Gordon and Janet Knudsen don’t have a lilac, but that’s OK, because they have practically everything else. From astrantia to zinnias, the Knudsens’ Poulsbo garden is a botanical who’s who — and what’s that? — of fabulous plants. However, the Knudsens’ arboretum-esque property is more than just a feast for the human eye; it’s a […]
outdoors
Posted inGarden
Rain Garden at the Heart of Dream Northwest Landscape
When Sherry and Kirk Kanode moved into their beautiful, brand-new custom home in 2002, little did they know they were embarking on a gardening adventure of a lifetime. A deep, crescent-shaped bioswale separated their front yard from the street, making street parking and a path to the front door nearly impossible. The home was a […]
Posted inAt Home
Your Fall Home and Yard Maintenance Checklist
Regularly checking your home for maintenance needs throughout the year is the best way to keep the home safe and prevent the need for costly emergency repairs. But fall is one time of year when you really need a thorough, systematic inspection to make sure your home has weathered the summer heat and is ready […]
Posted inGarden
Garden of Delights
It’s been said that you can tell a lot about a person by the garden she grows. In the case of Teri Cole of Bainbridge Island, her garden is an adventure of exuberance. A riot of color, quirk and creativity, Cole’s beds and borders have a combined personality almost too big to be contained in […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Magical Mauritius — Hidden Gem of the Indian Ocean
In the Indian Ocean southeast of the continent of Africa, some 1,200 miles off the coast, lies the idyllic volcanic island of Mauritius. A hidden gem of lush and beautiful beaches, excellent year-around weather and diverse cultural life. Logistics Most visitors will arrive at the Port Louis airport via South Africa, Kenya, Dubai or India. […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Things to Do Now to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Although preparing your home for winter is a fairly consistent process year-to-year, many homes have seen significantly more use this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. If your home will serve as your office or school throughout the winter months, it’s important to address issues that may have been noticed but tolerable during winters past. Consider […]
Posted inGarden
‘The Complete Book of Ferns’
In the Victorian era of the 1800s, there began a fad called “pteridomania” or “fern fever,” referring to a huge popularity of all things pteridological. “Pterido” is from the ancient Greek word pteris for fern. Back then, the craze involved more than just collecting ferns, but also the incorporation of the fern motif as decoration […]
Posted inGarden
Autumn Glory at Bloedel Reserve
The Kitsap Peninsula is privileged to be home to one of the nation’s most magnificent landscape gardens, just over the Highway 305 bridge on Bainbridge Island. Touted as “one of North America’s 10 best botanical gardens,” Bloedel Reserve is unique in its focus, combining exquisite vistas within a natural setting and featuring stately trees, ponds […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Trend-Setting Daffodils for Gardens and Bouquets
Daffodils are having their day. Floral designers are opening our eyes to a world of gorgeous daffodils that extends far beyond the iconic yellow trumpets. These unexpected varieties include doubles, bi-colors and split cups, in colors such as creamy white, peach, pink, gold and orange. Grow some of these spring beauties in your garden and […]