Fall is a great time to be in your family yard. “Our yards are giving us ways to keep living,” says Kris Kiser, president of the TurfMutt Foundation. “Your backyard can help you stay active and thrive. It’s where you might throw a ball with the kids or the dog. You might grill dinner, sit […]
outdoors
Posted inPeople & Places
Inspirational Walks and Hikes
Many of us have heard the saying, “Go take a hike.” At one time, this was a negative phrase, but now it could become our mantra for getting out and exploring all the abundant trails that surround us in West Sound, from the south of the peninsula to the far north and maybe a few […]
Posted inAt Home
Nurturing Mindful Children in Nature This Season
Summer and fall are prime times to get kids out of the house and spend time outdoors, especially if you live at high altitudes or by the water. As you can imagine, studies show tremendous positive effects for children who spend time outside: However, you may need more than the idea of another hike to […]
Posted inAt Home
Flip Your Deck for Fall: 6 Ways to Extend Outdoor Living Season
The days may be getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your outdoor living space. Here are some easy ways to flip your deck for fall, courtesy of the outdoor living experts at Trex. 1. Ignite the light. The setting sun doesn’t have to darken your outdoor fun. Lighting has the […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Daffodils with a Difference
There are so many reasons to love daffodils. These spring-blooming bulbs aren’t fussy about where they are planted. They come back to bloom again year after year, and are not bothered by deer, rabbits or other garden pests. But there’s also a whole world of beautiful daffodils beyond the classic yellow ones. Daffodils are available […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Five Backyard Styles to Inspire Your Outdoor Project
The backyard is an important extension of a home’s living space, so it makes sense a family’s individual style be reflected in its design. By marrying your unique design perspective with your backyard needs, you can create even greater memories with your family and friends, amping up the yard’s purpose and value. “Mulligan the TurfMutt […]
Posted inGarden
The Dream of a ‘Secret Garden’ Comes to Life as a Place of Solace
Stepping into the garden surrounding the happy yellow house on a quiet cul-de-sac, you are entering a wonderland of vignettes — a secret garden full of treasures at every turn. Blousy, full, flowering plants; miniature glass houses; displays of birdhouses; and even a real vintage bed in the garden elicit oohs and ahhhhs. Debbie’s (last […]
Posted inGarden
Exploring Tasty Treasures of the Forest: Mushrooms
In the dead of the night, deep in the Central Cascades, Jeremy Collison navigated the dark woods, with only a headlamp to cut through the curtain of mist separating him from his prize. While others might curse the precipitation, Collison and his companions celebrated, as each drop puddling on their skin signaled a higher chance […]
Posted inGarden
Adding Color and Scents to Your Midsummer Garden
July and August are the perfect months to add more plants to West Sound gardens. Whether you are a more seasoned or a new gardener, check out the offerings at local nurseries. There are still plenty of wonderful plants to enjoy and all of the following plant suggestions are great for natural pollinators. The only […]