Nature

Adopt-A-Tree to Decorate on 45th

As mentioned in an earlier post, the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce will be donating food to FamilyWorks this holiday season in lieu of spending money on decorating the trees along 45th Street in Wallingford. So - families, friends, clubs,  schools - here's your chance to decorate a tree or two or more for the holidays! There are 25 trees on N. 45th between Sunnyside and Stone Way that need festive, weather-resistant decorations. As an adopter, you will be responsible for collecting…

Continue ReadingAdopt-A-Tree to Decorate on 45th

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

TreePAC: Uppity Tree Huggers Unite

Are you tired of pleading, asking, arguing, and proving that trees have public value? Join TreePAC and make change happen the old-fashioned way - with money! WHO:  Citizen land stewards and tree lovers who are fed up with insufficient funds, laws, and enforcement pertaining to the Urban Forest. WHAT:  TreePAC, a political action committee for the trees of Seattle and King County, is forming and hosting its first fundraiser. Founding members, those who attend, will be asked to donate $25. If…

Continue ReadingTreePAC: Uppity Tree Huggers Unite

Spring – Season for Pests

And I don't mean the annoying neighbors partying into the wee hours. Nancy writes that there are some recent Wallyhood Forum questions about aphids. Upon reading the various comments, it appears that aphids, whiteflies, midges, flies, or other winged creatures may be causing consternation among gardeners and homeowners alike. The key to putting one's mind at ease regarding creatures is Make sure you get a good i.d. This is THE most important thing to do. Without a proper identification, you can't…

Continue ReadingSpring – Season for Pests

Moles – do we love them or hate them?

The signs are familiar: mounds of fresh crumbly soil, raised shallow ridges of earth, or a lumpy area in the garden that collapses when you flatten it down; moles are busy. Some people have especially sharp reactions to moles - or mole-signs more precisely. Those of a tidy nature tend to think that mole hills and tunnels ruin the perfect greensward of a lawn. There is often a suspicion of plant damage. I am happy to accept the little guys as…

Continue ReadingMoles – do we love them or hate them?

Wallingford Weed

 Noxious weeds are non-native plants that, once established, are highly destructive, competitive and difficult to control. They have economic and ecological impacts and are very difficult to manage once they get established. Some are toxic or a public health threat to humans and animals, others destroy native and beneficial plant communities. --King County Noxious Weed Control Program I frequently try to persuade people not to kill things just because they are inconvenient (animals, insects, you may remember my moss post). I…

Continue ReadingWallingford Weed

Dr. Doo’s Holidoo

Kisses might begin with the letter "k," but they don't begin with "Kay."  And I will not be adding the Lexus ringtone to my partner's phone Christmas Eve (sorry, honey!). I just spent a week at a hotel/mall that's been overtaken by holiday-themed consumerism.  They charge $30 to decorate gingerbread cookies with "Gingy" while waiting to have a photo taken with Santa. The 19-story atrium is decked out in twinkly Christmas lights.  Christmas trees line the hotel lobby. Parking valets wear…

Continue ReadingDr. Doo’s Holidoo