Jefferson Beach photographer, writer and gardener Debbie Teashon personifies the term “rainy side gardener,” which happens also to be the name of her popular website. Teashon lived in Marysville on the east side of Puget Sound and had a successful photography career, along with writing for a Canadian publication. She frequently visited the Kitsap Peninsula. […]
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Growing Obsession — Dragonfly Farms Nursery
When it comes to plants, Heidi Kaster just can’t say no. Even though her Dragonfly Farms Nursery and attendant display gardens are full to bursting, she continues to bring in truckloads of cool new plants, old tried-and-trues and leafy-green deals throughout the growing season. Along the Dragonfly aisles, dark-leaved dahlias wink and wave, blue — […]
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Hummingbirds of Winter are not The Same
Hummingbirds may appear dainty because of their diminutive size, but these dazzling visitors to local gardens are bursting with energy. And they need to refuel often to maintain their dizzying blur of activity. But those who love hummingbirds are always sad when the birds leave for the winter. Or do they? Devoted hummingbird fans are […]
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Get The Dirt — On Home Gardening
Castor canadensis Castor canadensis (beavers) are the largest rodents on our continent. They can be 3 to 4 feet long from head to the tip of their paddle-shaped tails and stand a foot tall at the shoulders. Their front feet (with claws for digging and grasping) and back, webbed feet are perfectly adapted for their […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Hill Home — A Labor of Love
The narrow, winding drive that leads to the home of Mike and Eileen Hill does little to prepare you for what you are about to see. As you turn the final corner, the tall trees drop away and the driveway opens up into a wide, circular, gravel broadway curving around a small, quiet pond that […]
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Fly Fishing With the Reel Girls
The scene at Titlow Park in Tacoma attracts a few curious glances. Eleven women are spread out across the lawn, fly rods in hand, practicing their roll casts, false casts and presentation casts. The instruction this day is provided by Judy Graham, an energetic, patient tutor and expert casting instructor, who periodically calls the group […]
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Heronswood — Springing Back to Life
Heronswood Gardens in Kingston is springing back to life like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. In 2012, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe purchased the former 15-acre Heronswood Garden and Nursery site in auction from W. Atlee Burpee. In November 2012 a small band of former Heronistas (the name for the much-loved employees of the […]
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By the Light of the Silvery Moon
A garden can be a magical place after dark. As the sun wanes in the sky, subtle evening light begins to illuminate the garden in a completely new way. Flowers and foliage add a new dimension to a garden when caught by the light of a full moon. Moonlight gardens are not meant to do […]
Posted inPeople & Places
A Visit to ‘The Little City by the Sea’
Kingston is an enticing destination on a warm weekend for anyone looking to “get away” without driving far. Shopping and dining are among the main attractions but the gorgeous views and the proximity to various parks and other recreational opportunities make Kingston a serious competitor to other local charmers. Once a booming lumber town, Kingston […]