saw on tree limb
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities

Fall landscape care

Caption:  A seven-inch RazorTooth folding saw is perfect for removing small or medium sized dead or diseased branches from shrubs and small trees in the fall. Photo credit:  Melinda Myers, LLC by Melinda Myers As the weather and gardens transition from summer to fall, it is time to adjust your maintenance practices to ensure the […]

Green mint leaves
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities

Harvest and enjoy mint from the garden

Caption:  Fresh-from-the-garden mint is easy to grow and adds a cool, fresh flavor to meals, beverages and desserts. by Melinda Myers Add a bit of cool flavor to your beverages, meals and desserts this summer with homegrown mint.  Try using peppermint leaves in fruit cocktails and ice cream.  Add spearmint to your tea or use […]

tropical plants in backyartd
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities

Create your own backyard paradise

Caption:  If you want a tropical escape, include leafy plants like elephant ears and banana plants in pots, wicker furniture, a water feature and colorful flowers like hibiscus and mandevilla. Photo credit:  Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com by Melinda Myers You don’t need a plane ticket, tank full of gas or train ride to enjoy a […]

blueberries on vine
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities

Beautiful and tasty Blueberries

Caption: Blueberries are one of the most nutritious foods with antioxidants that fight cancer, disease, and the effects of aging. Photo credit:  photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com by Melinda Myers Blueberries are a summer favorite, great for snacking, baking, topping your oatmeal and so much more.  This nutritious fruit also adds a bit of brain power to […]

woman in hooped cover for crops
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities

Keep gardening after first fall frost

Caption:  High tunnel systems with hoops and row covers work well on garden beds filled with large plants, allowing easy access for harvesting while protecting the plants. Photo credit: Gardener’s Supply Company by Melinda Myers There is nothing worse than frost in the forecast and a garden full of vegetables not quite ready for picking. […]

Green garden caddy
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities

Maximize your harvest

Caption:  Keeping garden tools organized and conveniently stored will save time and energy throughout the growing season. Photo credit: Gardener’s Supply Company by Melinda Myers Grow an abundant harvest with some timely garden care.  Arm yourself with a few basic tools, a bit of time and regular visits to the garden throughout the growing season […]

Paraglider over ocean
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities Washington

Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway is a scenic pleasure trip

Caption: A paraglider takes off at Larrabee State Park. Photo by Jason Hummel Chuckanut Drive is a 20-mile jaunt between Burlington and Bellingham, Washington, that takes visitors through tidal bays, coastal views and rolling farmland. Near the drive’s southern terminus, just outside of Burlington, Bay View State Park serves as a jumping-off point to explore […]

Lush garden
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities Uncategorized Washington

Gardens, dining, boats…find it in Gig Harbor

Caption: Gig Harbor garden tour. Photo credit: Travel Tacoma Gig Harbor is steeped in maritime history with boat building and commercial fishing playing a major role in the development of the area. The small town is also an an agricultural center, logging and lumber area and Native American fishing grounds. In 1950, the historic Narrows […]

Lady beetle on leaf
Featured Northwest Lifestyles Outdoor Activities

Managing insects on vegetables and herbs

Caption:  Lady beetles are one of the good guys, helping to control populations of aphids and other harmful insect pests in the garden. Photo credit:  MelindaMyers.com by Melinda Myers Homegrown fresh vegetables not only taste better; they are more nutritious. Plus, you can control what products are applied to the plants to control insect pests […]