August is consistently dry, sunny, and warm in the PNW. By the second half of the month, there’s a slight tinge of fall in the air, but we still have pleasantly warm summer evenings to enjoy in the garden. It’s a great time to refresh the garden and containers with late-summer flowers. Here are some […]

Pollinator Week runs from June 22 to 28. While bees usually get the spotlight, this year the Pollinator Partnership is highlighting a different group: caterpillars. Caterpillars may not pollinate plants themselves, but they grow into butterflies and moths—important pollinators that support healthy ecosystems. Their populations are in decline, mainly due to habitat loss. Butterflies, moths […]

Our gardens are more vital than ever, as pollinators increasingly depend on the plants we choose to grow. From bees and butterflies to beetles and hummingbirds, discover the incredible variety of pollinators visiting your garden and how you can make them feel at home.

As urban/small space gardeners in the Northwest, incorporating edible flowers is an oft-underestimated opportunity to connect to our gardens, all while improving biodiversity and overall garden health. And, the wide, fragrant, and delicious world of edible flowers is far from limited. You’ve likely already heard of chamomile, hibiscus, lavender, and even rose in drinks and sweets,… […]

A study in optimism, weeds, and unintended consequences. Rewilding, properly speaking, is about restoring natural systems, creating space for plants and wildlife to exist with a bit less interference and a bit more balance. In large landscapes, this is noble, ambitious, and often quite beautiful. It creates habitat, supports biodiversity, and allows natural rhythms to […]

By Nancy Penrose Flowering trees are often planted for their beauty, seasonal color, and ability to enhance curb appeal. However, their benefits go far beyond aesthetics. These trees can play a meaningful role in improving air quality, moderating temperatures, and creating more comfortable outdoor environments around homes and neighborhoods. For homeowners, businesses, and communities looking […]

If dreary winter days have you dreaming of vase-worthy flowers, a vibrant vegetable patch, or fresh herbs on your windowsill, this guide is the perfect place to start. We’ll share easy, rewarding gardens you can grow from seed, with plant suggestions and simple tips for all gardening skill levels.

You can help mason bees and other pollinators by making your yard more welcoming to them. The native bee Osmia lignaria, commonly called the blue orchard bee or mason bee, is one of the easiest for gardeners to support. Mason bees are exceptional pollinators. Each bee visits up to 1,800 flowers a day and pollinates […]

As promised, I will continue to delve into the wonderful world of fruits this week and pontificate on plums.  These tasty treats bring many of us back to our childhood, as you may have had, like me…

If you want to support the birds and tiny critters that make your garden healthy and vibrant, ease up on your fall garden cleanup routine. Here’s how to do it. Leave the leaves We recommend raking leaves off your lawn to keep the grass from thinning or developing disease, but don’t toss them out. Instead, […]