The pandemic gave rise to a variety of hobbies, and one of them was houseplants. A survey of 1,250 American adults by Trees.com found that 1 in 4 plant owners started collecting houseplants as a pandemic hobby. Among this group, Gen Zers were more likely to be new to plant keeping. The study also show […]
gardening
Posted inGarden
Things to Do Now in Your Garden
Even though we are in the winter months, shrubs, plants and trees come alive in January. It’s a good time to test your soil for missing nutrients and then fertilize and amend accordingly. Inventory your garden seeds well before you start planting them and check to be sure they are for the winter month plantings. […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Five Ways to Enjoy Salad Greens
Salads have been a raw and healthy staple since ancient Greece (Greek salad, anyone?), yet many people grow bored of the same tired salad bowl over and over. While it’s true you can spice up your ordinary salad by adding fresh fruits, vegetables and dressings, you can also mix up the types of greens you’re […]
Posted inGarden
Rhododendrons, Here We Come
The new year is an exciting time for Northwest rhododendron fans — it marks the beginning of the flowering season for these popular, well-loved shrubs. Even non-gardeners can recognize rhododendrons. What comes to mind when thinking about a rhododendron? For many people, it’s a large truss comprised of many blossoms. The evergreen leaves will be […]
Posted inGarden
A Garden of Exceptional Skill and Imagination
The mystical, magical garden created by Arlene and Bill West inspires awe and an explosion of ideas in the minds of all who visit. Solutions for gardening in “next-to-impossible” places, intermingled with expressive, original and imaginative garden art could fill a book. Here is their story. When Arlene married Bill about 20 years ago, the […]
Posted inAt Home
‘Backyarding’ Trends to Watch in 2022
“Backyarding,” the trend to move indoor activities outdoors that was made popular during the pandemic, is here to stay and will continue to expand this year, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring for green spaces. “Backyarding is a way of life now,” says Kris […]
Posted inGarden
Plants Deer Don’t Eat (The World’s Shortest List)
She tiptoed across my yard on slender legs. Pausing demurely, she batted her big, doe eyes at me. Such a pretty thing. Such grace. I wanted to be her friend. “Have an apple,” I said, and shook the tree until apples rained down. She chose the nearest fruit and as I walked away, I heard […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
10 Gardening Gaffes to Avoid
What’s the difference between a new gardener and an experienced one? The experienced gardener has killed way more plants, the saying goes. That truism speaks to the fact that gardening is a highly trial-and-error venture — and one where some plants are just going to struggle and die no matter what you do. The good […]
Posted inAt Home
Five Tips for Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal
It’s no secret that the U.S. housing market is booming right now. According to realtor.com, “strong demand and insufficient supply pushed home prices up at a record-breaking 16.6% pace. The combination of historically low mortgage rates, businesses reopening and the lifting of pandemic restrictions fueled a buying frenzy with multiple bids,” creating a seller’s market, […]