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Bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers

Geophytes which include bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers are, depending on your area, perennial plants with underground storage containers. Northwest Washington is known for commercial and native varieties, with proper planting ensuring beautiful seasonal blooms.

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Rain Barrels

drops of rain on large puddle

Rain barrels offer an affordable, practical way to collect and use rainwater for gardening. Proper installation, maintenance, and safety precautions are essential.

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Garden Tours 2.0

large garden with people walking on paths

Whether you are planning a trip, or are an armchair traveler, go with fellow master gardeners as they visit various gardens located in the US and Canada.

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Hellebores

dark purple flowers with snow on petals

Hellebores are hardy, deer-resistant perennials that bloom in winter, offering vibrant color in shades from white to nearly black. They thrive in shade, require little maintenance, and resist most pests.

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Tools for Gardeners

garden tools and accessories laying on green grass

The holidays are perfect for gifting gardeners tools and gadgets tailored to their interests, from seed starting supplies and pruning tools to maintenance aids, enhancing their gardening experience.

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Greenhouses

metal framed glass house in garden

As winter approaches, gardeners dream of options to extend the growing season. Key decisions involve what to grow, usage, design, materials, and whether to start seeds or protect delicate plants year-round.

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Artistic Composting

garden with flowers bloom beside a flower pot and an ornamental wire cage for composting leaves

Master Gardener Herta Kurp introduces a creative approach to building compost structures in the home garden. These structures are hard working solutions to the garden waste stream.

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Cut Flower Garden

colorful flowers in garden with sun setting on the water in background

Master Gardener Karen Bruce discusses the joys and considerations of starting a cut flower garden, highlighting the importance of planning, choosing annuals and perennials, and ensuring success from spring through fall.

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Pet-Friendly Gardening

retriever in yard

Both pets and gardening require planning, patience, and a healthy dose of reality—learning methods to avoid pitfalls and lead to a happy coexistence between plants and pets.

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Rhododendrons

Warmer Summers Impact Local Rhododendrons From sun scorch to lace bug, local gardeners protect their beloved rhododendrons with these conscientious tips. FacebookPinEmail              Subscribe to the Blog > By Sonja Nelson, Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener Author Sonja Nelson Rhododendrons in our gardens, along with the native state flower Rhododendron macrophyllum, the Western or Pacific…

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Bamboo: Is it for your garden?

Is Bamboo for Your Garden? If you love bamboo, be a good neighbor and understand how to select, grow, and maintain the plant. FacebookPinEmail              Subscribe to the Blog > By Kay Torrance, Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener Bamboo is alternatingly loved and hated by home gardeners. Typically, gardeners are firmly planted in one camp…

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Garden Tours

succulents on log

Creating and appreciating a garden is a dynamic, creative process that benefits from inspiration. Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest are fortunate to have access to many garden styles and a wide variety of plant combinations at gardens that are open to the public – all within range of a day trip from Skagit Valley.

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Tent Caterpillars

During this time of year, tent caterpillar egg casings on the branches of deciduous trees are easy to spot. Remove them now, or leave them as an important part of the ecosystem.

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Pollinators

Learn about pollinators and open your eyes to the beauty and intricate connectivity of nature. As gardeners, we can make choices that will enhance or inhibit pollinators.

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