Legend has it that Kingston’s Fourth of July parade is the longest continually running Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi. And while the organizers may not be able to verify that statement, they challenge any town to prove it wrong. Today, the parade draws an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 revelers annually. Even a pandemic […]
outdoors
Posted inGarden
Rhododendron Dream
Sometimes we need to see things from a new angle, in order to realize how wonderful something truly is. Charmond Adkins of Poulsbo found this to be true the rhododendron flower. “I got interested in rhododendrons about 40 years ago, when I first saw a yellow one,” she says. “Prior to that, I only thought […]
Posted inGarden
Community and Learning Gardens
West Sound abounds in opportunities to enjoy gardens and gardening. It’s been said that the Pacific Northwest is heaven for gardeners. But what if a person has no space to garden? Not even in containers? The answer is community gardens, also known as P-patches. And, if you’d rather just enjoy visiting gardens or perhaps learning […]
Posted inAt Home
Purchasing a Portable AC? Keep These Tips in Mind
If you’re planning to buy a portable AC unit to beat the summer heat, you may want to do a little homework to avoid enticing promises and clever marketing tactics that don’t deliver. Here’s how to be a savvy shopper: Ratings: Be aware that a higher advertised BTU rating doesn’t always guarantee a cooler paradise. […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Choose Your Next Barbecue Grill
There’s nothing like sunshine, a warm breeze and the smell of delicious food on the grill. If you’ve been anticipating getting back to grilling, wait no longer! According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, now that temperatures are warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything you love about outdoor cooking. If you already […]
Posted inGarden
Crazy Plants at Crazy Hill
Crazy Hill Garden & Botanicals in Belfair lives up to its name. The nursery, which opened in March 2021, provides a laid-back, fun, artistic and casual atmosphere for its customers. “The big-box shops buy safe, and we buy fun,” says Crazy Hill Garden & Botanical co-owner Elton Busby, adding that the nursery specializes in “unique […]
Posted inGarden
Gig Harbor Garden Tour — An Inspiration for All Gardeners
After a season of unusual cold and snow, it is a gardener’s joy to see spring shoots promising summer abundance. This year’s annual Gig Harbor Garden Tour offers a rich summer palette of color, natural foliage, manicured pathways and a natural forest. There is a garden for every type of gardener — novice to experienced […]
Posted inGarden
The Garden Conservancy Open Day Tours
It could be argued that in the Pacific Northwest, gardening-mania far surpasses baseball as the favorite sport. With the help of April showers, June gardens are primped, pruned and ready for ohs! and ahs! as garden tour season begins. Knowledgeable gardeners anticipate The Garden Conservancy Open Days, which grants unprecedented access to private gardens. Open […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Control Your Asthma When Outdoor Air Quality is Bad
Asthma, a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans, is often exacerbated by air pollution and the effects of climate change. However, understanding how the environment impacts asthma can help you minimize your exposure to air pollutants and prepare for extreme weather events. As part of its Promoting Asthma Friendly Environments […]