Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
7 Spring Gardening Tips
1. Don’t Underestimate Your Soil
Soil really has a rich life of its own so pay attention to it and manage it properly. Enrich your soil with organic matter to make sure it can retain moisture and nutrients. You also want to make sure it drains well. You should be able to easily dig, and it should be crumbly and loose so that your plants’ roots have the oxygen they need. When selecting a fertilizer, choose an organic one that adds nitrogen, phosphate, and potash (potassium plants can use). Here’s more info on how to prepare your soil.
2. Mulch Matters
Not only does mulch cut down on the time you spend weeding, but it also reduces your watering needs in the summer and protects the soil. Be sure to lay a thick enough cover, at least 2 inches.
3. Deadhead at the Right Time
If you have spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths, deadhead spent flowers. By doing so, the plants send energy to the bulbs not into making seeds. Now, here’s the part some people fail to do: wait until the foliage turns brown to remove it. If you cut it too soon, the leaves can’t store the nutrients needed for the bulb to bloom next year.
4. Gardening in Zone 8b: Which Fruits and Vegetables to Plant
Ideas for early spring and early summer veggies and greens include beans, cabbage, carrots, chard, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes.
5. Select Plants Pollinators Love
Invite pollinators like bees and hummingbirds into your garden with flowering plants like daylilies, petunias, asters, and phlox.
Plants that grow best in partial or full shade include bleeding hearts, hostas, and coneflowers.
Popular plants that grow well here include hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and lavender.
6. Know the Difference Between Pests and Beneficial Creatures
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain and that comes with pests like snails and slugs. But other garden creatures are beneficial. Centipedes, millipedes, ladybugs, earthworms, and pillbugs all help your garden so it’s best not to disturb them. For those pesky slugs and snails, be sure to use slug bait. Another one to watch out for: tomato hornworms. They can completely defoliate your tomato plants. Learn about tomato hornworms and how to protect your plants.
7. Get Help From Your Local Nursery’s Experts
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, your local nursery is bound to have the resources and assistance you need when dealing with garden pests, planting a new flower bed, or trying out a new crop. We’re lucky to live in a place with many local experts, including those at Olmsted’s Nursery and Valley Nursery, both right here in Poulsbo. They’re friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and always ready to assist.
Fun Weekend Getaways in the Pacific Northwest
In need of a fun getaway or a relaxing retreat? We’ve rounded up some of our favorites that are located in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. From romantic places to outdoor explorations, these Washington gems are sure to help you unwind and recharge.
Angeline Spa & Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish
Part of the Clearwater Casino Resort, the Angeline Spa offers traditional spa services, including facials and massages. A couple’s massage would be the perfect way to create a relaxing, romantic experience. Enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s six restaurants after your spa services. Resort amenities include a zero-entry pool with views of Agate Passage. Not only do you have the casino right there, but you also have the perfect jumping-off point to check out the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula. We may be biased, but our area does have many popular beaches, hiking and biking trails, and cute towns to enjoy. Plus, there are many hidden gems to explore.
Rates: $109+ per night | Couple’s Massage from $220
La Conner Channel Lodge in La Conner
Halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. and minutes from the popular Skagit Valley tulips, lies the charming town of La Conner. A waterfront hotel, La Conner Channel Lodge provides a relaxing atmosphere and offers special add-ons for your room like rose petals or a Pacific Northwest basket. You can easily stroll through town to peruse art galleries, eateries, boutiques, and museums. There are also local spas, hiking trails, and golf courses nearby.
Rates: $139+ per night
Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park near Port Angeles
This turn-of-the-century resort is located on the shore of Lake Crescent. Built in 1915, the lodge is full of historic charm and character. You can book a room in the lodge or one of the free-standing cabins on the resort grounds. In the warmer months, rent a kayak or paddleboard or take a dip in the lake. Great for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this retreat deserves a spot on your to-do list.
Rates: $150+ per night | Kayak and Paddle Boards from $45
Port Ludlow Inn in Port Ludlow
This picturesque inn is tucked beside Ludlow Bay. Rooms have fireplaces and jetted tubs, and the New England-inspired look of the resort makes you feel like you’re at a faraway beach. Enjoy meals at the Fireside Restaurant with changing offerings based on what’s in season from local farms. A perfect place for activities, Port Ludlow has biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, plus plenty of water activities. It’s a wonderful home base to explore more of the Olympic Peninsula.
Rates: $189+ per night | Golf: $23 + (9 & 18 hole options)
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort near Port Angeles
Open April through October, this rustic cabin resort nestled in the evergreens offers a variety of lodging options. There are three mineral hot spring pools, a freshwater pool, and lovely walking trails throughout, including the famous Lovers Lane Loop. It takes you to beautiful Sol Duc Falls.
Rates: $240+ per night | National Park Fee Charged Separately
There are many other excellent places in our region for weekend getaways. If you live in our area and want to take a day trip this spring or summer, here are some day trip ideas. Know of another hotel or spa that you’d like to see us promote? Contact us through our Facebook page: Windermere Sound Living.
12 Kitsap Farms to Visit
City proximity is one of the many benefits of living in Kitsap County, but during the summer months, rural life can really steal the show. Here are some local farms that offer U-pick flowers, farm stands, and opportunities to visit and interact with animals.
Farm Animal Fun
Photo by The Smithshyre.
Bushel & Barrel in Poulsbo
Although Bushel & Barrel is known for its beverages, this cidery is also a great place to play with baby goats! They have different types of events on their calendar that allow interactions with their animals on a regular basis. One example: goat yoga on Sundays!
Price: Pints for $6; events starting at $25
Courter Country Farm in Poulsbo
Open seasonally from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM for U-pick veggies and animal visits, Courter County Farm is a “destination” farm. They’re a fun option for birthday parties, weddings, and even Airbnb stays. Located off of Central Valley Road near Poulsbo, they sell produce, poultry, flowers, and eggs. Enjoy spending time with their cute animals including rabbits and goats.
Laeradr Farms in Poulsbo
You can make an appointment to snuggle baby goats at this farm and feed their alpacas and sheep. They offer open farm days and private farm tours. You can also book small events such as birthday parties. Fun fact: all of their sheep are named after Star Wars characters!
Price: $15 for a 30-minute appointment or $180 for a 2-hour private party
Sapphire Meadowbrook Farms in Olalla
This Olalla farm is currently offering farm visits (petting-zoo style) by appointment. Contact them to schedule a private mobile petting zoo for your event, or host a party at their farm. They have goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, pigs, and dogs. Additionally, they sell eggs, goat cheese, and soap.
Price: Varies by event
Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm in Poulsbo
This farm off of Port Gamble Road raises alpacas and llamas. Additionally, they sell yarn, free-range eggs, and other goods as well as alpaca toys and apparel. Currently, they are doing tours by reservation only with limited contact with animals. But you can still visit the farm and learn all about alpacas and meet their Great Pyrenees dog.
Price: $7.50 per person for tours
The Smithshyre in Poulsbo
A homestead by self-definition, The Smithshyre grows food to self-sustain and offers tours to learn about homesteading practices. They are the home of Kitsap Goat Yoga, and they offer baby goat snuggle sessions. Also, you can book private events there.
Price: $35 for Goat Yoga; $65 for Private Tour; $300 for Private Goat Yoga for 8
Produce and Flowers
Photo by Fat Turnip Farms.
Butler Green Farms on Bainbridge Island
A Bainbridge Island favorite since 1984, Butler Green Farms’ growing practices are biodiverse and they proudly offer pesticide-free veggies and humanely-raised meats and eggs. Seasonal bouquets are available for purchase at their Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm stand, the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, and also for special occasions upon request. Current CSA members and those interested in joining can visit their farmstand. They can also be found at select local retailers.
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston
Tucked away in Eglon, Fat Turnip is a WSDA certified organic farm with various types of produce. But their real showstopper is their annual Pumpkin Patch. They also offer U-Pick bouquets for only $5.00. You can find their produce on Kitsap Fresh, or pay a visit to their cute location for roadside sales. Mark your calendar to visit them again in October for fall harvest fun.
Petal and Pitchfork in Poulsbo
This lush oasis, located between Poulsbo and Keyport on Sherman Hill Road, has a flower CSA and offers U-pick flowers, which is currently by appointment only due to COVID-19. Also, they sell produce. In non-pandemic times, they host pop-up markets. Interesting additional info: Petal & Pitchfork is owned by Kelsey and Stacy Marshall who own Grounds for Change and helped create Owen’s Playground, an inclusive, barrier-free playground on Bainbridge Island.
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island
Located off Day Road on Bainbridge Island, Suyematsu offers different things in different seasons. In spring and early summer, they have U-pick berries. In late summer, they have flowers, and in the fall, they have great pumpkins and gourds. Check their Facebook page for current offerings.
Take Your Pick: U-Cut Flowers in Bremerton
Visit this flower garden with a cause. Their mission is to help Kitsap County’s homeless community by cutting flowers. All proceeds are donated to shelters benefiting women and children. They have a roadside flower stand open on Wednesdays and offer U-cut bouquets on Saturdays.
Yoked Farmhouse & Brewery in Port Orchard
Yoked is a farm-to-table brewery, growing their own ingredients for unique brews. They offer produce, eggs, and flowers for sale. Also, they host many family-friendly events like themed food cook-offs, science Saturdays, pickling classes, and yoga.
Hidden Gems Across Kitsap County
Kitsap County is full of interesting places to explore, and there are some lesser-known spots that we’re often excited to share with clients, friends, and family. Here are six that we highly recommend.
Foulweather Bluff Preserve
Source: The Nature Conservatory
On the northernmost tip of the Kitsap Peninsula sits the beach town of Hansville. Although Hansville is most known for its historic lighthouse and beautiful beach at Point No Point, the immense Foulweather Bluff Preserve sits just four miles away. According to the Nature Conservancy, “The combination of forest, marsh, and 3,800 feet of beach make the Foulweather Bluff Preserve one of the most valuable wildlife havens on the Kitsap Peninsula.” Come explore this gorgeous area with plenty of space to roam!
Open year-round, during daylight hours.
Port Orchard’s Hobbit House
Source: The Brothers Greenhouses
The Shire awaits! Whether you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit or simply enjoy interesting outdoor sites, this Hobbit House makes for a fun afternoon. The Brothers Greenhouses, which offers a beautiful selection of fauna, crafted their very own “Hobbit-inspired tiny house.” You can visit it during their business hours throughout the year. They encourage taking pictures and signing the guest book. Also, be sure to check out their rooftop garden display.
Here’s a video of the Hobbit House!
Open: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, every day. However, due to COVID-19, check their site for any changes.
My Girl Drive-In Museum
‘My Girl Drive-In Museum’ Photo by Leo Phillips
Re-live 1950’s Americana with Kingston’s authentic 50’s drive-in replica! My Girl “houses 10,000 square feet of collectibles including chainsaws, outboard motors, and antique toys”. If you’re a fan of 50’s music, they also have quite the collection of rock and roll memorabilia.
This museum is available for private and corporate events! Contact the host and curator: Bob Thompson at: (360) 297 – 1782
Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio
Source: Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio
Sunny days in Silverdale illuminate the circular orange glass art atop the Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio, beckoning glass artists and art enthusiasts from across Kitsap and beyond. Since 1987, Lisa has been a Northwest artist. Her studio welcomes visitors and is open to the public so that anyone can watch glass being created.
In addition to watching a master at her craft, you can check out an amazing display of glassworks. Many are soon-to-be unique gifts – from home decor to landscape art, sinks to candle holders.
Open: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday – Saturday
Note from the Studio: “We are adhering to Covid Safe Practices. ZOOM and In-Person classes available. Please CALL for Zoom Kit Shipping!”
Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse
‘The View’ Photo by Leo Phillips
Overlooking Poulsbo’s gorgeous Liberty Bay is a craft coffeehouse worth the trip! Poulsbohemian says it best themselves: “We have the best view in town. We have been perched here overlooking Liberty Bay in Poulsbo since 1993.”
That’s not all they have to boast about: famous coffee, espresso, and pastries – along with a selection of homemade soups, sandwiches, and bagels. Try the very popular wheat-free baklava cake and enjoy a latte infused with one of their homemade syrups!
Once you’re caffeinated, full, and have sufficiently enjoyed the view, your Little Norway adventure begins in the heart of historic Poulsbo!
Current Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, every day except Tuesdays. Check on their Facebook page for any changes.
Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve
Source: Visit Kitsap and Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve
With a drive through seaside Seabeck (and a pit stop at the historic Seabeck General Store), you’ll arrive at the stunning Guillemot Cove beach, nestled under the mighty Olympic Mountain range!
You won’t run out of walking trails with a sprawling 184 acres. Be on the lookout for the many varied species of birds. This pristine place is home to hundreds of birds and other woodland creatures!
Open during daylight hours.
Know of other hidden gems that you think we should highlight? Contact us through our new Facebook page: Windermere Sound Living.
