Several years ago one of my design clients offered me some white alpine strawberries (Frageria vesca var. albocarpa) from her garden. These small creamy white berries have a distinct taste, much like the candy Sweetarts. She told me wild birds don't bother with them since...
The past few months has been rough in many ways. The weather for one, has sucked. My health has left me incapable of doing many things I love - like gardening, horseback riding, running, or even standing for more than an hour at a time...
Uncategorized / 10.06.2011
Sorticulture: Garden Arts Festival
This weekend, Everett WA is holding its annual Sorticulture Festival which is a FREE family event at the Legion Memorial Park located just north of town and looks out over the Puget Sound. Today was my first time going to the show, and I was...
Chickens, For fun, Gardening / 09.04.2011
Chicken Coops & Garden Tours 2011
For those of you who can't get enough garden inspiration through books or pictures, try going on a garden tour, you won't regret it. Before your summer weekends start to get booked, now is a great time to put these events on your calendar! ...
Gardening / 15.03.2011
Rain Wise Gardening
While many of us complain about what seems to be endless rainfall in the Pacific Northwest –The rain actually plays a significant role in our lives and in the ecosystem we live in. The rain keeps our air clean, and keeps the diverse plants...
Chickens / 14.03.2011
Have a Rooster Plan!
It's chick season and people are grabbing these cute little fluffy birds and bringing them home! But do they have a plan if a chick ends up being a rooster? While I adore my rooster and find him valuable to our flock, many chicken owners are...
Bees / 04.03.2011
Our Beginning with Bees
Pollen covered Bee This amazing photo courtesy of PDPhoto.org After a year of humming and hawing about getting bees I've finally decided to take the plunge! Last spring I went through a WSU extension certification course on bee keeping and wasn't sure that I wanted to...
Design, Gardening, Kids / 02.03.2011
Northwest Flower & Garden Show 2011
What a refreshing experience! We took a year off from designing and building a display garden at the show so I could write a book. It was fantastic to stride through the gardens and vendor areas with no blisters on my feet, to actually be...
Plants / 24.02.2011
Falling for Cacti in Cabo
Its hard to admit but I am now fascinated and in love with cacti due to a recent trip to Los Cabo. When I go on vacation I try not to think too much about plants since that is what I do day in and...