In the middle of Bainbridge Island, there is an unusual garden gem. “This started out as a permaculture project, but mostly I just have a lot of fun with trees,” says Mark Shaffer. In 1978, Shaffer and his wife, Susan, purchased 1908 farmhouse on 5 acres, half wooded and half “old growth scotch broom.” The […]
outdoors
Posted inGarden
Not Your Average ‘Seagull’
A little-known fact, outside the world of birding, is that there is no such bird as a “seagull.” Rather, the term “seagull” is an informal name given to any member of the Laridae (Greek for “ravenous seabird”) family. Gulls, as they are correctly called, are most closely related to terns. They hold little interest to […]
Posted inCommunity News
Learn about Kitsap 4-H Clubs — Oct. 13 at Kitsap Mall
Kitsap County 4-H Clubs kick off their new year and a special partnership with the Kitsap Mall at a Welcome to 4-H! event from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Kitsap Mall, 10315 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale. Learn more about 4-H, which is so much more than cows and plows — and […]
Posted inGarden
Perfect Plants for Your Waterside Gardening
West Sound residents seldom forget how fortunate they are to be surrounded by water. Thousands of miles of shoreline influence everyday activities, especially for those lucky enough to be the stewards of waterfront property. The thought of a seaside garden conjures up romance, fun, beauty, sunshine, children laughing, friends sharing stories around a fire — […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Why Gardening Helps Preserve Our Planet
Editor’s note: Albers Vista Gardens is a West Sound treasure that demonstrates how to garden sustainably and preserve flora and fauna. This excerpt was adapted from Albers Vista Gardens’ founder John J. Albers’ book, “The Northwest Garden Manifesto: Create, Restore, and Maintain a Sustainable Yard” (Mountaineers Books, December 2017, used with permission). For millions of […]
Posted inHome
Barbara and Jim Rogers — Once Upon a Time…
Their love story began when Barbara and Jim Rogers met in a church youth group in Santa Barbara, California, while Barbara was in high school and Jim in college. Eventually young love blossomed into engagement and a wedding 54 years ago. In 1977, Weyerhaeuser transferred Jim Rogers to its headquarters in Federal Way. The couple […]
Posted inAt Home
Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home
September was “Curb Appeal Month,” and before we wrap it up — along with many of the summer maintenance chores — we asked our local realtors a few questions about curb appeal. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, or simply want to spruce up the outside of the home before the holidays, check […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Wasp Numbers on the Rebound — Avoiding the Stings
Ask any gardener, hiker or picnicker — the region’s wasp population got its sting back. “Compared to recent years, the number of wasps is considerably up,” said Richard Zack, Washington State University entomologist. Equipped with sharp stingers, craving sugar and searching for water sources in a parched landscape, yellow jackets and paper wasps have been […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Best Hikes With Kids around Western Washington, Part 2
Editor’s note: This is the second part of an excerpt adapted from hiking expert Susan Elderkin’s book, “Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, April 2018). Enjoy exploring the region’s hikes with your little ones — these are the perfect spots for them. Read Part 1 Here. Gold Creek Pond Snoqualmie Pass; 1.4 mile-loop […]