Garden books are often dry and read more like an encyclopedia. Yet not so with Ciscoe Morris’ book, “Oh, La La!: Homegrown Stories, Helpful Tips, and Garden Wisdom.” Well known for the tales he peppers into his garden talks, Morris has a talent for storytelling. He takes his readers on a pleasurable journey through the […]
flowers
A Garden Cornucopia
Gordon and Janet Knudsen don’t have a lilac, but that’s OK, because they have practically everything else. From astrantia to zinnias, the Knudsens’ Poulsbo garden is a botanical who’s who — and what’s that? — of fabulous plants. However, the Knudsens’ arboretum-esque property is more than just a feast for the human eye; it’s a […]
How House Plants Improve Mental and Physical Wellness
Flowers and plants are staples in many American homes, adding to the style and aesthetic of virtually any space. While the visual benefits of plants are widely embraced, many people are unaware of the ways plants can support mental and physical wellbeing, too. “Plants offer countless benefits beyond beauty,” explains Alfred Palomares, vice president of […]
Create a Colorful Pumpkin Flower Vase for Thanksgiving
Want to bring a little cheer to your Thanksgiving table, however small it will be this year? The florists at Bloom & Wild, the letterbox flower company, have created an easy guide for making flower vase from a pumpkin. “Pumpkin vases are a fun autumnal alternative to a classic vase,” says Bloom & Wild florist […]
Rain Garden at the Heart of Dream Northwest Landscape
When Sherry and Kirk Kanode moved into their beautiful, brand-new custom home in 2002, little did they know they were embarking on a gardening adventure of a lifetime. A deep, crescent-shaped bioswale separated their front yard from the street, making street parking and a path to the front door nearly impossible. The home was a […]
Garden of Delights
It’s been said that you can tell a lot about a person by the garden she grows. In the case of Teri Cole of Bainbridge Island, her garden is an adventure of exuberance. A riot of color, quirk and creativity, Cole’s beds and borders have a combined personality almost too big to be contained in […]
Autumn Glory at Bloedel Reserve
The Kitsap Peninsula is privileged to be home to one of the nation’s most magnificent landscape gardens, just over the Highway 305 bridge on Bainbridge Island. Touted as “one of North America’s 10 best botanical gardens,” Bloedel Reserve is unique in its focus, combining exquisite vistas within a natural setting and featuring stately trees, ponds […]
Trend-Setting Daffodils for Gardens and Bouquets
Daffodils are having their day. Floral designers are opening our eyes to a world of gorgeous daffodils that extends far beyond the iconic yellow trumpets. These unexpected varieties include doubles, bi-colors and split cups, in colors such as creamy white, peach, pink, gold and orange. Grow some of these spring beauties in your garden and […]
Good Plant Hunting
As we moved into our home two years ago, the gardens that were once pristine were covered in cedar tree droppings, debris, pine branches, blackberries and a menagerie of who knows what. After much cleanup, I started to find so many delicate — and not-so-delicate but beautiful — plant species that it raised the question: […]
