Photo caption: Hedgehogs are declining as humans increasingly invade their habitat. DIY Garden blogger Rachel Brown was determined to spread injured animal rescue information after helping to detangle a hedgehog caught in netting last year. Brown recently posted a comprehensive guide on what to do if you come across an injured animal outside. There are […]
Outdoor Activities
Mother’s Day Gifts Sure to Please
Photo caption: Protect mom’s hands while gardening with a colorful pair of new garden gloves.Photo courtesy of FoxGlovesInc.com By Melinda Myers Each year we set aside one day to honor mothers. And each year we struggle to find the perfect gift to show them we care. Cut flowers are one of the most popular gifts. […]
Photographer’s passionate Northwest quest
Photo Caption: Jake Bestgen captures a brilliant image of rustic barn with Mount Adams towering in the background. Photographer Jake Bestgen is passionate about capturing his many Pacific Northwest landscape and floral arrangements. “Until just recently, my work has remained in the archives of my computer,” says Bestgen, a Vancouver, Washington resident. “I recently decided […]
Boost Your Landscape’s Curb Appeal in One Weekend
Photo caption: Define garden spaces with decorative garden edging while keeping unruly plants out of the lawn and off walkways. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company by Melinda Myers Create a front garden that is sure to boost your mood and welcome visitors all year round. All you need is one weekend and […]
Troutdale good launch pad for Columbia Gorge jaunts
Photo caption: Twig hair flies on a sculpture at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale. By Greg Johnson Visitors will find Troutdale a pleasant launch pad for jaunts to this historic downtown, nearby McMenamins Edgefield and the Columbia River Gorge. Troutdale is the gateway to the historic Columbia River Highway, the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood […]
Plan Ahead for Amaryllis Blooms All Winter Long
Photo caption: As its name implies, Double King amaryllis brightens up any room with double blossoms of burgundy-red and can have up to a dozen flowers. Photo credit: photo courtesy of Longfield-Gardens.com By Melinda Myers Let amaryllis fill your home with flowers for the holidays and keep the blossoms coming all winter long. When you plant […]
Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases While Enjoying the Outdoors
Photo caption: Ticks, including the black legged tick, often gain access through pant legs or shirttails and crawl up looking for a place to settle in and feed. Photo credit: Scott Bauer, USDA ARS, Bugwood.org By Melinda Myers You’ve grabbed your water bottle, sunscreen and hat for a hike in the park or some gardening. Add […]
Hike your heart out in Bend’s Shevlin Park
By Greg Johnson, travel writer Shevlin Park is ideal for hiking, nature walking, picnicking and views of scenic Tumalo Creek. The 652-acre park, located just four miles from downtown Bend, features several trails as well as three developed picnic sites. The scenic Shevlin Park Loop Trail crosses one of several foot bridges over the scenic […]
Bold and Beautiful Alliums for Every Garden
Photo caption: The flowers of Globemaster allium are the size of bowling balls atop sturdy, three-foot-tall stems. Photo credit: Longfield Gardens By Melinda Myers Short or tall, big or small, ornamental alliums are a treat for flower gardeners and for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Plant the bulbs in fall and enjoy months of colorful […]
Chemical-free Options for Managing Mosquitoes in Your Landscape
Photo caption: Hummingbirds feed on mosquitoes, other insects as well as flower nectar and feeders. Photo credit: Melinda Myers, LLC By Melinda Myers It’s time to get outside and enjoy summer BBQs, gardening, hikes and much more. Don’t let mosquitoes keep you inside; Instead enlist these chemical-free strategies to manage these pests in your landscape. Start by […]