In the morning shade of a large, commanding horse-chestnut tree sits a bright-yellow farmhouse that greets visitors to Heyday Farm on Bainbridge Island. Right away, guests are met with beautiful flower gardens, country architecture and the smiles of staff passionate about their work. The front lawn is surrounded by a perfectly selected flower garden that […]
farms
Posted inFood & Entertainment
From Farm to Truck
Welcome to Farmer Rosie’s, a come-as-you-are kind of place. Meet an old friend for breakfast or make a new one. Arrive on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, or drive on up. Relax in the sun, indulge in that second lavender shortbread cookie or piece of strawberry shortcake, and contemplate the many proven benefits of […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Unsung Hero — Rosemary Collins
Rosemary Collins founded Pony Up Rescue for Equines in Olalla in 2006 because she saw a need for a rescue organization. In early 2007, Pony Up received 501(c)3 nonprofit status, and its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses in need due to neglect, abuse or abandonment. Collins serves as president and in addition […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Gig Harbor Apple Farm the Go-To Place for Hundreds of Unique Varieties
The small, hand-lettered sign on Peacock Hill Avenue near Gig Harbor says, simply, “Butler’s Farm. Apples. Self serve.” It’s the first hint that at the end of the dirt driveway, there’s a 7.5-acre orchard where more than 1,200 apple trees — with upward of 500 varieties of apples — are growing and thriving. Steve and […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Herron Hill Dairy — Goats, Cheese and Family Fun
The wooden sign on the side of Herron Hill Road — “Chevre” — points toward a meandering drive that disappears over the top of a low hill. Horses graze placidly in a pasture on one side of the drive, paying no mind to the intruder unfastening the latch on the gate and motoring up the […]
Posted inBlog, Community News
WSU Kitsap Offers Farm Business Planning Course
WSU Kitsap County Extension will offer its popular Ag Entrepreneurship Course on starting and sustaining a profitable small farm or agricultural enterprise beginning Jan. 28. Community members are invited to sign up for this intensive, hands-on learning opportunity. The course features a full lineup of local guest speakers: bankers, accountants, attorneys and successful farm owners. […]
Posted inBlog, Gardeners Corner
Enjoy the Versatility of Lavender by Growing Your Own
An old-fashioned, fragrant herb, lavender colors the garden with a purple haze in midsummer. This herb is so popular, it has its own festivals. Lavender’s reputation is attributed to its beauty in the garden and diversity of use, from aromatherapy to crafting. The characteristics of lavender are legendary. Culinary, crafting and medicinal recipes have been […]
Posted inAround West Sound, Blog
Gig Harbor Farmers Market Evolution Leads to Indoor Location
It’s been a bit like musical chairs for the Gig Harbor Farmers Market during the last two decades, and 2014 is no different. But this time, the new location for the popular Saturday market is a great fit. And hopefully, a permanent one. Welcome to the new and improved Gig Harbor Farmers Market, now operating […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
A Dream Come True
Rhonda and Steve Edwards, married 40 years, grew up in Kitsap County. In 1988 they bought acreage in South Kitsap, where they began to create their dream home and garden. They made a point of incorporating areas to accommodate the growing needs of their children and now their grandchildren. They owned the Heritage Fireplace Shop […]