In the fall of 2021, Jeannie Kay O’Reilly was seeking a place of renewal. She found the perfect location in Indianola, but the lot was mostly lawn. While there was a terrific view of Miller Bay, the longed-for flowers and planted garden beds … 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 either plant … read more

Dahlias come in various colors, shapes and sizes, making them easy to include in any garden, container and bouquet. Grow them in their own dedicated space, mix them with other flowers or plant a few at the end of the vegetable garden. Consider … read more

The American poet Theodore Roethke stated, “Great Nature has another thing to do / To you and me; so take the lively air / And, Lovely, learn by going where to go.” When you wander into Donna and Tom Torrens’ Gig Harbor garden … read more

As spring unfolds, it’s time for homeowners to prepare their homes for the changing season. Freezing temperatures, heavy rains and snow buildup can take a toll on your property, making spring maintenance essential for preventing costly repairs and keeping your home in top … read more

West Sound has three world-class gardens open to the public all year round. The smallest, Vista Gardens, at 4.5 acres, is tucked in against a hillside on 31st Street in East Bremerton. Perhaps 4.5 acres sounds small but this garden is home to … read more

Those shady spots in the landscape can make it challenging to grow a beautiful garden. Fortunately, there are more plants than you may think that will thrive in low light. Monitor the amount of sunlight the area receives throughout the day, season and … read more

House plants are a great way to bring the outdoors into the comfort and warmth of your home through all seasons. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, this beautiful range of plants often comes with a number of benefits to our physical and … read more

Binoculars and field guides are useful tools for visually identifying birds. Birding-by-ear skills are just as important, as birds are often heard before being seen. Thankfully, modern technology makes this easy with apps that feature multiple bird sounds, such as songs, contact calls … read more