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 […]
flowers
Posted inGarden
What is Eating My Plant?
The first land plant evolved a little over 400 million years ago. A few million years after that, the earliest known insects appeared. Then came land-dwelling slugs, amphibians, reptiles, dinosaurs, birds and mammals — all of them hungry and looking for a meal. Ever since, plants have waged an arms race with those that would […]
Posted inGarden
Hydrangeas — The Classic Flowering Shrubs
Many years ago, your grandma probably grew a hydrangea in her garden, but modern plant breeders have moved beyond simple, white snowballs. These flowering shrubs are becoming popular again, as shown by the many colorful cultivars currently being offered for sale. Once you know your intended planting location, variety type can be selected. They work […]
Posted inGarden
The Drainfield and the Rose
Prior to 2011, Sally Eastman, an experienced gardener, had never grown a rose. She said recently, “I think I may have planted Rose One Hundred and One this year.” How and why did she become so bowled over by roses? The story really begins in late 2009, when Eastman and her husband, Roger, both looking […]
Posted inAt Home
Keep Orchids Beautiful and Blooming
Lift your spirits, enliven your indoor décor or give the gift of beautiful blooming orchids. You’ll enjoy these exotic blossoms for months with just minimal care — once you know what to do. Start with a healthy flowering plant. The phalaenopsis or moth orchid is the most widely available and easiest to grow. It’s similar […]
Posted inGarden
Consider the Leaf
Consider the leaf as the breath of life, for without plant foliage, there would be no life. The most important living components on Earth contain life-giving chlorophyll. Every breath humans take is possible because chlorophyll synthesizes the energy of the sun, water and carbon dioxide. The next time you select a plant for its great […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
5 Daffodils to Try in Your Garden
If you love daffodils, you’re likely familiar with the popular ones like the iconic Dutch Master or Yellow River, the easily recognizable Barrett Browning or the beautiful Goblet. Since the Year of the Daffodil will be winding down soon, we wanted to share a few other timeless daffodils for your garden, courtesy the National Garden […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Raft Island Roses in Gig Harbor
What started out as one man’s hobby has grown into a nursery with a reputation for quality plants with reasonable prices. Raft Island Roses had its beginning in 1997 when Frank Gatto, originally from Burien, retired from his first career and began selling roses at farmers markets. Over 20 years, the business has grown along […]
Posted inGarden
To Water or Not to Water?
Wilting leaves. Sooner or later, everyone who gardens — from just a single house plant to a grand vegetable patch — will encounter a droopy plant. The remedy is a universally known response: Water the plant. Pour some water on it or set up a sprinkler. Just get water on it somehow. Everyone knows that, […]