Do you want to make your garden or container plantings really flowery this year? If so, try adding some easy-to-grow annual seeds to your spring shopping list. Annuals are plants that complete their whole lifecycle in one growing season. You can plant the … read more

When planning to build a new home or remodel an existing one, whom do you call to start the ball rolling on making your dreams a reality? Finding the starting line for a residential building project can feel a bit illusive, so we … read more

Candy Gratton began gardening at the tender age of 5 when she and her parents lived with her grandparents for a time in California. Her grandfather’s garden had been featured in Sunset magazine. Wanting to instill a love of gardening in her too, … read more

As the Black Ball Ferry “Coho” enters Victoria Harbor following its 90-minute crossing of the Salish Sea from Port Angeles, the stately Fairmount Empress hotel — Victoria’s centerpiece — comes into view. The scene is a bit “Oz” in nature: The stunning building … read more

Pumpkins, squash, and gourds have enchanted gardeners and foodies for generations with their diversity in shapes, colors and flavors. Collectively referred to as “squash,” the Cucurbita genus has a rich history dating back over 8,000 years to Central and South America, and 4,000 … read more

Perhaps you have seen their farmstands. Dotted down the backroads and tucked into neighborhoods, flower farms are proliferating around West Sound and growing into a unified local industry. The Northwest climate is similar to the most well-known flower-growing areas in Europe (think: the … read more

The kitchen is the heart of our homes. We no longer simply prepare our meals there. It’s a place for doing homework, working remotely and gathering with friends and family. Everyone wants a stunning kitchen, but remember that it’s a functional space as … read more

Sometimes moving into a planned community poses challenges for a gardener. There are homeowner association (HOA) rules, smaller lots and restrictions for fences, and if the lot happens to be on a golf course, that just adds to the puzzle. Master Gardener Linda … read more

Looking for a great way to revitalize your home? A way to make the time you spend at home more enjoyable? Possibly even increase your home’s resale value? Then consider adding a new, special-purpose room. A special-purpose room is a space dedicated to … read more