After living on Mercer Island for 35 years, Jack Paauw and Susan Gates were ready to make a move. For a few years, Paauw had been commuting to a Kitsap-based job on the fast ferry, so he couldn’t wait for a shorter commute. … read more

As gardeners, it seems we are all looking for an ideal potting mix for our houseplants and containers. Like any gardening endeavor, a lot depends on what is available, the plants you’re growing and the type of maintenance you provide. That said, there … read more

Do you want to make your garden or container plantings really flowery this year? If so, try adding some easy-to-grow annual seeds to your spring shopping list. Annuals are plants that complete their whole lifecycle in one growing season. You can plant the … read more

Candy Gratton began gardening at the tender age of 5 when she and her parents lived with her grandparents for a time in California. Her grandfather’s garden had been featured in Sunset magazine. Wanting to instill a love of gardening in her too, … read more

March is my favorite month for planting bareroot trees, shrubs, roses and herbaceous edibles. By planting bareroot, you’ll save money. Here are some plant suggestions: Tree types: Flowering • Fruit • Shade Shrubs: Lilacs • Flowering currants • Dogwoods • Bridal spirea • … read more

Perhaps you have seen their farmstands. Dotted down the backroads and tucked into neighborhoods, flower farms are proliferating around West Sound and growing into a unified local industry. The Northwest climate is similar to the most well-known flower-growing areas in Europe (think: the … read more

Sometimes moving into a planned community poses challenges for a gardener. There are homeowner association (HOA) rules, smaller lots and restrictions for fences, and if the lot happens to be on a golf course, that just adds to the puzzle. Master Gardener Linda … read more

How about am aromatic garden? Perfume-scented flowers, blooming trees and herbs in the garden are so important for insects, animals and people. Plant fragrances change your mood and brighten your spirits and can be very calming. You can create a scented haven with … read more

Do you have the post-holiday blues? With the tinsel and decorations packed away, your home might feel a little bleak and bare. You need something pretty and festive to help endure gray, cold winter days. And as we count the weeks until the … read more