Pumpkins, squash, and gourds have enchanted gardeners and foodies for generations with their diversity in shapes, colors and flavors. Collectively referred to as “squash,” the Cucurbita genus has a rich history dating back over 8,000 years to Central and South America, and 4,000 years later was considered the primary agricultural crop of the ancients. The […]
plants
Posted inGarden
For the Love of Flowers
Perhaps you have seen their farmstands. Dotted down the backroads and tucked into neighborhoods, flower farms are proliferating around West Sound and growing into a unified local industry. The Northwest climate is similar to the most well-known flower-growing areas in Europe (think: the Netherlands or the English countryside). Even people without much previous gardening experience […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Generating Income from Your Hobby Farm
Transforming a hobby farm into a source of revenue involves more than just sowing seeds and rearing animals. With careful planning and strategic choices, hobby farmers can cultivate multiple income streams. Here are some ideas for how to bring in the dollars while enjoying rural living. Capitalize on Fresh-Grown Goods Cultivating fresh produce isn’t just […]
Posted inGarden
A Master Gardener’s Paradise for a Smaller Lot
Sometimes moving into a planned community poses challenges for a gardener. There are homeowner association (HOA) rules, smaller lots and restrictions for fences, and if the lot happens to be on a golf course, that just adds to the puzzle. Master Gardener Linda Broun embraced these constraints, even celebrated them, as she created a garden […]
Posted inGarden
Aromatherapy in Your Garden
How about am aromatic garden? Perfume-scented flowers, blooming trees and herbs in the garden are so important for insects, animals and people. Plant fragrances change your mood and brighten your spirits and can be very calming. You can create a scented haven with little effort, as Mother Nature will assist you with her magic wand. […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Five Messages Your Yard Sends Potential Home Buyers
More than three-quarters of Americans who have a yard say it’s one of the most important parts of their home, according to a poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll. Another report from Zillow indicates that the backyard is a must-have feature for buyers.
Posted inGardeners Corner
Brilliant Winter-Blooming Houseplants to Brighten Dreary Days (and How to Care for Them)
Do you have the post-holiday blues? With the tinsel and decorations packed away, your home might feel a little bleak and bare. You need something pretty and festive to help endure gray, cold winter days. And as we count the weeks until the first crocus pops and the daffodils fill garden beds, what better mood-booster […]
Posted inGarden
Bulbs and Other Plants for Winter Interest
January and February are months when many gardeners enjoy staying cozy inside their homes, mulling through all the seed catalogues, catching up on reading all the cool books on gardening and planning out their veggie gardens for early-spring planting and starting seeds indoors. It’s also a great time to visit local nurseries to see their […]
Posted inGarden
Gift Ideas for Gardeners 2.0
Last year, WestSound Magazine’s November/ December issue published an article on gift-shopping for your gardening loved ones. The article shared nursery staff recommendations for plants and tools. This year, we’ve included some updates and new stops for your garden-related shopping. Crazy Hill Garden & Botanicals This relatively new nursery has plants and local art. Co-owner […]