There is no such thing as a new idea, Mark Twain said. “We simply take a lot of old ideas, give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations.” Kitsap County is the home of several botanical wonders — among them Albers Vista in Bremerton, Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island and Heronswood in […]
garden
Posted inGardeners Corner
Kids’ Garden-Themed Activities You Can Do Right Now
As we all face these unpredictable times, experts at KidsGardening created and shared these “tried and true,” plant-based activities that are joyful for any age and don’t involve any screen time. The national nonprofit reaches close to half of a million educators, parents and volunteers with free online gardening educational resources and activities. According to […]
Posted inThe Garden
Glass ‘Flowers’ For Your Garden
Hansville artist Judy Bryant has done a variety of things in her lifetime. For several years, she worked as a draftsperson at Boeing, where she drew the designs of the captains’ panel of the 737 aircraft onto mylar sheets, using special pens. She also worked for Marriott Hotels for 17 years in the accounts payable […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Maintaining Wellness through Gardening in the Era of Social Distancing
Recreational, meetings and concerts are canceled. The kids are out of school and we’re being encouraged to stay home. In this time of Covid-19, here are a few suggestions from the National Garden Bureau, along with links to resources, to cultivate something good. 1. Start some seeds. Nothing is more life-affirming than checking each morning […]
Posted inThe Garden
A Living Fossil — Ginkgo Biloba
Once upon a prehistoric time, the deciduous Ginkgo biloba grew around the globe. When we look at this tree, we witness a living link to a primeval time, long before mammals became prolific on the planet. Under the tree’s tall canopy, the dinosaurs roamed. It is not hard to imagine these majestic beings rubbing their […]
Posted inThe Garden
Never Say Done!
A gravel lane heads arrow-straight through a dull flood plain west toward Dyes Inlet. But turn left off the lane into the driveway of Ron Gillespie and Joyce Merkel, and you find a profoundly different world. Strolling under a broad arbor dripping with masses of white and purple wisteria, ferns feathering your path, you enter […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Get Maximum Yield from Minimal Garden Space
Growing on a deck or balcony is a great way to bring the garden to your backdoor. You can attract butterflies and hummingbirds into easy view and grow edibles within close reach when cooking. For some, it may be the only available space to garden. Make the most of every square foot by growing vertically. […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Make 2020 Your ‘Year of the Lavender’
The “lavender lifestyle” is real. Everywhere you look, people are incorporating this multifaceted plant into their daily lives: It’s seen in gardens, as well as in kitchens and décor. It’s even a special part of health and wellness routines. The texture, scent, attractiveness and overall usability of lavender make it one of the most versatile […]
Posted inAt Home
Brussels Sprouts
Love them or hate them, the little miniature cabbages called Brussels sprouts are prevalent in Northwest gardens and in the marketplace throughout the winter. They are an easy-to-cook, versatile and healthy addition to many recipes, from side dishes to main courses. Winter is the best time to enjoy these little emerald jewels, as they sweeten […]