Many trees are suffering as our summers get hotter and drier. In recent years we have seen more signs of drought stress in our clients’ trees. By the time a tree shows visible stress, it may already have been declining for several years. Signs of drought stress Take a look at your trees. If you […]

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 […]

By Nancy Penrose Evergreen trees are often associated with winter landscapes, holiday greenery, and year-round color. But summer is one of the most important seasons for selecting, planting, and caring for evergreens. Whether you are adding privacy to your yard, creating a windbreak, or simply enhancing your landscape with beautiful year-round foliage, choosing the right […]

A great lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built with the right foundation, consistent care, and high-quality inputs. Whether you’re starting fresh, repairing patches, or upgrading your existing turf, choosing the right products makes all the difference. At Watson’s, we recommend a simple, effective system using trusted organic fertilizers, premium seed blends, and quality soil amendments […]

The fertilizing frenzy officially commenced last week, so this week I shall keep the momentum of N-P-K going.  If you recall, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) content are represented by those three magical numbers on every bag of growing goodness, allowing us as gardeners to choose…

The topic of fertilization can sometimes be overwhelming.  I often see patrons examining their options and their eyes soon gloss over with all the choices available in the world of fertilizers.  I am going to do my best today to simplify things, explain some of the basics and hopefully help you feel confident to start […]

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.

With spring approaching and winter heading into our rear view mirror soon, it is time to start rejuvenating the lawn for spring.  First off, what winter?  We finally got a few frosts, but it has been unbelievably mild all winter long.  For the garden (and lawn), that means…

Drought conditions in western Washington are becoming more frequent and more intense. In 2025 the state had a third consecutive year of drought emergency, marked by a severe drought that lasted several months. Six of the past 10 years have been abnormally dry. This winter brought a severe “snow drought,” where rain has fallen instead […]

Over eons, the kingdom of plants has stretched across the globe and filled almost all climates with stellar botanical treasures, even continuing to evolve to this day.  The variations in attributes offered by plants is extraordinary when you think about it, and we are lucky as PNW gardeners to be able to…