Gladiolus are as American as apple pie. Generations of gardeners, from Maine to Western Washington, have tucked these summer-blooming bulbs into their gardens in spring, delighted by the gorgeous flower spikes that appear just a few months later. Buckets of long-stemmed glads are a late-summer tradition, and they can be found at almost any county […]
décor
Posted inGarden
Allium’s Ornamental Stars
Nature did not create all flowers equal when it came to fragrance. When you view a flower, you instinctively want to bury your nose in it to get a whiff of its scent. Alliums will give you that, just not the sweet aroma you hope for when you do a sniff test. Ornamental alliums may […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Landscaping Tips for Instant Curb Appeal
One of the best ways to achieve instant curb appeal, according to the experts, is to effectively layer shrubs, plants and flowers in your front yard. Doing so can create a cohesive visual experience that naturally guides visitors to the front door. Landscape designer Doug Scott describes plant layering in art terms: “Just like in […]
Posted inHome
’Tis Ours
“Tismin,” says the sign on the tree at the head of the drive. It’s a cryptic message; no one named Tismin lives or has ever lived in the house at the end of the drive. The explanation, as longtime neighbors of this Pleasant Beach property know, is that “Tismin” is the inside joke of the […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Restaurants Create Innovative Solutions
Mental health experts say that socializing with friends is one of the most important activities you can experience for emotional wellbeing. And what can be a more pleasurable activity than enjoying good food and drink in an aesthetically pleasing, jovial environment? Eating in a restaurant — where someone else plans the menu, cooks the food […]
Posted inGarden
There Were ‘Signs’
How do you recognize a truly inspired garden, one with humor and style and a joy that reflects the personality of its creators? Sometimes, there are signs. In the garden of Brian and Karen Rasmussen of Poulsbo, an extensive and carefully cultivated collection of vintage Americana overflows into the beds and borders. Among an old-fashioned […]
Posted inHome
Creative Tablescape Competition Winners 2022
WestSound Magazine received an abundance of creative tablescapes. The choices were all wonderful, but our tablescape judges made the difficult decisions — plus, there was a tie for third place. Thank you to all who took the time to submit your tablescapes. And thank you to our judges for their time and expertise. Congratulations to […]
Posted inHome
Supporting Health and Wellness Through Human-Centric Lighting, Technology and Comfort (Part 2)
Human Centric Lighting Human-centric lighting (HCL) is the art and science of designing interior lighting systems that mimic natural light, be it daylight or darkness. Exposure to the “right” light can render a positive biological impact on the master clock in your brains and in turn, your circadian rhythms. The net objective of HCL is […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Choose the Right Color Scheme for Your Home
If you’re the kind of person who needs to have balance and harmony in your home, then choosing the correct color scheme when repainting is probably a significant source of anxiety. Breathtaking design principles are easy to enjoy but difficult to execute. You want to have a house that impresses and comforts friends and family […]