What keeps you interested in plants? Is it spring fever, compelling you to run to your favorite garden center and pick out whatever catches your eye in the moment? Or do you carefully lay out a plan, following your garden designer’s directions or … read more

On Sunday, June 28, the Garden Conservancy’s nationwide Open Days Program features six private gardens open to the public for one day only in Indianola, Poulsbo and on Bainbridge Island. Admission to each garden is $7 and benefits the Garden Conservancy. Open Days … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 Sedan Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—25/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $40,500 As Tested: $52,450 Performance: Lots of high tech safety features Smooth engine and automatic transmission Seamless AWD … read more

Model Tested: 2015 BMW M235i xDrive Coupe Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 320 horsepower 330 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, full-time all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—30/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $44,900 As Tested: $45,850 Performance: Legendary BMW six cylinder engine Twin Power Turbo Pulls like a … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Lexus LX570 5-door SUV Engine: 5.7-liter V-8 gas, 383 horsepower 403 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 12/City—17/Highway—14/Combined Base Price: $82,930 As Tested: $90,720 Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-8 Ample torque Smooth, solid highway ride Confidence … read more

One of my favorite small crossover SUVs — the Honda CR-V — got a facelift for 2015. Five trim levels are offered with no options, and a new, top-of-the-line Touring model debuts. The functional, compact crossover boasts room for five adults and lots … read more

Cleanup is probably the least enjoyable part of entertaining guests — as are elaborate recipes that keep you in the kitchen all day. “Sheet Pan Suppers,” released this past December by Workman Publishing, promises to take care of those problems. Named an essential … read more

Last month I sat down with John Steiner to get his thoughts on woodworking — the cabinets and furniture pieces that he builds out of solid wood. Recently, I went back to his shop to discuss those woods. This is not an all-encompassing … read more

Before starting his Slaughter County Brewing Co., Scott Kirvan had been home-brewing for about 30 years. “That’s how I got started, and Slaughter County Brewery is my first time doing professional brewing,” he said. “‘Been doing this, at this location, for about two … read more