Firescaping involves designing a landscape to fireproof a property while maintaining aesthetic appeal. By thoughtfully choosing and arranging plants and construction materials, the likelihood of igniting a fire, along with its potential severity and the speed at which it spreads, can be significantly reduced. A firescape design often involves multiple zones. Zone 0, also known […]
gardening
Posted inAt Home
Ideas for Gifts with Multiple Functions and Styles
The holidays are quickly approaching and finding the perfect gift for those on your list can be challenging. With many people downsizing or striving for a minimalistic lifestyle, finding the perfect gift gets even more difficult. Gifting something that is unique, useful and provides multiple functions may be the solution. Consider gifts that help your […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Winterize Your Landscaping Tools
Winter is just around the corner, and while most of us are busy preparing our homes and vehicles for the cold months ahead, it’s important not to forget about our trusty landscaping tools. These essential tools help us maintain our lawns throughout the year, and neglecting them during the winter can lead to costly repairs […]
Posted inAt Home
Keeping Tropical Plants Healthy
Tropical plants are filling our homes and workspaces, adding beauty, relieving stress and boosting creativity, productivity and focus. Keep these plants healthy and looking their best by providing for their basic needs. Select plants that will thrive in the growing conditions found in your home or office and with your level of care. Busy gardeners […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Grow an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen
Even if you have an outdoor garden, it’s always nice to have a few herbs growing in your kitchen. Whether you live in a home, apartment or condo, you’ll appreciate having fresh herbs at your fingertips. It’s relatively easy to grow an herb garden in your kitchen, but a few things are critical for success. […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Fall Landscape Care with Pollinators in Mind
No matter where you live, investing time into your landscape care now will pay off with a healthier, more beautiful landscape next spring and for years to come. Incorporate the following practices into your fall maintenance to support pollinators and the plants in your landscape. Don’t rake the leaves to the curb or haul them […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Planting Perennials in the Fall
Fall may be a better time to plant perennials than spring. Like spring, fall has cooler, rainier weather that is more conducive to helping plants establish. Unlike spring, fall doesn’t subject freshly planted perennials to the stress of summer heat and the dry spells this can cause. Here are a few other points to consider […]
Posted inGarden
Supporting the Natural Ecosystem with Native Plants
Specialty nurseries are a magnet for serious gardeners — and Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery, located in Gig Harbor’s backyard, is a favorite. With a timely message for gardeners concerned about garden resiliency for climate change, Ingrid Wachtler and her staff are ready to help. “Native plants are not necessarily low-water-use plants because many are wetland […]
Posted inAt Home
Fall-Planted Cover Crops Provide Many Benefits to Gardens
Put your garden to work over winter by planting a cover crop this fall. Covering the soil with plants that are turned into the soil or smothered and allowed to decompose in spring provides many benefits. Fall-planted cover crops protect the soil from erosion over winter and reduce stormwater runoff into nearby waterways and storm […]