For a quarter of a century, the Gig Harbor Garden Tour has inspired master gardeners as well as the weekend weed puller with stunning ideas for their own gardens while fostering literacy efforts in the Gig Harbor community. The 2024 event marks the … read more

Karol and Don Stevens have a magical and delightful garden in Keyport. These lifelong community volunteers and supporters of all things Keyport bought their first small, cozy home near the Keyport Mercantile in August 1975. After their fifth attempt at placing earnest money … read more

There is no shortage of variety in the world of birds. There are remarkable differences between a heron and a hummingbird or a swan and a swallow. Also, there are places where humans would never dwell, but birds consider appealing. Freshwater marsh habitat … read more

If you love to grow plants and vegetables from seed, this publication, “The Whole Seed Catalog,” is for you. The pictures are large and all in color, and the text is beautifully written. You’ll discover unique seeds from nine other countries as well … read more

Candy Gratton began gardening at the tender age of 5 when she and her parents lived with her grandparents for a time in California. Her grandfather’s garden had been featured in Sunset magazine. Wanting to instill a love of gardening in her too, … read more

March is my favorite month for planting bareroot trees, shrubs, roses and herbaceous edibles. By planting bareroot, you’ll save money. Here are some plant suggestions: Tree types: Flowering • Fruit • Shade Shrubs: Lilacs • Flowering currants • Dogwoods • Bridal spirea • … read more

Perhaps you have seen their farmstands. Dotted down the backroads and tucked into neighborhoods, flower farms are proliferating around West Sound and growing into a unified local industry. The Northwest climate is similar to the most well-known flower-growing areas in Europe (think: the … read more

Springtime means birdsong. As frosty mornings give way to budding leaves, singing songbirds are a harbinger of winter’s departure and the arrival of spring. Year-round species such as American robins, Pacific wrens and song sparrows are among the first to belt out their … read more

Sometimes moving into a planned community poses challenges for a gardener. There are homeowner association (HOA) rules, smaller lots and restrictions for fences, and if the lot happens to be on a golf course, that just adds to the puzzle. Master Gardener Linda … read more