Take a peek inside a Poulsbo duo’s unique gardens, colloquially referred to as ‘Sand Hill.’
Margaret Sweeney
Margaret Sweeney is an avid gardener with a love for natural, practical and comfortable garden settings, favoring the Pacific Northwest style. She has a Bachelor of Science in environmental science. A Master Gardener since 2019, Margaret also has a YouTube channel, "Margaret's Garden School," featuring short videos of varied plant and garden interest. She has three adult children (who garden) and lives in Poulsbo with her husband.
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Art Meets Ecology in the Garden of Raymond and Rosemary Nye
Raymond and Rosemary Nye have created a unique garden in a potentially problematic location.
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Strolling Through Vista Gardens
This past September, Vista Gardens hosted its first ‘Art in the Gardens’ fundraising event, with proceeds supporting the organization’s educational program.
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Made in The Shade in Lake Symington
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 […]
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Jeannie Kay O’Reilly’s Indianola Secret
In the fall of 2021, Jeannie Kay O’Reilly was seeking a place of renewal. She found the perfect location in Indianola, but the lot was mostly lawn. While there was a terrific view of Miller Bay, the longed-for flowers and planted garden beds were lacking. She was “mostly retired” and was looking for a space […]
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An Introduction: Dahlias 101
Many gardeners consider the dahlia to be the iconic flower for the late summer and fall garden. Hardy to USDA Zones 8 and above, dahlias do best in well-drained soil and excel in sunny locations. With over 36 species and more than 57,000 cultivars, this genus has an incredible range of flower size and shape. […]
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A Gardening ‘Gold Mine’ in Poulsbo
For three decades, Sam Rader has been transforming 5 acres of woodland in Poulsbo. By combining the concepts of an arboretum, focusing on trees and a botanic garden and emphasizing education and display, he has created a type of gold mine. A wide variety of plants have been utilized, including many unusual and uncommon species, […]
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The European Country-House Garden of Liz Robinson
In the Fort Ward district of Bainbridge Island is a garden filled with history. In 1973, a property became available that had once been a Fort Ward warehouse. Liz Robinson and her husband, Peter, were living in a farmhouse they had renovated on the island. Their children were now adults. Presented with this opportunity and […]