Bats Eat Insects Galore Bats were a topic in this column in fall of 2008. Since a horribly devastating disease called “white nose syndrome” or WNS is decimating bat populations nationwide, it’s appropriate to revisit information about one of nature’s most awesome weapons in controlling insects. Bats feed on night-flying gnats, moths, mosquitos, beetles and […]
Peg Tillery
Peg Tillery is a retired WSU Extension horticulture and water quality educator. Her columns appeared in the Kitsap Sun and Kitsap News Group. She wrote articles for WestSound Magazine for a decade and also served as garden editor. She has also produced and appeared in several gardening shows on BKAT (Bremerton Kitsap Access Television). She volunteers as a WSU Master Gardener.
Posted inGardeners Corner
Native Plants for West Sound Gardens
Native plants are the perfect complements for West Sound gardens. They are easy care, once established, and many of our “domesticated” or “cultivated” plants once had native roots. Also look for native plants that survive well in British Columbia, Oregon and perhaps Northern California. Visit the native plant sections at local nurseries for ideas. And […]
Posted inGarden
Get The Dirt — On Home Gardening
Water-Smart Gardening July and August bring some of the best weather in West Sound. Some local folks like to say that summer begins on July 5 each year. But that hasn’t been the case this year, as we’ve had many summery days. Local gardeners will want to pay close attention to their ornamental plants, lawns […]
Posted inGarden
Get The Dirt — On Home Gardening
May and June are perfect months to get out into the garden. It’s not too hot and not too cold, and just right for gardening. Pruning, Mulching and Cleaning Up If you planted tulip and daffodil bulbs last winter, be sure to let the foliage of these beauties turn brown and die back. That nourishes […]
Posted inGarden
Gretchen Lee’s Garden of Graces
The garden of Gretchen Lee is filled with delights for the senses. It exudes peacefulness in many areas but also includes raucous, gleeful rampages of colorful plants in others. She has created garden rooms throughout the landscaping surrounding her home in Hansville. When Lee and her husband, Bill, purchased their home and moved in during […]
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Aquatic Plants For Your Water Gardens
Water gardening provides one more way for gardeners to add plants to their environment. Selecting these aquatic plants requires the same thoughts and elements as regular garden plants. How much light will the plant receive? “The sunnier the spot, the better” is a good rule to follow, but there are aquatics suitable for shade and […]
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Getting Started with a Pond or Water Feature
Jan Bahr at Roadhouse Nursery on Central Valley Road in Poulsbo is the go-to person for advice on how to construct and maintain water features in home gardens and landscapes. She believes that the most important thing is to do your homework. Start by deciding what features are most appealing, and consider cost along with […]
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Things to Do This Year at Heronswood
Heronswood, a renowned local treasure owned by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, has many enticements on tap this year for gardeners from near and far. Don’t miss out on all there is to see and do there. Friday Self-Guided Tours The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and the staff at Heronswood invite the public to visit […]
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Get The Dirt — On Home Gardening
Let the official gardening season begin. At least for hardcore gardeners. It’s time to plant potatoes; put in peas and sow some lettuce seeds, bok choy, chard, kale and a host of other cooler season veggies. Get ready to plant fruit trees, raspberries, asparagus and other wonderful edibles found at many local nurseries this time […]
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