As winter dampness settles in, the changing season alters the way people take care of their skin. Indoor heat can be drying, as furnaces and heaters take humidity from the air. Indoor air can be stuffy too, and the cold dampness chills to the bone. Go back to the garden with herbal remedies to help […]
plants
Posted inAt Home
Cauliflower
If ever a vegetable has caught the attention of dieters and gourmands alike, it is the trendiest of all vegetables in 2020 — cauliflower. Versatile, low in carbohydrates and calories and with a mild and non-distinctive flavor, cauliflower lends itself to an amazingly wide variety of cooking methods. It can be steamed, broiled, grilled, baked, […]
Posted inGarden
New Plants for a New Year
Avid gardeners have a lot to celebrate in the New Year — a fresh garden season and innovative, new plant introductions for the garden. Here are some exciting new varieties to look for at your local garden centers. If you don’t find them on the shelves, ask your favorite nursery to order them for you. […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Increase Indoor Garden Success with Proper Watering
Too much of a good thing can mean death for indoor plants. Overwatering is a good example of this, and a common problem for indoor gardeners. For others, it’s the opposite extreme, allowing plants to go too dry. Knowing when to water your indoor plants can increase gardening success and eliminate the stress of uncertainty. […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Deck the Halls at a Winter Greens Party
Winter brings long, dark days, and historically humans have found ways to chase away the darkness. The tradition of festooning homes with evergreen boughs, berries and cones dates back to pagan times. In Europe, pre-Germanic people gathered evergreens because they are sturdy, last long and stay green until spring. Using natural winter berries for color […]
Posted inGarden
Bearadise — An Enchanting Garden in the Forest
A passion for gardening is often passed down from generation to generation, and for Dorene Fretwell, that is certainly true. Fretwell has been a certified Master Gardener since 2007 and has used her horticulture knowledge, creativity and intuition to create a beautiful woodland garden at her home in Seabeck. “My love of gardening started with […]
Posted inHome
How to Keep Houseplants Healthy While Keeping Pets Safe
You love them both — your pets and houseplants — but it can be challenging to safely raise them together in the same house. Reduce the risk by selecting pet-safe plants and safely managing houseplant pest problems. Avoid problems by selecting plants suited to your home’s growing conditions and gardening style. Then narrow the list further […]
Posted inGarden
Dynamic Containers for Winter
Barely into winter, and the signs of the season are everywhere. The vibrant aspects of warmer times have left for sunnier climates. Anything left in the shadow of a sunless sky is rendered drab by the unending gloom of rain. Now that West Sound is deeply entrenched in the saga of “As the Drizzling Rains […]
Posted inHome
Farmhouse Restoration
After months of deliberation and dozens of drive-by trips, a young couple decided to follow their hearts. They stopped the car and fastened a note to the mailbox of the old farmhouse. “We’re looking for a place to raise a family,” the note said. “Would you be interested in selling?” The owners, a retired couple […]