Containers packed with plants provide garden pizzazz. Even though this blog and video are about containers for fall to winter enjoyment, they are actually planted up in mid to late summer. Plants often live happily in containers for anywhere from five to seven … read more

Midsummer Evaluation By now you have been enjoying your rose blooms and perennials so it’s time to take a critical look at how the garden has progressed. Did you arrange the placement of your plants so the plant heights are pleasing to your … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Subaru BRZ Series Blue Engine: 2.0-liter flat four gas, 200 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $27,695 As Tested: $30,285 Performance: Peppy Subaru flat four engine Good 6-speed manual makes best use … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Lexus IS350 AWD Sedan F Sport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 306 horsepower 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, full-time all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19City—26/Highway—21/Combined Base Price: $42,300 As Tested: $50,375 Performance: Strong, smooth V-6 Excellent transmission with paddle shifters Multiple … read more

There are many things you can do to improve your homes curb appeal, ranging from doing simple things yourself to hiring a professional. Here is a quick rundown of great curb appeal enhancers that almost everyone can manage. Paint your entry door. Or, … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Ford F-150 4×4 Supercab Engine: 2.7-liter V-6 gas, 325 horsepower 375 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—23/Highway—20/Combined Base Price: $37,005 As Tested: $43,460 Performance: Surprisingly powerful 2.7 V-6 Ecoboost engine Excellent highway fuel economy; we got … read more

I love plants with interesting foliage, be it the striking color, shape or fragrance. Rosa glauca, with her lovely bluish foliage, captured me the first time I saw it. Its flowers and hips are a bonus, always appreciated for their color and delicate … read more

Dime a dozen, can’t throw them away fast enough — mid-century coffee cups sprout up faster than spring field daisies. Or so I thought. It is night and day. Seems like a month ago they flooded thrift stores, and antique shops wouldn’t waste … read more

Every Thursday afternoon, more than 40 farmers and food producers gather at Skansie Brothers Park on Gig Harbor’s picturesque waterfront in order to supply eager shoppers with organic and sustainably produced local fare. Organized as a collaborative effort between the city of Gig … read more