The mystical, magical garden created by Arlene and Bill West inspires awe and an explosion of ideas in the minds of all who visit. Solutions for gardening in “next-to-impossible” places, intermingled with expressive, original and imaginative garden art could fill a book. Here is their story. When Arlene married Bill about 20 years ago, 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!
Posted inGardeners Corner
Take a Color-Themed Approach for More Attractive Arrangements
Growing dahlias is a must for anyone who loves cutting and arranging flowers. But there are hundreds of beautiful dahlia varieties to choose from and that can be overwhelming. To make the selection process easier, choose compatible colors that will look good together in the garden and in arrangements. The combination of peach and burgundy […]
Posted inGarden
Plants Deer Don’t Eat (The World’s Shortest List)
She tiptoed across my yard on slender legs. Pausing demurely, she batted her big, doe eyes at me. Such a pretty thing. Such grace. I wanted to be her friend. “Have an apple,” I said, and shook the tree until apples rained down. She chose the nearest fruit and as I walked away, I heard […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
10 Gardening Gaffes to Avoid
What’s the difference between a new gardener and an experienced one? The experienced gardener has killed way more plants, the saying goes. That truism speaks to the fact that gardening is a highly trial-and-error venture — and one where some plants are just going to struggle and die no matter what you do. The good […]
Posted inGarden
The Gentlemen Gardeners
Two “gentlemen gardeners” maintain a delightful garden at their home on Bainbridge Island. Jim Stokes and Roland Mitlohner didn’t become active gardeners until after retirement, although they both had gardening in their blood from an early age. Mitlohner, who grew up in Czechoslovakia and Bavaria, wanted to be a professional gardener when he was young, […]
Posted inGarden
A Hummingbird for All Seasons
Everyone loves hummingbirds. Even people with little interest in other species are captivated by tiny birds that run on sugar and fly forward, backward, up and down and from side to side, and can hover like a helicopter — the only birds with such aerial abilities. Despite their diminutive size, hummingbirds are fiercely aggressive, attacking […]
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New Year, New Plants, New Joy
“She sprouted love like flowers, grew a garden in her mind, and even on the darkest days, from her smile the sun still shined.” ~ Erin Hanson January is not just about resolutions. It is the beginning of a new year, new plants and new joy. Not sure the growing season has begun? Look at […]
Posted inGarden
A Speedy Sandpiper and a High-Mileage Flyer
Shorebirds are a family of birds that live up to their name. They inhabit the shore. Some live on rocky shores, while others prefer sandy beaches. A late-fall trip to virtually any Western Washington beach provides an excellent opportunity for finding a variety of wintering shorebirds, most of which breed in the Arctic. In West […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Grow Herbs Indoors for Year-round Enjoyment
Add garden fresh flavor to your meals year-round. Grow a few of your favorite herbs indoors, harvest and enjoy. Select a variety of herbs you and your family enjoy and use for cooking, decoration or fragrance. Basil, chives, cilantro, oregano, marjoram, mint, parsley, sage and thyme are some of the easier herbs to grow indoors. […]