Gardenig in Washington. Tips & Guides

Adrian Higgins has been taking note of that in various ways in his columns for “The Washington Post” throughout the strangest and most chaotic of springs, exploring the garden as an anchor, a support. In his longtime role as gardening columnist there, Adrian always inspires readers to connect.I was so pleased to speak with Adrian, whose thoughtful work has inspired me for years. He delves beyond just horticulture and great plants—though always serving up plenty of both—regularly exploring stewardship of the environment, and even matters of the spirit. That’s his mask on the fenc

Now Dan Hinkley has another treat for us all in the form of his new book called “Windcliff,” the story of the garden he has been making since leaving Heronswood, and where he now lives on Puget Sound in Washington. “A Story of People, Plants and Gardens” is the subheading the book, and it is rich with tales of all of the above that have influenced the making of the place.Learn about Dan’s insights into garden design—from avoiding beds of plants that are “as flat as a flounder” to why to start with smaller plants than ones that fill the whole space right away.Dan will be giving various virtual talks to celebrate the new book; more on those below, too. Plus, enter to win a copy in the comments box at the very bottom of the page.Read along as you listen to the September 14, 2020 edition of my

Jessica Allen is an Assistant Professor of Integrative Plant Biology at Eastern Washington University. And before that she pursued her PhD at New York Botanical Garden in a joint program with the City University of New York. At NYBG she met lichenologist James Lendemer, and years later, when she conceived of creating the new book,“Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America” (affiliate link), she invited him to collaborate, as they have continued to do on lichen research work over the years. (Photo below, by Paul Super, is of the pair examining lichens in the Smokies.)Plus: Enter to win their new lichen field guide from Yale University Press by commenting in the box near the bottom of the page.Read along as you listen to the November 29, 2021 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).the world of lic

Dr. Strassmann is a specialist in animal behavior who’s a professor of biology at Washington University in St. Louis. She’s also now the author of “Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard” (affiliate link).Plus: Enter to win a copy of the new book by commenting in the box near the bottom of the page.Read along as you listen to the Oct. 24, 2022 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).slow birding, with joan strassmannMargaret Roach:

It’s no secret that bathrooms are a hub for germs and bacteria in our homes, which is why we spend extra time and care ensuring that they are clean on a regular basis. But despite our best efforts, there are a few areas that are commonly overlooked, according to cleaning experts. Here are seven areas of your bathroom you’re probably forgetting to clean.

‘Chet’s Italian Red’ is a heirloom variety of softneck garlic native to the Pacific Northwest.Known for its subtle, mild flavor this low maintenance cultivar is perfect for home g

Elm trees are some of the most majestic and resilient plants in nature. Their iconic features make them stand out amongst other species as a symbol of strength and fortitude.We link to vendors to help you find releva

Martha Washington Geraniums produces vibrant and showy blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. With proper care and attention, these plants can provide color and beauty to your garden or home for years to come!

I have mixed feelings about growing and promoting butterfly bushes. On the one hand, they are beautiful and reliable garden plants; on the other hand, their weedy nature cannot be denied. Keep these facts in mind before buying one of these shrubs.

My grandfather once owned an apple orchard in western Washington.One thing I remember h

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In our attempts to save the bees, many of us are

Did you ever think a tomato cage could be that useful? Make an appealing gabion plant stand out of a sturdy tomato cage and place it on your front porch, backyard or patio. Visit BHG for the tutorial.

A larch is a pretty dramatic sight to behold. The trees are ramrod straight and covered in bright green, inch-long needles that shift to golden yellow in the fall.They’ve adapted to extreme conditions, perch

Martha Washington Geraniums produces vibrant and showy blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. With proper care and attention, these plants can provide color and beauty to your garden or home for years to come!

Probiotics are good for human health, as they help in improving digestion, mood, and immunity. But do you know, you can use them in the garden? If it sounds unbelievable, read this article with interest to get the idea.

If you’re a “Here We Come A-wassailing,” Yule log, Tiny Tim, and plum pudding-type of holiday reveler, have I got the holly for you to grow at home!English, aka common, holly (Ilex aquifolium) is native to Europe, no

California poppies create spectacular displays of bright yellow-orange blooms that cover grassy hillsides in early spring.Their soft and silky petals reflect the sun’s light, making th

The Pacific Northwest is one of Mother’s Nature’s verdant playgrounds.While the deserts highlight her talent for architectural simplicity, and she

Those flamboyant bearded irises may get most of the attention, but the not-so-humble Douglas iris is ready for more time in the spotlight.A North American native, this spectacular species g

As a kid, I spent a few summers camping along the Columbia River in Maryhill, Washington – Yakama Nation land – where some of the best stone fruits in the world are grown.When I think of summers there, I picture the wide br