I love a good mystery, and the garden provides many puzzles. Sometimes I am stumped, but it sure is satisfying when the solution presents itself! Last spring, I decided to make use of some rotting pallets we had set aside. The wood was pretty far-gone, and I thought I could bury it under some compost […]
outdoors
Posted inFeatured, The Garden
The Many Faces of Bark
Now that winter is in high gear and the barren deciduous trees lost their leaves months ago, what’s left is their proverbial bones reaching to the sky. When deciduous trees are barren, single specimens can have a stark, architectural look to them. Yet that is not all they give us in the winter months. Take […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Roller Blader
This whimsical sculpture is part of the public art collection in Uptown Gig Harbor, a destination shopping center. Southworth artist Douglas Granum made the 9-foot sculpture from steel, covered with “Ferrari red” powder coat; and etched, stainless-steel rollers. “The Roller Blader” greets visitors by the Green.House restaurant. Another Granum work, a rock fountain depicting a […]
Posted inBlog, Community News, Featured
Share Your Thoughts About Great Peninsula Conservancy’s Preservation Plans
The Great Peninsula Conservancy is updating its goals, objectives and strategies for conserving lands and waters on the Kitsap, Key and Gig Harbor peninsulas. The draft Great Peninsula Conservancy Conservation Plan for 2016-2021 is an update and revision to the previous plan. Its purpose is to enact a robust strategy for Great Peninsula Conservancy conservation […]
Posted inFeatured, The Garden
Spring-Flowering Bulbs and Corms
Spring-flowering bulbs provide lots of color with very little effort. From mid-February until late April, the longer and warmer days signal the earth to awaken. First to bloom are snowdrops then crocus, daffodils, grape hyacinths, hyacinths and dwarf iris. Tulips that bloom during the entire season are available. Other bulbs are also available in catalogs, […]
Posted inBlog, Featured, Gardeners Corner
Ease into Gardening with a Raised Bed
Raise your garden to new heights for easier access and greater productivity. Raised beds allow you to overcome poor soil by creating the ideal growing mix, plus make gardening time more comfortable thanks to less bending and kneeling. Whether you purchase a kit or build your own, there are a few things to consider when […]
Posted inBlog, Featured, The Outdoors
Supporting Wildlife Refuges by Collecting Duck Stamps
“…You don’t have to be a hunter to buy a duck stamp. You just need $25. So go out and buy the stamp.” Jim Williams, co-author of the book “Questions and Answers about Backyard Birds,” made that statement in an article he wrote for the Minneapolis Tribune a few years back. It’s good advice and […]
Posted inFeatured, The Garden
A Winter Bird Walk
The middle of winter can be the perfect time for a stroll along the many waterfront areas found throughout West Sound country. Choose a day when the weather offers clear, blue skies and crisp, cool temperatures. Birds sheltering in inland waters react to such a day as if spring were just around the corner. Lengthening […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
Weekend Craft Project: Drift Away Mirror
Do you love looking for “found objects” during your beach outings? If you’re a collector of driftwood, why not turn it into a fun mirror. (Please note: It’s illegal to collect driftwood from some public beaches — please check regulations ahead of time.) A touch of nature brings balance to your home décor with this […]