If you have bookcases on each side of your fireplace and the shelves are deeper than the normal 10 to 12 inches, don’t push the books all the way back against the wall. In fact, you should do exactly the opposite. Line up … read more

“Have you seen Jim Valley’s garden? You really need to see his garden.” This wasn’t the first time I’d heard Jim Valley’s name. I was standing at a party in Seattle, in a gathering of people who’d just seen “Her Aim is True,” … read more

Perhaps John Muir, the great American environmentalist, said it best: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” You probably know that exercise in general is good for us and that we are lucky enough to live in the … read more

In 2002, following the death of Gig Harbor pioneers Antone and Vincent Skansie, the city of Gig Harbor acquired the historic waterfront Skansie Brothers home and property located in the heart of downtown. For 12 years, the park surrounding the house was improved … read more

Whether you need more space in your existing home or you have an odd space that is unused, look at some creative options for using space in your home. Have kids? If you have a stairwell, turn that useless under-stairwell closet (you know, … read more

As you stroll through the garden in the heat of the day, plants don’t seem to have that oomph they had in the spring. Some say it’s just too hot to garden and are waiting for fall planting time to even think about … read more

Don’t forget to look up. There are spaces that we never knew existed. There are ledges and ceiling corners that call our names and are saddened to be unnoticed voids. In this day and age, interior living space is at a premium for … read more

Pizza stones are required equipment for the best homemade thin-crust pizza. There, I said it! I could beat around the bush and say that you can get the same results with a pan in the oven, but I would be lying. It doesn’t … read more

Whether you are new to gardening, live in a townhouse or other small space or are an experienced gardener, you probably have seen a favorite crop in a raised bed or in-ground garden turned into Swiss cheese by the creatures of the night. … read more