Bright sunshine, warm patios and fresh foods go hand in hand. As warm weather and sunny days call you outdoors, bring the whole family along with favorite meals that blend perfectly with a soft breeze and the subtle sounds of nature. Al fresco dining doesn’t have to be difficult. Just gather a few supplies, whip […]
outdoors
Posted inGardeners Corner
Selecting the Right Potting Mix for Your Plantings
As gardeners, it seems we are all looking for an ideal potting mix for our houseplants and containers. Like any gardening endeavor, a lot depends on what is available, the plants you’re growing and the type of maintenance you provide. That said, there are some things you can do to increase your success and reduce […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Top 10 Annual Seeds to Sow this Spring to Make Your Garden and Containers Flowery
Do you want to make your garden or container plantings really flowery this year? If so, try adding some easy-to-grow annual seeds to your spring shopping list. Annuals are plants that complete their whole lifecycle in one growing season. You can plant the seeds either directly outside or you can start them inside, in little […]
Posted inThe Garden
The Abundant Gardens of Candy Gratton
Candy Gratton began gardening at the tender age of 5 when she and her parents lived with her grandparents for a time in California. Her grandfather’s garden had been featured in Sunset magazine. Wanting to instill a love of gardening in her too, he allocated a spot to her. “I’ve been gardening and growing my […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Grow Fruit in Containers
Have fun and enjoy picking fresh fruit right outside your door thanks to compact varieties you can grow in containers. Just clear some space on your patio, deck, balcony or front steps that receives at least six hours of sunlight and get busy planting. Consider starting with strawberries. They provide seasonal interest with their white […]
Posted inThe Garden
Spring Is Here!
March is my favorite month for planting bareroot trees, shrubs, roses and herbaceous edibles. By planting bareroot, you’ll save money. Here are some plant suggestions: Tree types: Flowering • Fruit • Shade Shrubs: Lilacs • Flowering currants • Dogwoods • Bridal spirea • Forsythia Roses: English • Climbing • Rugosa • Modern • Old fashioned […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Growing Squash
Pumpkins, squash, and gourds have enchanted gardeners and foodies for generations with their diversity in shapes, colors and flavors. Collectively referred to as “squash,” the Cucurbita genus has a rich history dating back over 8,000 years to Central and South America, and 4,000 years later was considered the primary agricultural crop of the ancients. The […]
Posted inThe Garden
Bringing in Spring with a Vibrant, Versatile Warbler
Springtime means birdsong. As frosty mornings give way to budding leaves, singing songbirds are a harbinger of winter’s departure and the arrival of spring. Year-round species such as American robins, Pacific wrens and song sparrows are among the first to belt out their melodic songs. From March to May, migratory songbirds arrive in West Sound […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Generating Income from Your Hobby Farm
Transforming a hobby farm into a source of revenue involves more than just sowing seeds and rearing animals. With careful planning and strategic choices, hobby farmers can cultivate multiple income streams. Here are some ideas for how to bring in the dollars while enjoying rural living. Capitalize on Fresh-Grown Goods Cultivating fresh produce isn’t just […]
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