Gardening

The Little Orchard That Could

What do you do if you live near a strip of WSDOT-owned land that abuts I-5, is overrun by invasive plants and rapidly fills with unclaimed dog excrement? In Wallingford, you might introduce yourself to your neighbors, petition the government and dream bigger. That’s exactly what a group of friends and neighbors did at the Freeway Estates, starting back in 2010. Now, the land they have reclaimed from blackberries and dog poop has grown into a community meeting space which hosts…

Continue ReadingThe Little Orchard That Could

Springtime in Wallingford

Yeah, we know it's summer, at least, according to the calendar; but it's never too late to admire the spring blooms in our neighborhood. Wallingford resident, Emily, captured some of Wallingford's prettiest springtime flowers, and she sent us this note with a link to her photos: I have been doing a photo project this spring that I've been calling "Spring Time in Seattle".  Most of the photos are flowers from Wallingford yards, and so I wanted to share them with my neighbors. The photo…

Continue ReadingSpringtime in Wallingford

John Stanford Plant Sale Tomorrow

The kindergarteners at John Stanford International School are hosting their annual plant sale to raise money for their sister school Juan de la Barrera in Puerta Vallarta. The sale will be on the playground (on 4th Ave. NE, above 40th St. NE) near the basketball court on Saturday, May 11 from 10-1 pm.  We’re told there will be lots of tomatoes and basil, cucumbers, and other veggies, flowers and houseplants including lots of beautiful orchids. Perfect timing for Mother’s Day! All of the seeds this…

Continue ReadingJohn Stanford Plant Sale Tomorrow

Edible Plant Sale This Weekend

Grab your wheelbarrow and your garden gloves this weekend, and head over to Meridian Park  (4649 Sunnyside Avenue North). Seattle Tilth is holding its May Edible Plant Sale on Saturday and Sunday (May 4 and 5), from 9:00am to 3:00pm. (Psst: You might want to head over early for best selection.) From the good folks at Seattle Tilth: At our festive annual gardener gathering, you’ll find an amazing selection of tantalizing veggies to choose from -- over 50 varieties of organic tomatoes…

Continue ReadingEdible Plant Sale This Weekend

Community Greenhouse Seeks Seedling Nurturers

If you’ve got the itch to get your hands in the dirt, the Wallingford greenhouse, aka “A Growing Community,” could use your help! You might remember that last summer, we featured Wallingford resident Cyrus Appell, who has donated the use of his backyard greenhouse to the greater good for the past five years. Thanks to the time donated by dozens of volunteers, thousands of seedlings have been distributed to giving gardens throughout Seattle. At harvest time, the fruits (and veggies) of…

Continue ReadingCommunity Greenhouse Seeks Seedling Nurturers

City Grown Land Search 2013

Mowing the lawn is so 2012. Weeding is a drag. Planting massive beds of peonies just to have flocks of feral chickens peck them to a purple pulp is beyond depressing. So what do you do? Think outside the garden box and ponder a partnership with City Grown, our urban farming wonder friends. City Grown is looking for new places to grow food, and their Land Partners pretty much have it made: a share of the fresh produce grown each season,…

Continue ReadingCity Grown Land Search 2013

Clear Your Storm Drains – Get Rid of Leaves for Free

It's rainy season - do you know where your storm drains are? Thrill your neighbors and pedestrians by clearing leaves and debris from the storm drains on your block. Don't try to unclog the drain if the clog is below the grate: call SPU at 206-386-1800, then press 2 to report a clogged storm drain. Did you know? Food and yard waste subscribers can place leaves in their container. During the month of November, you are able to place additional bags…

Continue ReadingClear Your Storm Drains – Get Rid of Leaves for Free