Share my passion for all things gardening!
Each year, the Spokane County Master Gardeners host this special series of classes on a wealth of useful gardening topics. I wanted to make sure you are aware of this 12-week course because it’s a wonderful opportunity for those with all levels of gardening skills, even beginners! The classes are scheduled for Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, starting on January […]
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One of the questions I’m frequently asked is about the camera I use to take my garden and bird photographs. I actually use two main cameras to get the job done. They’re probably a lot less fancy than you’re envisioning! For regular garden shots and especially for zoom shots of birds and critters, I use a Canon Powershot SX50HS. This […]
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This morning, I posted this photo on my Facebook page and Instagram feeds. I wanted to post it here in case you don’t follow those accounts. As you can see, my insect hotel has a bit of snow on it. I hope my little solitary bee buddies are tucked in for the winter. I built this insect hotel last April, […]
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Every so often, I mention the hoop house in my garden. It seems like the least I could do is give you an update on the vegetables growing inside it. I’m growing ‘Vates’ kale, 3 kinds of lettuce, spinach and — amazingly enough — celery. More on that in a moment. The origin of our hoop house (For a quick […]
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I’m often asked how to keep deer out of the garden. And folks specifically want to know how my husband Bill and I keep them out of OUR garden. Our deer fencing is usually difficult to see under normal conditions. But it sure is obvious when it’s covered in hoarfrost! When I looked out my front window yesterday, I realized […]
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Have you heard the term “crop rotation” before? Chances are, you’ve discounted the notion of it because you’re not a farmer. Well, crop rotation applies to humble vegetable gardeners like you and me because it is an easy way to ensure the health and productivity of our gardens. If that caught your attention, you’ll be happy to hear that I’ve […]
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Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of participating in a Holiday Decor workshop hosted by my dear friend, Carol Newcomb. Carol and her husband, Terry, own Northland Rosarium in southwest Spokane County. Several other folks joined in and our goal was to create some festive holiday decor for our homes and front porches, primarily using natural materials from our gardens. […]
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Starting & Saving Seeds: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs and Flowers for Your Garden by Julie Thompson-Adolf (Cool Springs Press, 2018, 160 pp., $25) Two of the most important and useful gardening skills are knowing how to start your plants from seed and saving seeds. Yet those two skills — especially the latter — are ones that many gardeners […]
Read moreAs you know, I am passionate about watching birds. They are so fascinating and such an important part of the environment. During a recent visit from a Sharp-shinned hawk, I was tickled to be able to capture the video below. While it’s true that hawks and other raptors capture the little birds that we all love so much, it’s all part […]
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Many years ago, my husband Bill and I planted a huge (300+ plants) patch of lavender. We always used to trim them back at the end of the garden season. We learned an important lesson about when to prune lavender plants. I’m going to give you a very good reason to prune them in late winter or early spring! A […]
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