Procrastination. Generally a dirty word, and yet, it doesn’t always have to be. I have plenty of experience in the field, and have come to the conclusion that in gardening, procrastination can be a beautiful thing. Like the time I left a pile of weeds on the path because I’d much rather pull weeds in […]
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 inBlog, Featured, Gardeners Corner
How to Create Tiny, Whimsical Gardens in Cracked Pots
Sooner or later, every gardener ends up with a few broken or cracked pottery, ceramic or clay pots. What’s a gardener to do? They’re often way too nice to throw away. My friend, Melissa Lawrence, shows us how to create beauty out of tragedy. And, if you’ve never broken a container, we’ll show you how […]
Posted inAround West Sound, Blog, Featured, Gardeners Corner
Take Advantage of Local Clubs’ Plant Sales
Garden sales are a great way to stock up on new plants while also supporting the local garden clubs and other nonprofits. Here’s the plant sales we have been notified about for this year: April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friends of the Manchester Library Plant Sale Manchester Library • 8067 East Main […]
Posted inBlog, Gardeners Corner
Gardening Happily with Hungry Wildlife
I expect you’ve heard that the only way to protect your plants from hungry deer is a good fence. The deer in my neighborhood illustrate this point perfectly. Before I built my current fence, I kept my treasured deer “candy” covered in black netting. Harvesting strawberries from under the fencing was tedious, and as plants […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
The Secret Love Life of Birds
Birds have almost as many strategies as people do for getting together. Avian mating styles have been a topic of recent research and ornithologists now recognize how subtle and diverse bird partnerships really are. Monogamy: The most typical type of partnership is monogamy, where one male and one female mate and stay together during the […]
Posted inBlog, Featured, Gardeners Corner
Tips for Successful Plant Pruning
Woody plants — shrubs and trees — by their nature may require pruning. Gardeners may feel apprehensive about this task. Never fear, here are a few tips to assist you and a segment of Gardening with Peg for building confidence. The main reasons to prune are to allow air to circulate and to maintain plant […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Modern Roses as Part of a Mixed Sunny Border
Roses can be a delightful part of a sunny border and this is a good time of year to add new ones to your garden. Modern roses, which are readily available locally, are classified into several groups and the hybrid tea is the most popular. Hybrid teas are easily recognized by single, large, shapely blooms […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Learn About Bees, Beekeeping
West Sound Beekeepers Association is a longstanding group of people interested in learning about bees. The members maintain an apiary as well as educational facilities, and meet monthly at Stedman’s Bee Supplies in Silverdale. Local beekeeper Frank Wilson’s story is very similar to other members of the club. “I was at a dangerous point in […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Community Education Opportunities
Organic Vegetable Gardening Class: Gardens You Can Eat A hands-on class taught by Master Gardeners to help you create your own organic backyard vegetable garden. This course, which is open to any community member who wishes to learn about growing food crops organically, will focus on soils, composting, locally appropriate techniques and integrated pest management. […]