Too much, not enough, and never when you need it. This is a common complaint of gardeners. Keeping and using water where it falls is the first step in managing this precious resource. Planting and maintaining a healthy landscape is a good place to start. Trees, shrubs, ground-covers and other plantings improve water quality and […]
Gardeners Corner
All things gardening — seasonal tips, inspirational ideas, gardening events, plant information and more.
Enjoy the Year of the Tulip
Tulips are equated with spring, and every year between late March and mid May, millions of people flock to see acres of these iconic flowers in bloom during tulip festivals throughout Western Washington. This year, the National Garden Bureau named the tulip “perennial of the year,” declaring 2018 the “Year of the Tulip.” If you […]
Some of the Best Flowers for Beautiful Vase Displays
Spring is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. Each spring, I especially look forward to cutting fresh flowers from my yard to arrange in a vase on my kitchen windowsill or dining room table. In some ways, the finished display is like a trophy showcasing my gardening skills, while allowing me to bring color from […]
Why Buy Organic? Part 2: The Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15!
While it is the responsibility of the U.S. of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure food safety, the agency’s broad guidelines can fall short of the minute details many consumers desire. Also, due to the size and workload of the USDA, reports on the safety of many food groups are few and far between. The last report […]
Grow Beets for a Delightful, Healthy Treat
From its humble beginnings around the Mediterranean, the table beet (beta vulgaris) has spread to all continents of the world. Beets have been consumed in many ways: medicinally in ancient Rome, fresh (both the greens and the roots) in salads, in soups and as pickled slices, to name a few. Today, beets are also popular […]
Take It Up a Notch Out Back — Adding Appeal to your Patio or Deck
Summer means time spent gardening and relaxing with friends. And just like the kitchen in winter, the patio or deck tends to be the gathering spot when the weather turns warm. Get the most from this space with a bit of preseason planning and decorating. Select functional and beautiful furnishings to create a special spot […]
Ephemeral Flowers for Seasonal Color
Editor’s note: This excerpt was adapted from “The Colorful Dry Garden,” used by permission of Sasquatch Books. The word ephemeral defines anything that lives for just a short time. It’s often used to define annual flowering plants, which grow from seed, mature, flower and set new seed within a single growing season. Annual wildflowers are […]
Which Plants to Grow in Conservatory, Home, or Office
Being close to nature has many benefits but many of us cannot reap its benefits in cities due to lack of trees and plants and excessive buildings. Several studies around the world have shown the positive effects of greenery on our well-being. Did you know that houseplants can boost your creativity by up to 45 […]
One Simple Step Can Improve the Health and Vigor of Your Lawn
Do just one thing this fall, and you can improve the health and vigor of your lawn. Fall fertilization helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer and provides needed nutrients to grow deeper roots and a denser stand of grass. And that means fewer weeds and a healthier lawn that’s more resistant to drought, […]

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