Shade can be a problem for many gardeners, especially if one desires sun-loving perennials or roses. Dortha Murker has created a spark of light and joy in a deeply shaded garden. Located at the terminus of a dead-end street near Lake Symington, her gardens bring the viewer a restful and restorative mood, plus an invitation […]
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
A Colorful Palette for Neighborhood Joy
When Cora Reuter was a little girl, her school bus passed a blooming flower garden every afternoon. “It brought me such joy,” she recalled. Middle school years were hard for her, and the garden, full of bursting colors, made her neighborhood brighter. Now, Reuter pays it forward, giving her neighbors, young and old, a happy […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Mindful Gardening: Techniques to Release Neck Tension While You Work
Spending hours in your garden sounds like a dreamy afternoon until neck pain develops. Holding your head at odd angles to dig or pull weeds can create discomfort that lingers the rest of the day. “Prolonged forward flexion — when your head and neck bend down toward the ground — puts stress on the upper […]
Posted inGarden
The Spunky Seabird of the Salish Sea
Birds are associated with flight. All but 60 of the world’s 10,000-plus species are capable of flying. Some can only sustain flight for a short distance, while others can glide continuously for weeks. Some birds prefer other forms of transportation to flying. Ground-dwelling quails, rails and roadrunners like to run and tend to fly only […]
Posted inGarden
The Profusely Abundant, Plant-Filled Garden of Jill and Michael Betts
Jill Betts and her husband, Michael, have created a profusely planted, abundant garden on their 2.5-acre property off the Seabeck Highway. In April 2020 (at the beginning of the gardening season), she began a five-year labor of love and perhaps “obsession.” Michael Betts, who’s retired from the Navy, is a consummate builder of anything his […]
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Willow & Mabel Garden Co. Update
It has been a while since I have given you an update on what I have to offer on the farm at the moment and in the coming months. The sweet peas are now blooming beautifully and this year, I have grown more than ever. If you live locally and would like to purchase a […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
A Beginner’s Quick Guide to Pruning Flowering Plants
Pruning, or the practice of removing dead or diseased branches from flowering plants — including certain herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees and flowers — allows them to focus their energy on new growth and blossoms, which can result in a more robust and abundant flowering season. While the optimal time to prune is largely dependent on […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
The Best Vegetables to Grow in Pots
With summer fast approaching and the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to start planting and growing your own vegetables. Growing vegetables in pots is great for those who are short on space and ideal for both beginners and experts alike. As well as being a great way to incorporate more fresh vegetables […]
Posted inGarden
The Fairy Tale Garden of Wyn and Steve Abbott
Wyn and Steve Abbott live on a piece of land in Hansville that was described as “The Fairy Tale Garden” on the 2024 Hansville Helping Hands tour. Its name is perhaps appropriate in more than one way. Both Abbotts create magic, not only with their gardening efforts, but with their own artistic and creative talents. […]