Fall officially begins on Sept. 22, weaving its way toward winter’s arrival in December. In West Sound, September often provides lots of delightful days to spend out among the plants in our gardens. October is often quite lovely, too, but as we move … read more

Like people, birds are sometimes unappreciated and misunderstood. While every species has its place in the ecosystem, some are bigger stars than others. Beach lovers would gladly trade a flock of “seagulls” for hummingbirds. Yet gulls, not hummingbirds, scavenge smelly carcasses from the … read more

This winter, brighten your mood and surroundings by planting and growing a few amaryllis. Your thoughts may turn to red when considering this plant, but now you can find a variety of colors and flower shapes. Select the color that best suits your … read more

The Pacific Northwest is home to the native blue orchard mason bees. Often mistaken for houseflies due to their blue-green, iridescent bodies, these solitary bees are distinct from social bees because each female independently lays her own eggs, finds her own nest and … read more

The new Olalla Lavender Festival, which took place in July, concluded with overwhelming success, drawing more than 1,300 visitors to the picturesque community of Olalla. The festival brought together local artisans, farmers, families and lavender enthusiasts for a memorable celebration of nature’s beauty. … read more

In the Fort Ward district of Bainbridge Island is a garden filled with history. In 1973, a property became available that had once been a Fort Ward warehouse. Liz Robinson and her husband, Peter, were living in a farmhouse they had renovated on … read more

The Annual Hansville Garden Tour took place in July. Six gardens were featured in this self-guided tour. This annual event benefits Hansville Helping Hands, which maintains the Hansville Cemetery and assists Hansville residents in need. Attendees delighted in touring Fat Turnip Farms, Lighthouse … read more

I’m so excited to tell you about this beautiful shrub named Eclipse Big Leaf Hydrangea. The leaves are dark purple — almost black, and have a sheen like satin. They stay dark all season long, year after year. The blooms are a spectacular … read more

Whether it’s that remodel project or beautifying yard spaces — this was where your dreams became reality. The KBA event offered hundreds of exhibitors showcasing a variety of products to help people find what they need to spruce up their homes inside and … read more