Fall may be a better time to plant perennials than spring. Like spring, fall has cooler, rainier weather that is more conducive to helping plants establish. Unlike spring, fall doesn’t subject freshly planted perennials to the stress of summer heat and the dry spells this can cause. Here are a few other points to consider […]
Garden
Many interesting and delightful gardens abound in our area — how fun to glimpse into a gardener’s back yard (or even front yard). Enjoy gardens from Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Central Kitsap, and the North end of Kitsap including Bainbridge Island. These articles are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inGarden
Supporting the Natural Ecosystem with Native Plants
Specialty nurseries are a magnet for serious gardeners — and Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery, located in Gig Harbor’s backyard, is a favorite. With a timely message for gardeners concerned about garden resiliency for climate change, Ingrid Wachtler and her staff are ready to help. “Native plants are not necessarily low-water-use plants because many are wetland […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Daffodils with a Difference
There are so many reasons to love daffodils. These spring-blooming bulbs aren’t fussy about where they are planted. They come back to bloom again year after year, and are not bothered by deer, rabbits or other garden pests. But there’s also a whole world of beautiful daffodils beyond the classic yellow ones. Daffodils are available […]
Posted inGarden
The Dream of a ‘Secret Garden’ Comes to Life as a Place of Solace
Stepping into the garden surrounding the happy yellow house on a quiet cul-de-sac, you are entering a wonderland of vignettes — a secret garden full of treasures at every turn. Blousy, full, flowering plants; miniature glass houses; displays of birdhouses; and even a real vintage bed in the garden elicit oohs and ahhhhs. Debbie’s (last […]
Posted inGarden
Exploring Tasty Treasures of the Forest: Mushrooms
In the dead of the night, deep in the Central Cascades, Jeremy Collison navigated the dark woods, with only a headlamp to cut through the curtain of mist separating him from his prize. While others might curse the precipitation, Collison and his companions celebrated, as each drop puddling on their skin signaled a higher chance […]
Posted inGarden
Adding Color and Scents to Your Midsummer Garden
July and August are the perfect months to add more plants to West Sound gardens. Whether you are a more seasoned or a new gardener, check out the offerings at local nurseries. There are still plenty of wonderful plants to enjoy and all of the following plant suggestions are great for natural pollinators. The only […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
10 Plants to Grow and Use in Your Tea Garden
There is nothing better than drinking a delicious cup of tea. Except drinking a cup made from plants grown in your own garden. Ditch the classics and get ready for your new home-grown favorites. 1. Lemon grass Towering in the garden, lemongrass is truly a unique plant. Its stems create an oil rich in lemony […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Keep Plants Thriving Despite the Heat of Summer
Above-normal summer temperatures have been common in the last few years in many regions of the country, taking a toll on gardeners and landscapes. Adjusting how you manage your gardens and landscape can help plants thrive as temperatures rise. Water plants thoroughly to promote deep, drought-tolerant roots that help boost the plants’ pest resistance. Wait […]
Posted inGarden
Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden
Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees! Sadly, there has been a decline in the health of our pollinators, and it’s important for gardeners to create a pollinator-friendly garden. You will need to provide blooming plants, which is their food source; shelter in the form of large-leaved shrubs, trees and tall grasses; and water to encourage their survival. […]