The pandemic gave rise to a variety of hobbies, and one of them was houseplants. A survey of 1,250 American adults by Trees.com found that 1 in 4 plant owners started collecting houseplants as a pandemic hobby. Among this group, Gen Zers were … read more

One of the joys of West Sound living is the availability of so many beachfront properties. With all the islands, inlets, coves and harbors, there are miles and miles of beachfront. Smart ecology demands that a large part of water-side property be left … read more

Even though we are in the winter months, shrubs, plants and trees come alive in January. It’s a good time to test your soil for missing nutrients and then fertilize and amend accordingly. Inventory your garden seeds well before you start planting them … read more

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday, a weekend away is the perfect recipe for a romantic getaway. Or connect with your gal pals with a fun Galantine’s Day away celebration. A few of these options have spa services and are close to … read more

Salads have been a raw and healthy staple since ancient Greece (Greek salad, anyone?), yet many people grow bored of the same tired salad bowl over and over. While it’s true you can spice up your ordinary salad by adding fresh fruits, vegetables … read more

The new year is an exciting time for Northwest rhododendron fans — it marks the beginning of the flowering season for these popular, well-loved shrubs. Even non-gardeners can recognize rhododendrons. What comes to mind when thinking about a rhododendron? For many people, it’s … read more

The mystical, magical garden created by Arlene and Bill West inspires awe and an explosion of ideas in the minds of all who visit. Solutions for gardening in “next-to-impossible” places, intermingled with expressive, original and imaginative garden art could fill a book. Here … read more

“Backyarding,” the trend to move indoor activities outdoors that was made popular during the pandemic, is here to stay and will continue to expand this year, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring … read more

Growing dahlias is a must for anyone who loves cutting and arranging flowers. But there are hundreds of beautiful dahlia varieties to choose from and that can be overwhelming. To make the selection process easier, choose compatible colors that will look good together … read more