The Garden

Many interesting and delightful gardens abound in our area — how fun to glimpse into a gardener’s back yard (or even front yard). Enjoy gardens from Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Central Kitsap, and the North end of Kitsap including Bainbridge Island. These articles are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!

A container of reddish-pink scented 'Princess Anne' rose and not-yet-blooming 'Grey Lady Plymouth.'

A Garden for All Senses

Digging in dirt — the feel of soil and the aroma of fresh-turned earth — walking a crushed gravel path, brushing against fragrant plants, hearing birdsong or wind chimes — only a garden offers these experiences. When we engage the senses, the garden … read more

Carved by Nature
Garden Structures

Carved by Nature

A French-Inspired Garden Pavilion and Fireplace

Throughout Sam and Karen Brindley’s Indianola home and garden, acanthus leaves appear on lamps, andirons, mirrors, and various furniture. “Acanthus leaves are a theme in my décor,” Karen Brindley said. “So, when local craftsmen designed and built an outdoor pavilion and stone fireplace, … read more

An American coot on the water resembles a swimming chicken.
Scoop: Birding

A Ruckus on the Water

The Bold Life of the American Coot

West Sound waterways host the most birds in winter. Thousands of geese, ducks, loons, and grebes spend the nonbreeding season here before returning to Arctic breeding grounds in spring. But one species is unique in that it doesn’t fall into any of the … read more

Garden of Raymond and Rosemary Nye

Art Meets Ecology in the Garden of Raymond and Rosemary Nye

Raymond and Rosemary Nye have created a unique garden in a potentially problematic location. The property, located in the southwestern area of Bainbridge Island, features numerous springs that create boggy, marshy conditions, making it difficult, at best, for traditional gardening. Additionally, heavy rains … read more

Vista Gardens

Vista Gardens

Fundraising Event Benefits Education Program

This past September, Vista Gardens hosted its first “Art in the Gardens” fundraising event, with proceeds supporting the organization’s educational program. Art pieces by local artists expressed nature-inspired subjects, painted with watercolors, and were offered for sale to event attendees. Six artists featured … read more

A Eurasian collared-dove forages in a backyard lawn.

There Is Much to Love About Doves

The dove is a universal symbol of peace. Though few doves are naturally white, rock pigeons are sometimes bred to have white coloration, thus mistakenly referred to as white doves. Members of the Columbidae family, pigeons and doves are close relatives that share … read more

Garden of Dalreen Quyn

The Paradise Garden of Dalreen Quyn

There is a small bit of paradise in Indianola. The garden of Dalreen and Alan Quyn is planted abundantly with flowering plants from one border of the property to the other. Not a square inch of bare ground can be seen from February … read more

Dortha Murker Shade Garden

Made in The Shade in Lake Symington

Shade can be a problem for many gardeners, especially if one desires sun-loving perennials or roses. Dortha Murker has created a spark of light and joy in a deeply shaded garden. Located at the terminus of a dead-end street near Lake Symington, her … read more

Cora Reuter Garden

A Colorful Palette for Neighborhood Joy

When Cora Reuter was a little girl, her school bus passed a blooming flower garden every afternoon. “It brought me such joy,” she recalled. Middle school years were hard for her, and the garden, full of bursting colors, made her neighborhood brighter. Now, … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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