Borders usually run along a pathway, a wall, a hedge or a lawn edge. My favorite plants for borders are very fragrant, including evening-scented varieties. I love strolling pathways in the moonlight and smelling the gorgeous mood-settling aromas from wall flowers, stock, tobacco plants, primroses, lilacs, jasmine, roses, alliums, dianthus and datura. Lavender is always […]
outdoors
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Understanding Wines and Regions
With so many bottles crowding the shelves of your favorite wine shop or grocery store, it’s hard to know what wines you might like, especially when the label doesn’t even tell you the kind of grape is in the bottle. With a simple understanding of wine regions and knowing where different grapes grow best, you’ll […]
Posted inGarden
A Visit to… Crescent Valley Lavender Farm
Crossing the wooden bridge at 11501 Crescent Valley Drive NW, just outside of Gig Harbor and midway between Soundview and 144th, the sight up the hill to your right will leave you breathless. About 2,000 lavender mounds in varying colors of greens, pinks, deep purple and blue quicken the pulse and delight the eye. Park […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Save Money when Hosting a Barbecue on a Budget
If you’re one of the 70% of all households in the United Sates to own a grill or smoker, you’re probably looking forward to summer cookouts and barbecues. However, with the rising cost of food, your backyard get-togethers might cost more than in previous years. You don’t have to skimp on your meats and vegetables […]
Posted inGarden
The Double Life of the Imperiled Forest Seabird
It’s a beautiful summer afternoon at Point No Point County Park in Hansville. Scores of people are relaxing on the beach. Suddenly, everyone springs up and runs to the water’s edge, excitedly pointing at something offshore. A trio of orcas are swimming by. Everyone is thrilled to see the stunning, endangered sea creatures. But the […]
Posted inAt Home
Fresh Summer Flavors with Two Grilled Grass-Fed Lamb Recipes
Enjoy flavorful meals straight off the grill this summer with these delicious recipes that put New Zealand grass-fed lamb at the center of your plate. These Endless Summer Grass-Fed Lamb Burgers are topped with a fresh herb salad and juicy tomatoes on brioche buns. Or, for a spiced sensation, try Grass-Fed Lamb Meatball and Veggie […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
10 Quick Tips for Getting Outside to Ease Your Mind
Physical activity and time outside are two wonderful gifts for your body and mind; they’re proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and offer a greater sense of wellbeing. L.L.Bean recently partnered with Mental Health America to share 10 ways getting outside can boost your energy, mood and state of mind. 1. Set aside just 10 […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Incorporate All Five Senses into Your Garden
Editor’s note: This article was adapted from “The Garden Refresh,” a newly released book by Kier Holmes. Published with permission. Smell, sound, taste, touch, and sight — incorporating all five senses in your design creates a dynamic and well-rounded garden experience. And your garden doesn’t have to be elaborate or massive to achieve this. Small […]
Posted inGarden
Come and Bloom with the Gig Harbor Garden Tour
We could say these gardens have “come out of dormancy” after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. But actually, the gardens and the gardeners themselves have been anything but dormant during their at-home time the last two gardening seasons. As with the general populace, gardeners found they enjoyed the flexibility of working at home. […]