Now that spring is officially here and all the bulbs, annuals and shrubs are planted, perhaps there is time to breathe a little between pulling weeds and watering to do some garden reading. With the Pacific Northwest being a gardener’s paradise, expertise abounds, along with regionally specific gardening and nature books. Here are three in […]
books
Posted inGardeners Corner
The Art of Watering Your Garden
Editor’s note: This is an excerpt adapted from Byron Smith’s book, “Slow Down and Grow Something: The Urban Grower’s Recipe for Good Life,” recently published by Murdoch Books. Plants have naturally adapted to the climate in which they have evolved — that’s why the plants in your local national park aren’t expecting you to appear […]
Posted inAt Home
Polenta with Sercial-Spiked Lobster Mushrooms and Collard Greens Makes for Perfect October Meal
Editor’s note: This is an adapted excerpt from “36 Bottles of Wine,” by Paul Zitarelli, recently released by Sasquatch Books. There you are, casually negotiating pizza toppings with your friends. Someone blithely mentions mushrooms. Heads nod around the room. Universal approval. Does a single member of the party stop and think this through? Is there […]
Posted inAt Home
Savor the Chilly Season Favorite: the Stew
Editor’s note: This excerpt was adapted from “Cooking from Scratch: 120 Recipes from Colorful, Seasonal Food from PCC Markets,” recently released from Sasquatch Books. Used by permission. In the Pacific Northwest, when we experience several straight months of cool, overcast weather, it pays to be good friends with the soup pot. A classic simmering stew […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Why Gardening Helps Preserve Our Planet
Editor’s note: Albers Vista Gardens is a West Sound treasure that demonstrates how to garden sustainably and preserve flora and fauna. This excerpt was adapted from Albers Vista Gardens’ founder John J. Albers’ book, “The Northwest Garden Manifesto: Create, Restore, and Maintain a Sustainable Yard” (Mountaineers Books, December 2017, used with permission). For millions of […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Best Hikes With Kids around Western Washington, Part 2
Editor’s note: This is the second part of an excerpt adapted from hiking expert Susan Elderkin’s book, “Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, April 2018). Enjoy exploring the region’s hikes with your little ones — these are the perfect spots for them. Read Part 1 Here. Gold Creek Pond Snoqualmie Pass; 1.4 mile-loop […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Best Hikes With Kids around Western Washington, Part 1
Editor’s note: While the weather is still gorgeous, are you trying to pack in as much outdoor times as possible? If you have little ones, hiking can be a challenge. This excerpt was adapted from hiking expert Susan Elderkin’s book, “Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, April 2018), recommends several hikes around our […]
Posted inAt Home
Pressure Canning a Great Way to Preserve Your Garden Bounty
Editor’s note: This is an excerpt adapted from the book “Modern Pressure Canning,” recently released by Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. The glass clinks gently in the hot, soapy water as I wash my jars for this year’s canning. Sitting on the counter are colanders full of tomatoes and peppers that need to be saved […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Inspire Summer Reading
While summer is the perfect time for kids to take advantage of days spent away from the classroom, remember not to put valuable skills, like reading, on the back burner. In fact, research estimates that one to two months’ of learning loss can occur during the summer months. To help your child maintain his or […]