Wilting leaves. Sooner or later, everyone who gardens — from just a single house plant to a grand vegetable patch — will encounter a droopy plant. The remedy is a universally known response: Water the plant. Pour some water on it or set … read more

“We kind of built this whole place around the grandkids,” said Sam Johnson, speaking about the 30 acres of mostly forested land near Kingston that he and his wife, Debi, purchased in 2001. The Johnsons had been living in Edmonds and were both … read more

Daffodils have a cheery presence in the spring garden and are a surefire way to chase away the winter blues. These fall-planted bulbs are also reliable perennials that require no maintenance and are not bothered by deer or other pests. The National Garden … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer, 152 horsepower 145 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/36-mpg highway/30-mpg combined Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $26,560 Performance: Nimble handling Fun to drive Good acceleration for horsepower … read more

Rosemary Collins founded Pony Up Rescue for Equines in Olalla in 2006 because she saw a need for a rescue organization. In early 2007, Pony Up received 501(c)3 nonprofit status, and its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses in need due … read more

The ubiquitous summer fruit that appears at nearly every picnic or beach party and is nearly everyone’s favorite must be watermelon! Those who come from hot-weather summer climates have memories of the sweet, succulent melon, sold at fruit stands and off the back … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4×4 Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 180 horsepower 175 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city/30-mpg highway/25-mpg combined Base Price: $28,595 As Tested: $33,565 Performance: Very pleasant highway ride Smooth engine Transmission has to downshift … read more

The small, hand-lettered sign on Peacock Hill Avenue near Gig Harbor says, simply, “Butler’s Farm. Apples. Self serve.” It’s the first hint that at the end of the dirt driveway, there’s a 7.5-acre orchard where more than 1,200 apple trees — with upward … read more

Model Tested: 2017 VW Tiguan 2.0T SEL 4Motion Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged, 200 horsepower 201 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/24-mpg highway/21-mpg combined Base Price: $36,475 As Tested: $37,870 Performance: Peppy four-cylinder engine Good, but not spectacular fuel … read more