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 WestSound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!

A pigeon guillemot converses with its friends by the Coupeville ferry terminal on Whidbey Island.

The Spunky Seabird of the Salish Sea

Birds are associated with flight. All but 60 of the world’s 10,000-plus species are capable of flying. Some can only sustain flight for a short distance, while others can glide continuously for weeks. Some birds prefer other forms of transportation to flying. Ground-dwelling … read more

Jill and Michael Betts Garden

The Profusely Abundant, Plant-Filled Garden of Jill and Michael Betts

Jill Betts and her husband, Michael, have created a profusely planted, abundant garden on their 2.5-acre property off the Seabeck Highway. In April 2020 (at the beginning of the gardening season), she began a five-year labor of love and perhaps “obsession.” Michael Betts, … read more

(Photograph courtesy Lacy Edwards)
Notes from Carolyn

Willow & Mabel Garden Co. Update

It has been a while since I have given you an update on what I have to offer on the farm at the moment and in the coming months. The sweet peas are now blooming beautifully and this year, I have grown more … read more

Hansville Garden

The Fairy Tale Garden of Wyn and Steve Abbott

Wyn and Steve Abbott live on a piece of land in Hansville that was described as “The Fairy Tale Garden” on the 2024 Hansville Helping Hands tour. Its name is perhaps appropriate in more than one way. Both Abbotts create magic, not only … read more

A brightly colored male black-headed grosbeak surveys its surroundings in a mixed forest.

A Beloved Spring Migrant That Brings Loads of Summer Fun

Bird migration is a fascinating phenomenon. About half of the world’s approximately 10,000 bird species are migratory. Some fly short distances to warmer wintering grounds and back to breeding grounds in spring. Others cover thousands of miles twice a year in extraordinary journeys … read more

Artwork for this year’s poster “Sunshine Poppies” by Peggy Judd
Gig Harbor Garden Tour

Gardens — An Invitation to Happiness

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 … read more

(Photo courtesy Jeannie Kay O’Reilly)
Cover Feature

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 … read more

A Garden of Pure Joy

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 … read more

Vista Gardens

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 … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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