Model Tested: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES five-door hatchback  Engine: 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC, 72 horsepower 74 lb-ft torque  Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 37/City—44/Highway—40/Combined  Base Price: $15,195  As Tested: $15,990  Performance: 74 horsepower, 74 lb-ft torque Seriously lacking power; agonizingly slow … read more

Weeds are not altogether undesirable plants. “Heresy!” you might say, but the term “weed” is an arbitrary designation made by a gardener who would prefer to grow another plant instead. To some people, a foxglove is a gift in an otherwise bare bed, … read more

It is best to leave outdoor teak tables, chairs and benches unfinished and sanded to weather to a beautiful silvery-grey color (as shown in this photo). But if your indoor teak furniture, especially a table top, has been exposed to sunlight for several … read more

Last summer was a bummer. It seemed that all the Kitsap County gallery walks and festivals were on a first Friday of the month, so attendance was severely divided. Happy to say, “Not so this summer.” My husband, Earl, and I decided to … read more

WestSound Magazine readers have asked us to publish information about attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to their gardens. The following information has been gathered from past WSH&G articles and consolidated into the following pages. Please enjoy and have fun attracting these flying jewels to … read more

Controlling storm-water runoff is a necessity for your home and your yard, but it’s sometimes relegated to that dreaded list of outdoor chores. But what if adding an efficient runoff system meant the addition of a beautiful garden at the same time? That’s … read more

Tom Nordlie has been an instrumental force behind Poulsbo’s Fish Park. The property, once part of a Suquamish tribe retreat area, had been owned at different times by Weyerheuser and Quadrant Homes. The site was slated to be developed into a retail/business park. … read more

In 1998, Lexus created the luxury-utility crossover segment with the debut of the original midsized RX, and is looking to take the lead again the growing compact segment with the all-new 2015 NX. Following the route of the Lexus GS and IS sedans, … read more

A client is having new carpet installed in the living room, and was told by the salesperson that the pad — which is 10 years old — needs to be replaced. The client questioned whether that’s really necessary. If you’re replacing your carpet, … read more