(10.01.20)

A SENTIMENTAL SOUND

During quiet moments of Heronswood’s open days in summer and those leading into fall, there’s often a sound that can be heard carrying over the distance of the parking lot that lasts mere seconds before going …

(09.15.20)

FLY FRIGHT

First impressions are undoubtedly difficult to dispel, especially at a young age when a child is trying to learn a bevy of subjects. The association of a mosquito to an annoying, high-pitched buzzing bug that causes itchy …

(09.02.20) Spiders, Part III

A GLOW UPON THE GROUND

As many variable forms that spiders possess, there exist several different strategies to employ when catching prey. The passive hunters who wait combine elements of webbing, tunnels, and camouflage. Those less …

(08.18.20) Spiders, Part II

A WEB OF UNSEEN HAZARDS

There’s nothing quite like the sensation of escaping the harsh sunlight of a summer afternoon and retreating to the cool understory of a forest. Once sweaty skin is now soothingly cool, …

(08.05.20)

THE EYES HAVE IT

I’ve been reflecting on the ways humans anthropomorphize non-human organisms and it seems that there could be a correlation between leg count and the perceived threat of a life form to us. For example: our …

(07.14.20 & 7.21.20)

BUGS THAT PUT A SPRING IN OUR STEPS

A spongy forest trail is a fun aspect to feel underfoot while hiking through natural areas of the Pacific Northwest. Sponginess is often a sign that high levels of …

(06.30.20)

A GARDEN NEEDS HEROES

Y’know, I’d like a sidekick. Now, I’m not actually thinking of a person who’d just tag along and act as my own shadow, but an entirely different organism. Gardening is often a sweaty task, especially …

(06.14.20)

OF BUGS AND BATS

Days are becoming longer as the solstice approaches, and with additional light, plants are able to grow to their chloroplasts’ content. Long days also bring greater warmth, yet night does eventually come to blanket the …

(05.03.20)

A SLIME OF PASSION

There is no shortage of plants at Heronswood to appreciate for one reason or another. Luscious camellia flowers bloom from winter into spring, shady beds of full hosta leaves cradle water droplets by summer, and …

(05.03.20)

STARTING NEW SUCCULENTS

Making more plants is one of the most satisfying tasks for houseplant growers. Not only do you get free additions to your collection, but you also have a much deeper emotional investment in the plant, having …

Due to COVID-19 health protocols our April 4th, May 9th & 10th, July 18th and September 12 Plant Sale & Garden Open Events were cancelled.

PLANT AVAILABILITY FROM SOME AREA NURSERIES (as of 08.10.20):

Chimacum Woods 2722 Thorndyke Road Port …

(04.26.20)

CELEBRATING SALAMANDERS

When I reminisce of moments from my childhood, I often return to time spent in the backyard woods of the Midwest, poking around under decomposing logs or flat rocks in a shallow stream bed. Discovering what was …

(04.26.20)

OPULENT ORCHIDS

When I first started growing houseplants, orchids were beyond my reach. Not only were they prohibitively expensive, but my bedroom in my parents’ house could not provide the conditions they needed to thrive. Thirty years on, much …

(04.21.20)

WOODPECKERS of NORTH KITSAP

Art often imitates life, and when it comes to music, we have nature to thank for inspiration of delightful melodies. If the Pacific tree frog of which I waxed poetic in a previous article for …

(04.21.20)

GROWING in GROUPS

With many nurseries remaining open, plus online plant sales rocketing, why not spruce up your home with some new houseplants? Taking care of indoor plants is great for your physical and mental health, plus they look …

(04.14.20)

LOCAL BUTTERFLIES of EARLY SPRING – Part II

There are certainly larger butterflies to observe in early to mid-spring, and the most common among them are from the Brushfoot family (Nymphalidae), notably the Tortoiseshells (Aglais and Nymphalis genera), and …

04.14.20)

WHEN TO WATER

Perhaps the most confusing aspect of houseplant care, and the one I’m asked about most often, is how much water to give a plant. Watering is your most important job when caring for indoor plants and …

(04.07.20)

LOCAL BUTTERFLIES of EARLY SPRING – Part I

I consider myself a horticulturist, and in the grand scheme of classifying professions, this title falls under the umbrella of science. Saying the word “science” to many people might immediately prompt …

(04.07.20)

POTTED PLANTS

Spring is the ideal time to re-pot houseplants as they are just beginning to grow and so readily repair any root damage caused by the procedure. Re-potting is itself a very easy process, but choosing the right …