Pruning, or the practice of removing dead or diseased branches from flowering plants — including certain herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees and flowers — allows them to focus their energy on new growth and blossoms, which can result in a more robust and abundant flowering season. While the optimal time to prune is largely dependent on […]
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
The Best Vegetables to Grow in Pots
With summer fast approaching and the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to start planting and growing your own vegetables. Growing vegetables in pots is great for those who are short on space and ideal for both beginners and experts alike. As well as being a great way to incorporate more fresh vegetables […]
Posted inGarden
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 with their gardening efforts, but with their own artistic and creative talents. […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots: A Beginner’s Guide
Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops to grow, as they are incredibly versatile when it comes to prepping, cooking and eating in a range of different dishes. The taste of homegrown tomatoes is often considered to be far superior to those that you can buy in a shop — and the process of […]
Posted inGarden
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 that cross oceans and international borders. North America is home to four […]
Posted inGarden
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 like this one are abundant stories coming forth from the gardeners of […]
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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 inGardeners Corner
Top 10 Annual Seeds to Sow This Spring to Make Your Garden and Containers Flowery
Do you want to make your garden or container plantings really flowery this year? If so, try adding some easy-to-grow annual seeds to your spring shopping list. Annuals are plants that complete their whole lifecycle in one growing season. You can either plant the seeds directly outside or start them inside in little pots. Over […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Dahlia Combinations for Gardens and Bouquets
Dahlias come in various colors, shapes and sizes, making them easy to include in any garden, container and bouquet. Grow them in their own dedicated space, mix them with other flowers or plant a few at the end of the vegetable garden. Consider including different varieties of dahlias for added interest and beauty in the […]