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 […]
outdoors
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 […]
Posted inBlog, Gardeners Corner
How to Create a Backyard Sanctuary for Wildlife
Do you have waterfront property? Does your house look out on magnificent views of the Puget Sound? Or perhaps you have a secluded lakeshore cabin. You may want to consider making your property friendly to wildlife. On my property, there is a vernal pond that my husband dug several years ago. It is only about […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Healthy Birds In Your Backyard
What a wonderful spring we had, with lots of moisture and late winter snow in the mountains. All that is good for the birds and their nesting activities that are ongoing. Every year, we hear of some illness issues that pop up from time to time with the birds in local backyards. To alleviate some […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
Tips for Successful Salmon Fishing
Through summer and into fall, salmon begin their annual migrations to their natal streams for spawning. July and August angling is focused on chinook (kings) and coho (silvers) and in odd numbered years, pinks (humpies). Being an even-numbered year, pinks are not available in substantial numbers so it’s a king and silver show this year. […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Dress Up the Summer Garden
A summer without annuals is like a spring without flowering bulbs. It is time to dress up a drab garden in a kaleidoscope of summer color with seasonal plants. When a garden passion turns into an obsession, you can fill gardens and containers with plants until they overflow with bright-hued flowers and textural foliage. The […]
Posted inBlog, Gardeners Corner
Staying One Step Ahead of Your Garden so You Can Enjoy It
As the days of summer heat up, the last thing we want to do is work hard in the garden. This is the time to enjoy it, play in the sprinklers and hang out with friends. Here are a few tips to help you reach this nirvana. Mulch Hopefully you took some time this spring, […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Get The Dirt — On Home Gardening
Summer Gardening Tips Summer is the perfect time to wander throughout your gardens. Take photos of the planting areas you enjoy the most. Download photos and make notes to yourself what you like the best about the various plants you’ve recorded. Make notes for future editing if you find some spots where you’d like to […]
Posted inFeatured, Garden
Outsmarting Your Garden Nemesis
Weeds are not altogether undesirable plants. “Heresy!” you might say, but the term “weed” is an arbitrary designation made by a gardener who would prefer to grow another plant instead. To some people, a foxglove is a gift in an otherwise bare bed, and to others, an interloper whose poisonous leaves beckon to a pup […]