Traditional dried-flower arranging is an art that seeks to capture the beauty, form and color of flowers in their peak of bloom and suspend it in time. This practice uses tools such as glycerin, silica gel, flower presses and microwaves to control the drying for realistic preservation. With these tools, flowers and foliage can last […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inHome
How Comfy is Your Comfort Zone?
A great deal has been written about mental comfort zones. The internet is full of Venn diagrams with a puny circle titled “your comfort zone” and a large circle with no overlap titled “this is where the magic happens” — implying that you must leave your comfort zone altogether to experience any magic. The notion […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
DIY Projects to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
Are you taking advantage of your yard and maximizing its potential as a living space? All you need is a bit of time and energy to transform your yard into the perfect place to spend time with family and friends. “There are so many projects homeowners can do themselves to increase the appeal and usability […]
Posted inGarden
A Personal Retrospective on the Gig Harbor Garden Tour
This year, the Gig Harbor Garden Tour is celebrating its 20th anniversary. During the years of my involvement with this event, I have met many generous gardeners as well as volunteers who have dedicated many hours to the tour’s success. On one of my first garden tours, I remember introducing myself to Sue Goetz. It […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Why You Should Become a Citizen Scientist
Citizen scientists are the new science superheroes, volunteering their time and experience to gather data in support of research projects from astronomy to zoology. So, what is Citizen Science all about. Citizen science is a collaboration between scientists and members of the public to expand opportunities for data collection and analysis. There are many benefits […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Where Does Art Go?
Disposing of art is a sensitive subject. Having too much “stuff” can be quite a dilemma — but having too much art, unwanted art or art that doesn’t fit the décor is really a dilemma, because just the word “art” connotes a certain reverence. The “Got Stuff” article in the last issue did not include […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Enchanted in Hoi An
Many things make Vietnam magical. You feel the magic as the sun rises from the South China Sea and when the sun sets over the green rice paddies. You feel it from the genuine, kind and curious people. You taste it in the phenomenal cuisine. But there is one place in Vietnam that is more […]
Posted inCommunity News
‘Oasis in the City’ Adds ‘Open Garden Fridays’
Albers Vista Gardens has extended its hours of operation — it will be open to the public every Friday, noon to 4, from June 23 through Oct. 20. A guide will be available to escort individuals or small groups on a leisurely walk to appreciate the beauty of nature in summer and fall, or just […]
Posted inAround West Sound
New ‘Big Chairs’ Pop Up Around Kingston
“It makes me feel like a child again!” Susan Rodgers smiles as she talks about sitting in one of the big Adirondack chairs that seem to be multiplying around Kingston. You can’t miss the “Big Chairs” if you walk off the ferry or just come by the waterfront for a stroll. It all started with […]