Kevin Ryan is a problem solver, which is a very good thing to be when building a new home. Being Ryan’s first time out with the intricacies of permitting, building and achieving the desired look with the correct materials in the available space, this was a deep-end-of-the-pool experience. Fortunately, Ryan — an engineer — enjoys […]
northwest
Posted inGarden
Mason Bees
Exploring the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula, we can find an array of treasures in all shapes and sizes. From awe-inspiring forests to picturesque beaches and harbors, this region is a paradise for nature lovers. What we don’t often take notice of are the smaller treasures that keep our habitat healthy and thriving — native solitary mason […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Sourdough Willy’s — an Elevated Pizza Experience
Seldom does one have the opportunity to be invited into the spotlessly clean dining room of a master pizzaiolo champion, but Kitsap residents are the lucky ones. Sitting next to the Kingston Ferry toll booth is Sourdough Willy’s pizza house par excellence. Owner Will Grant has travelled the world and honed his culinary skills since […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Dinner Plate
How does that go, “Best laid plans…” Contemporary thrifting had reached a wrong turn, the unexpected dilemma. One would think, a dinner plate — piece of cake, so to speak. It started one day at the Goodwill in East Bremerton. Down one side of a long isle were shelves of dinner plates, floor to ceiling, […]
Posted inGarden
Landscaping for Wildlife
March and April are perfect months for selecting and planting woody shrubs and trees. This year, consider adding plants to feed and shelter wildlife, especially birds and pollinators. Choose from both evergreen and deciduous plants. Evergreen plants provide shelter and nesting areas throughout the year. Deciduous plants satisfy that requirement but also visually add wonderful […]
Posted inAt Home
Stay Safe as You Get Back Outside to Work on Your Lawn and Backyard
Spring is coming, and as we get out our lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment from storage to work in our yards, businesses and other green spaces, it’s important to put safe practices in place. “Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade […]
Posted inGarden
Vociferous and Vicious — The Tiny, Yet Mighty Marsh Wren
Some people like to talk. Gregarious folks never run out of things to say, nor do they seem to tire of speaking. Others are quieter and only talk when it’s necessary. It is the same in the world of birds. Some birds call almost incessantly, including gulls, crows and grackles. Others rarely utter a peep. […]
Posted inGarden
How and Why to Landscape Septic Systems
There are over 60,000 onsite sewage systems (OSS) in Kitsap County. How should you landscape and maintain them? What Is an OSS? An OSS has a septic tank where effluent (i.e., wastewater from kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms) enters the tank, solids settle to the bottom and oils and grease rise to the top. In […]
Posted inGarden
Hellebores — Winter Garden Jewels
Brr, it’s cold outside. Take heart — the days are becoming longer and the winter flower phenomenon is hellebore season, brought to you by the genus Helleborus. Commonly called hellebores, Oriental hellebores, Lenten rose or Christmas rose, whatever you call them, they put on their best finery — fancy flowers and evergreen foliage during […]