I decided to say “Howdy” with this post because I am choosing to be optimistic that a buyer will still be found for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. And of course, I am hopeful that the new owner will continue the blog as it has been an incredible resource for so many people. If [...]

Why not start a Victory Garden this year? For those wondering (or for those in my generation), the concept of Victory Gardens/War Gardens started in war time. The idea was that if every family planted their needed veggies, fruit and herbs, they would be more self-reliant and less dependent on a food system. According to [...]

Mother Earth News had a great article in the April/May issue. It lists year-round top crop performers for the Pacific Northwest. It is SO nice to have a list! The top ten (details after each are mine) are: Pole Snap Bean- I love pole snap beans. They are easy to grow and are quick. They [...]

Did you know that most everything our bodies need are already found in wonderful vegetables? It is true. They have the vitamins and minerals that our bodies crave, fiber and even some protein. Scientists have discovered, in fact, that vegetables picked at the peak of ripeness (and then NOT shipped and processed all over the [...]

I saw very few (if any) edibles this year in the Show Gardens at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. Last year, many gardens had a small patch of edibles and some even had chickens. As you know, last year I ranted and raved about the edibles I saw. I grow them, as you know, [...]

I found myself wondering about avocado’s this week. They were in the store on sale, with bright orange “ripe” stickers on them. My sister in law LOVES them and eats them direct from the shell, so to speak. Me? I like some guacamole here and there but plain avocados? Not sure about that. They are [...]

For help with these questions, I went to Judith Jones of Fancy Fronds Nursery in Gold Bar, WA. She is an expert in ferns. Thanks for the help Judith! Dear Flora: Why should I grow ferns? And what recommendations do you have for fern growers? Northwest Greens Dear Northwest Greens: Here is the answer from [...]

Are you aware that your community likely has a CSA program? Community Supported Agriculture offers an excellent option for you to round out your veggies from your garden. Sometimes the programs even offer natural meats and locally-made goodies. With a CSA, you participate by paying a membership fee, and then you receive fresh veggies all [...]

Arthur Lee Jacobson is a plant expert and the author of “Wild Plants of Greater Seattle”. He spoke at the NW Flower and Garden Show this year. The class that he taught emphasized the rich aroma that twigs or leaves can release when touched or scratched.“Aromatherapy is increasing in popularity because many people have learned [...]