollinator-supportive, and regionally appropriate plants.
With a background in paleoclimatology and over 40 years in the nursery industry, Paul is known for his deep knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecology, his work on the Sunset Western Garden Book, and his pioneering advocacy for native annuals and cover crops in urban landscapes. His practical, ecology-first approach has shaped how designers and homeowners across the region understand plants, soil, and climate resilience.
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