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 … read more

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 … read more

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, … read more

Not every homeowner has a privacy fence. At some point, though, you’ve likely wished you did. Standard plank or timber fences can look garish and out of place. Brick and steel are tough, but expensive. Is there an optimum solution? Indeed, there is. … read more

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 … read more

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 … read more

During the pandemic lockdown, many homeowners had a renewed interest in greenhouses. If you’ve been inspired to think about owning a glasshouse or greenhouse for the first time, but you don’t know where to start, Hartley Botanic — a manufacturer of handmade English … read more

Nothing says summer like a leisurely glass of lemonade in the backyard and a light, melt-in-your-mouth cookie to accompany it. Lavender shortbread, an unusual, easy-to-make cookie, is sure to get high praise from friends and family. Herbs of all sorts have been used … read more

Gladiolus are as American as apple pie. Generations of gardeners, from Maine to Western Washington, have tucked these summer-blooming bulbs into their gardens in spring, delighted by the gorgeous flower spikes that appear just a few months later. Buckets of long-stemmed glads are … read more