It’s no secret (or surprise) that more and more people are heading to the trails for their regular exercise, whether walking/hiking or running. Whether you are new to the trails or have countless trail hours under your belt, there are some basic tips that are worth reviewing. In this two-part series, we’ll talk first about […]
outdoors
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Barbara and Dave Shoaf — Garden Paradise
The hillside gardens of Barbara and Dave Shoaf offer a glimpse of paradise to every visitor. When the North Kitsap couple retired from spending their lives and careers in Phoenix, Ariz., they knew exactly where they wanted to move. In fact, they had been researching the Pacific Northwest, particularly the Poulsbo area, for several years, […]
Posted inBlog, Gardeners Corner
Vegetables to Plant Now for Winter Harvest
In the West Sound growing climate, gardeners can often plant seeds and starts in July through September for late fall, winter and sometimes even early spring harvest. The most important thing to remember is soil temperatures and how much water is needed. Many gardeners extend the season even farther by using hoop houses and floating […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Community Education Opportunities
Salmon Stewards Oct. 10, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Norm Dicks Government Center Cost: $10 Learn about salmon habitat, life cycle and species in the Puget Sound. Ecologically, traditionally and commercially important, salmon are iconic in our region and influence how we manage our waters and landscape. Salmon experts Paul Dorn and Kathy Peters share […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Get The Dirt — On Home Gardening
Crows Fall is the time when days are shorter and fall-colored foliage and decorations abound. It’s also a time of dormancy and death when annual plants die and decompose into great soil, while other plants enter a long sleep, storing energy for next spring. Let’s discuss black-as-night crows, their lives and their flocking as signal […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
HAPPY Trails to You — The Benefits of Running Outdoors
Perhaps John Muir, the great American environmentalist, said it best: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” You probably know that exercise in general is good for us and that we are lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, arguably the greatest area for trail endeavors in the United […]
Posted inBlog, Gardeners Corner
A Few Tasks for the Dog Days of a Summer Garden
As you stroll through the garden in the heat of the day, plants don’t seem to have that oomph they had in the spring. Some say it’s just too hot to garden and are waiting for fall planting time to even think about getting out the shovel. So it goes, the dog days of summer […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Flower Power
Fresh floral arrangements make a statement. Whether composed of a single, stunning blossom or multihued, full and brimming with petals, a bouquet says that you care about the details and flourishes that make a house a home. And to guests, flowers are a welcoming signal that you consider their company special. For those who like […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Cultivate Your Child’s Love for Gardening
Allowing a bit of creative autonomy is the key to encouraging children to spend time in the garden. Children can be reluctant to try something new, afraid of doing something wrong or making a mess. With their own space to experiment, putter and even goof up or get dirty, a child can learn creatively. This […]