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 […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inAt Home
Building or Remodeling with Your Family Pets in Mind
Americans love their pets. According to a recent report by NBC news, Americans will spend more than $60 billion — yes, billion — on their pets in 2016. Clearly, people are taking the term “furbaby” to heart and treating pets more like members of the family. In keeping with this theme, more and more people […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Harmony Hill Retreat Center — 30 Years Young
On a sunny day, the walk leading to Harmony Hill Retreat Center’s Great Hall offers an expansive view of Hood Canal, framed by the Olympic Mountain range. Standing before that vista, it’s easy to fill one’s twin cups of humility and inspiration while at the retreat center. Yet, Elaine Baker arrived at Harmony Hill, located […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
The Fascinating World of Siphonophores
Do you like to walk our beautiful Puget Sound beaches at low tide? Do you slowly stroll up and down the docks, staring into the water to catch a glimpse of the sea life lurking beneath the depths? If you do this with any regularity, you are probably familiar with the usual intertidal suspects such […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
The Top 10 Ways to Make Your Community Bee-Loved (Mason Bees, Part 3)
Editor’s note: Now that we know the benefits of mason bees, here’s what we can do to make West Sound bee-friendly. This is an excerpt from “Mason Bee Revolution: How the Hardest Working Bee Can Save the World One Backyard at a Time,” a book by Dave Hunter and Jill LIghtner recently released by Seattle-based […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Manor House Restaurant — Historic Building Offers High-Quality Dining
The entrance of the Manor House Restaurant prepares you for a feast for the senses. Beautifully designed and maintained garden beds surround the parking area and building, while a water feature made from vintage musical instruments sings happily next to the walk. Massive, wooden double doors welcome guests stepping into the foyer of the circa […]
Posted inAt Home
9 Easy Storage Options to Consider and Tips to Use Them Efficiently
Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from “Make Room for What You Love,” the latest book just released from Seattle author Melissa Michaels, the creator of the popular blog The Inspired Room. 1. Lidded boxes, baskets and small trunks Keep an eye out for lidded boxes and small trunks at flea markets, garage sales or […]
Posted inAt Home
Facing the Plastic — Why the Federal Government is Banning Microbeads
If you have ever used an exfoliating body wash or facial scrub from a major manufacturer, chances are you’ve used a product containing microbeads. While these tiny particles may be good for removing dead skin, they are bad news for the environment. Beginning in 2017, microbeads found in many personal care products will be banned […]
Posted inAt Home
Retro Soda Pop Frames
Bottle caps are among many kids’ favorite things to collect (perhaps for kids at heart too). If you’ve got an abundance, instead of discarding or thinning out your collection, use them for a weekend crafts project. Besides, your kids are asking for something to do — here’s a way to have a little fun together. […]