Perhaps one of the best joys of gardening is when a gardener finds that new struggling little sprout that’s choking under too many weeds and she frees it — and within a day, it’s growing straight, reaching into new summer sun. Little joys like this one are abundant stories coming forth from the gardeners of […]
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Posted inThe Garden
Jeannie Kay O’Reilly’s Indianola Secret
In the fall of 2021, Jeannie Kay O’Reilly was seeking a place of renewal. She found the perfect location in Indianola, but the lot was mostly lawn. While there was a terrific view of Miller Bay, the longed-for flowers and planted garden beds were lacking. She was “mostly retired” and was looking for a space […]
Posted inThe Garden
A Garden of Pure Joy
The American poet Theodore Roethke stated, “Great Nature has another thing to do / To you and me; so take the lively air / And, Lovely, learn by going where to go.” When you wander into Donna and Tom Torrens’ Gig Harbor garden — with its breathtaking view of the harbor and Mount Rainier, even […]
Posted inThe Garden
Enjoying Vista Gardens All Year Round
West Sound has three world-class gardens open to the public all year round. The smallest, Vista Gardens, at 4.5 acres, is tucked in against a hillside on 31st Street in East Bremerton. Perhaps 4.5 acres sounds small but this garden is home to myriad amounts of plants, literally thousands. For example, there are over 450 […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Tails and Trails on the Kitsap Peninsula
The Kitsap Peninsula is an especially pet-friendly place to visit and explore. With loads of dog parks, pet-friendly accommodations, trails and parks that welcome well-behaved dogs and cats, locals and visitors alike are sure to find an adventure that they and their animal companions will love. From the sandy, driftwood-strewn beach of Point No Point […]
Posted inThe Garden
A Gardening ‘Gold Mine’ in Poulsbo
For three decades, Sam Rader has been transforming 5 acres of woodland in Poulsbo. By combining the concepts of an arboretum, focusing on trees and a botanic garden and emphasizing education and display, he has created a type of gold mine. A wide variety of plants have been utilized, including many unusual and uncommon species, […]
Posted inThe Garden
Sprawling Gardens for Year-Round Enjoyment
At the end of a short road in Indianola there is an extremely charming and inviting garden created by Jeanne Simmons and Tony Bartling. They have even encouraged and worked with their neighbors to turn their small neighborhood into a little piece of heaven and sharing. Simmons and Bartling met in a ballroom dancing class. […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Creativity Meets Charm at the White Barn
White Barn is a beautiful store in Belfair for décor and floral arrangements. The local owner, Jimmi Cook, tries to make happiness and enjoyment the motivator of the business. “I just do what feels good and brings me joy every day,” Cook says. He also explains that he wants White Barn to bring that kind […]
Posted inThe Home
The Unique Holiday Traditions of Janine Ekberg
Janine Ekberg has loved Christmas since she was a child. She and her brothers would go into the woods and chop down a tree. For as long as she can remember, decorating the family tree was her job. After she married her husband, Chuck, her trees had themes — when the children came along, their […]
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