For a shrub that looks like it belongs in the tropics, Fatsias are surprisingly hardy in our region. The plant provides spectacular foliar effects to the West Sound garden, whether it is a plain green-leaf species or one of the variegated cultivars. It’s … read more

For many students, now is the time when their college lists have started to take shape. They’ve (hopefully) gotten ahead with their college essays, and now they’re sorting out one of the final pieces of the application puzzle: deadlines. After dedicating so much … read more

In the middle of Bainbridge Island, there is an unusual garden gem. “This started out as a permaculture project, but mostly I just have a lot of fun with trees,” says Mark Shaffer. In 1978, Shaffer and his wife, Susan, purchased 1908 farmhouse … read more

I was skeptical when I first tried it, but after one taste, I was hooked. Chili is a classic fall food that is often served when the weather turns colder. Instead of being outside on the deck, we start to spend Sunday afternoons … read more

Kitsap residents can now recycle their used cooking oil for free at the South Kitsap Recycling and Garbage Facility in Olalla. This is the fourth cooking oil recycling station in the county. Why is it important to recycle used cooking oil? Cooking oil … read more

The Key Peninsula’s two flagship annual events, Farm Tour and Fiber Arts Show, are returning on Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last year, more than 1,100 people from 46 different ZIP codes were reported at one tour location alone. Expect a … read more

Jim Sund may be a familiar name or face to many around West Sound, but especially in North Kitsap. The retired owner of North Kitsap Auto Rebuild in Poulsbo, Sund is a longtime community volunteer who’s been serving on the boards of several … read more

A little-known fact, outside the world of birding, is that there is no such bird as a “seagull.” Rather, the term “seagull” is an informal name given to any member of the Laridae (Greek for “ravenous seabird”) family. Gulls, as they are correctly … read more

Editor’s note: This excerpt was adapted from “Cooking from Scratch: 120 Recipes from Colorful, Seasonal Food from PCC Markets,” recently released from Sasquatch Books. Used by permission. In the Pacific Northwest, when we experience several straight months of cool, overcast weather, it pays … read more