Once upon a prehistoric time, the deciduous Ginkgo biloba grew around the globe. When we look at this tree, we witness a living link to a primeval time, long before mammals became prolific on the planet. Under the tree’s tall canopy, the dinosaurs roamed. It is not hard to imagine these majestic beings rubbing their […]
trees
Posted inGarden
Never Say Done!
A gravel lane heads arrow-straight through a dull flood plain west toward Dyes Inlet. But turn left off the lane into the driveway of Ron Gillespie and Joyce Merkel, and you find a profoundly different world. Strolling under a broad arbor dripping with masses of white and purple wisteria, ferns feathering your path, you enter […]
Posted inHome
Remodeling Step by Step, Slow and Steady
Patience is a virtue, so it’s said. For Steve and Theresa Erickson of Poulsbo, it’s also the key to their remarkable home remodel, one that met the couple’s expectations in nearly every way. Working with architect Wayne LaMont and Sentinel Construction’s Dave Godbolt and Jaron Donaldson, the Ericksons took the remodel day by day and […]
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 inPeople & Places
Kingston Holiday Lights
A not-to-be-missed holiday-season outing is the Kingston Lights on the green spaces surrounding the Port of Kingston building near the ferry terminal. It all begins on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. when Santa arrives on a North Kitsap Fire and Rescue truck. Santa lights the Christmas tree and flips the switch to turn on […]
Posted inAt Home
Home Decorating for the Holidays
Chances are good that at some point during the holiday season, you’ll welcome guests into your home. Whether you lease or own your home, creating a cozy, festive setting for holiday gatherings can actually be quite simple, especially if you take on the project one room at a time. One advantage of seasonal decorating is […]
Posted inAt Home
Six Christmas Tree Safety Tips
A favorite holiday movie is “Christmas Vacation.” One of the most memorable scenes is the squirrel flying out of the Christmas tree. While funny on the movies, the threat of Christmas tree mishaps can actually be quite serious. Unsecured Christmas trees can topple over and cause serious injury, especially to a young child — and […]
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 […]