Editor’s note: This EarthTalk column is provided courtesy of E – The Environmental Magazine and published with permission. Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that spam email takes a huge toll on the environment? – P.L., Bern, NC If you are among the 92 … read more

Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees! Sadly, there has been a decline in the health of our pollinators, and it’s important for gardeners to create a pollinator-friendly garden. You will need to provide blooming plants, which is their food source; shelter in the form of … read more

If you’re searching for new ways to make a positive impact on the planet, have you considered how you buy furniture? By opting for preowned or used furniture, you can save money, plus it’s an excellent way to reduce waste and contribute to … read more

West Sound abounds in opportunities to enjoy gardens and gardening. It’s been said that the Pacific Northwest is heaven for gardeners. But what if a person has no space to garden? Not even in containers? The answer is community gardens, also known as … read more

If you’re planning to buy a portable AC unit to beat the summer heat, you may want to do a little homework to avoid enticing promises and clever marketing tactics that don’t deliver. Here’s how to be a savvy shopper: Ratings: Be aware … read more

It happens when you’ve been gardening in the same place for a long time: You realize you are living in an overgrown jungle. Unless you’ve been really conscientious about dividing your muscular perennials every few years, you suddenly notice they are not blooming … read more

After a season of unusual cold and snow, it is a gardener’s joy to see spring shoots promising summer abundance. This year’s annual Gig Harbor Garden Tour offers a rich summer palette of color, natural foliage, manicured pathways and a natural forest. There … read more

“World’s Oldest European Hedgehog Found by Citizen Scientists,” trumpeted a recent Smithsonian Magazine headline. A 16-year-old male hedgehog dubbed Thorvald had outlived the lifespan of his species by 14 years, surviving habitat loss, pesticides and the No. 1 cause of hedgehog deaths — … read more

The colorful posters with a collection of common herbs are a popular social media share. Save the bees, they say; plant these. I’ve been known to peek at those lists and note to myself — I could use a few more hyssop plants … read more