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

It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu — morning, noon and night — can go a long way toward healthier eating habits. While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you … read more

Many gardeners consider the dahlia to be the iconic flower for the late summer and fall garden. Hardy to USDA Zones 8 and above, dahlias do best in well-drained soil and excel in sunny locations. With over 36 species and more than 57,000 … read more