A contemporary, stucco home on the south end of Bainbridge Island delivers unexpected turns of surprise and delight far exceeding the simplicity of its exterior. A colonnade between the garage and the home frames a view of Port Orchard Passage on its way … read more

Prior to 2011, Sally Eastman, an experienced gardener, had never grown a rose. She said recently, “I think I may have planted Rose One Hundred and One this year.” How and why did she become so bowled over by roses? The story really … read more

It’s been almost two years since Mary Ellen Houston and her husband, Stuart Chisholm, purchased the Olalla Valley Winery in December 2015. Much has changed in that time, but much has stayed the same, as well. They still grow and harvest many of … read more

Consider the leaf as the breath of life, for without plant foliage, there would be no life. The most important living components on Earth contain life-giving chlorophyll. Every breath humans take is possible because chlorophyll synthesizes the energy of the sun, water and … read more

The preparations you make now, ahead of storms or floods, can help you recover faster and stay safe during cleanup. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, reminds … read more

Do just one thing this fall, and you can improve the health and vigor of your lawn. Fall fertilization helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer and provides needed nutrients to grow deeper roots and a denser stand of grass. And that … read more

As summer slips into fall, bird activity in West Sound gardens and yards begins to change. Both insect-eating birds and those with a taste for ripening fruit move throughout this region. The wild and domestic fruit crops tempt birds like the robins, cedar … read more

If you love daffodils, you’re likely familiar with the popular ones like the iconic Dutch Master or Yellow River, the easily recognizable Barrett Browning or the beautiful Goblet. Since the Year of the Daffodil will be winding down soon, we wanted to share … read more

What started out as one man’s hobby has grown into a nursery with a reputation for quality plants with reasonable prices. Raft Island Roses had its beginning in 1997 when Frank Gatto, originally from Burien, retired from his first career and began selling … read more