oH
life life❉ ❉insight insight❉ ❉style style❉ ❉culture culture❉ ❉fun fun❉ ❉shopping shopping❉ ❉biz biz
magazine
The essentials of 98277
home& garden care basics spring clean essentials make
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whether you want to sell {or not}
March/April 2009
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❉ contents Pg. 6 Ahoy! Home Sweet Home Again Pg. 8-10 Essentials Brighten up your Spring Cleaning & Home Decor Pg. 12-14 Q&A Builder is Fueled by a Heart of Gold & Love of Family
17
Pg. 15-16 Get Basic Simple Tasks to Improve Your Home’s Selling Points Pg. 17 & 20 Wake Up Get Your Landscape or Garden Ready for Planting Pg. 18 & 19 Calendar Oak Harbor Defrosts with the Warmth of Fun Festivals and Activities Pg. 22 Farm to Table Invite Whidbey’s Farmers to Dinner this Season
15
8 W
ith a few simple decorating tricks in hand, your home can be both distinct to your style every day, at left, and set for a fabulous showing. By planning ahead with elements such as throw rugs and pillows, you can switch to a pleasing neutral palette in a flash. Turn to page 15 for more tips that will have your home ready for an open house in one weekend’s worth of work.
4
March/April 2009
on the cover
22
Economic Growth For Your Business. Being a member of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce is the key to economic growth. Guest speakers at our monthly chamber luncheons, seminars, training sessions, business tips in our monthly newsletter and numerous networking opportunities are just what your business needs in these tough economic times. The Oak Harbor Chamber is here to help you succeed.
WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON
oakharborchamber.com • 360-675-3755 32630 SR 20, Oak Harbor, Washington
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KLOMP. It’s Getting Closer!
WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON
oakharborchamber.com • 360-675-3755 32630 SR 20, Oak Harbor, Washington
CELEBRATIN G 40 YEARS OF OAK HARBORʼS PROUD HERITAGE
APRIL 24 TH - 26 TH March/April 2009
5
ahoy! oH
life â?‰ insight â?‰ style â?‰ culture â?‰ fun â?‰ shopping â?‰ biz
magazine
Welcome comfort in your home {and garden}
Some of my most cherished childhood memories were spent at my Grandma Gladys’ home in Sumner. To me, it was, and always will be, the perfect place. She and my Grandfather Maurice built the small farm house themselves, as well as the other fixtures of the just-over an acre property. I would Cynthia Woolbright, play in the small barn that by the time I saw it OH Magazine Editor housed the car and acted as a catch-all for family belongings. What was once a chicken coop, or so I hear, later turned into a storage shed for large tools like lawn mowers and rototillers. The yard was priceless. Over the years Grandma oversaw the nurturing of a beautiful flower garden filled with dahlias, gladiolas, every kind of rose imaginable, sweet peas, daffodils, tulips, bachelor buttons and every flower between. Sharing soil was the vegetables my family came to help raise every year. I can still remember hiding out in the corn, digging for potatoes, carrying in mammoth zuchinni and asking as to what exactly were rhubarb and rutabaga. The point to all the reminiscing is that my grandmother cherished her home, and it showed. She kept up repairs the best she could and always kept the yard in pristine order. The day we had to sell the house was surely a sad one that I dwell on atleast a few times a year, but it was also an easy task because of the care taken to maintain the house and property over the years. They say that today is a buyers market, but put in the right amount of work and your house can be an easy sell, even when unexpected, you’ll be ready.
Until next edition,
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Publisher: Marcia Van Dyke Editor: Cynthia Woolbright Marketing Manager: Terri Tinker Marketing Reps: Robyn Bainbridge, Jack Bayliss & Cindi Peters Production: William Bolles & Connie Ross Art: Teresa Besaw & Sasha Burrow Special Thanks: Steve Waldron & family, and gracious Oak Harbor merchants.
OH distribution
OH Magazine: The Essentials of 98277, is a bi-monthly community lifestyle magazine produced at the Whidbey News-Times office and published as a product of Sound Publishing, Inc. It is distributed to all Whidbey News-Times subscribers in the 98277 and 98239 area, and is available at select sites in and around Oak Harbor. For additional copies, visit the Whidbey News-Times office at 800 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
OH is all yours OH Magazine is always on the lookout for content ideas and talented freelance writers. To submit a suggestion for edition theme, Crow’s Nest coverage, Bearings & Beacons business, feature story or to be a freelance writer, contact editor Cynthia Woolbright at 675-6611, via email at cwoolbright@whidbeynews times.com, or write 800 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
OH! Wait, there’s more ... OH Magazine content and web exclusives can be found in the lifestyles section of the Whidbey News-Times Web site www.whidbey newstimes.com. For information about advertising online, call the marketing department at 675-6611.
Windjammer Park
Take time to visit the Oak Harbor
PARKS
With over 28 acres of waterfront property, Windjammer Park has something to offer everyone. Beautiful views, a sandy beach, Waterfront Trial, swimming lagoon, wading pools, and covered picnic facilities/kitchens make it the destination for family fun. Our covered picnic facilities/kitchens are available for rent on a first come, first serve basis. Call our Utilities Office at 279-4530 to make your reservation.
Ridgewood Park Situated on NE Narrows Street, this park offers ADA pathways, ADA accessible picnic tables and playground equipment.
Hal Ramaley Memorial Park Thanks to the Oak Harbor Garden Club, this community park located on Bayshore Drive has become a must see when it comes to seasonal gardens.
Smith Park This historic neighborhood/community park in Old Town (SE Midway Boulevard and SE 9th Avenue) has a gazebo, benches, picnic tables, playground equipment and contains a significant stand of old growth Garry Oak trees, Oak Harbor’s namesake. These are just a few of the many parks in Oak Harbor. Please visit our website at www.oakharbor.com and click on Public Works for a complete listing and location information.
UPCOMING EVENTS March 17: March 29:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Whidbey Island Marathon and Half Marathon April 24-26: Holland Happening
Adopt-A-Park Program This program encourages community organizations, school clubs, corporations and individuals to take an active role in improving the City of Oak Harbor Parks. While investing in the environment, you or your group will find this worthwhile and creative opportunity to improve and foster pride in our community. For more information, contact Hank Nydam, Parks Director, at 360-279-4756 or hank.nydam@oakharbor.org.
www.oakharborcomeashore.com
City of Oak Harbor
865 SE Barrington Drive Oak Harbor 360-279-4500 March/April 2009
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Spring.
Turn a new leaf
Traditionally it’s the time when the final frosts are seen, when seeds are sown and mother nature springs to life. It’s time to spring the clocks forward with Daylight Savings’ returning a few hours of sun. It’s time to get cleaning — inside and out. Hopefully these spring spruce up essentials will inspire you to liven up your home or garden, even if spring is shy to bloom.
Be the envy of all your “green” minded friends in this amber glass necklace and earring set Whidbey artist CB Jewelry, $50 found at Greenhouse Florist and Nursery.
At left, Whidbey artisan sculpted metal lantern, $69.99 at Mailliard’ Landing Nursery.
Elegant Elephant This Asian-inspired elephant plant stand, above, can double as a mini end table in an ethnically accented living space, $189 at Greenhouse Florist and Nursery.
essentials The 98277 you can’t live without
Shaping Up
Teach your climbing plants to behave with this dragon fly adorned metal trellis by Whidbey artisans, found at Mailliard’s Landing Nursery.
Ready, Set ...Grow 8
March/April 2009
This metal three-pot set and tray is a pretty bright idea to host a window herb garden for your kitchen, $26.99 at the Greenhouse. See pg. 10 for more
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The latest in Spring Fashions and Accessories are now available at the Casual House CASUAL
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Gothic intricacy Give your home or garden a rustic, even gothic touch with these cast iron hanging planter boxes, $29.99 at the Greenhouse.
Pretty in pink How many pairs of shoes have you ruined in the garden? Now your tootsies can be comfy, dry and adorable thanks to these Sloggers garden clogs, $26.99 at the Greenhouse Florist and Nursery.
More than cloud cover Be pretty and practical thanks to this floral print sun hat and matching work gloves, $19.99 and $29.99 at the Greenhouse.
pamper your palms
Revive dull hands and feet after harsh winter drying with treatments from Sil’s Place. The Spa Manicure for $20 will be a definite treat for any gardener, with massage, exfoliating mask and essential oil moisturization. Editor’s Note: Prices, styles and availability at stores listed are subject to change. Check stores for current prices, availability of products featured here, and new items.
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March/April 2009
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Made just for you. March/April 2009
11
Q & A {hot seat}
Steve Waldron Builder helps construct community,
A
one beloved first home at a time
nyone who spends a little time on Whidbey is soon overcome with the unexplainable desire to plant roots. And if you’ve ever gone house shopping in the Oak Harbor area you’ll soon find one consistant factor. One man is behind many a quality home in our city. Many first-time homebuyers have Waldron Construction to thank for that roof over their heads. And it’s no wonder that owner Steve Waldron has his heart set on
providing homes for families — he and his wife, Joan, are encircled by love of family in all they do. When interview time came for this edition’s Q&A, Steve was out of town, but thanks to the modern miracle known as the internet, OH Magazine editor Cynthia Woolbright was able to sit him down for a few moments of his busy time. OH: Hi. So, we’ve never met before, but I hear about your projects all the time. What are
some of the housing projects you’re behind that people might recognize? SW: We have built homes in nearly every sub division in Oak Harbor, including Piper Heights, Eagle Crest, Shannon Forest, The Shores at Penn Cove and Fireside. We built all the homes in Eastpark and Woodbury Park. Currently we are working on the Summer Wind Condominiums off Fort Nugent Road and the Rose Hill Townhomes off Midway Boulevard. OH: How long have you been building homes in Oak Harbor? SW: Since the late ’80s. We have totaled over 350 homes since then. It’s hard to believe. I started in construction the summer after my freshman year of high school (1969). OH: What’s your project specialization? SW: We lean toward the first time home buyer and do our best to make homes affordable. There is no better feeling than giving the keys See Q&A, page 13
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March/April 2009
to someone purchasing their first home and seeing their excitement. My high school sweetheart (Joan Olsen) and I got married right after we graduated and we were able to purchase our first home. It is much more difficult for young adults now. OH: Probably along same line, but how did you get into construction and why stick with it? SW: Doesn’t every kid love to build things? I get to build the most important thing in world to people, their homes. OH: What is your goal each time you begin a project? SW: To make each project unique and have its own look and feel. OH: What’s the most important factor people should consider when selecting a building contractor, whether for a renovation, remodel or new construction? SW: Building a home can be a long stressful project. Trusting your builder and knowing he is honest is the most important thing. Contractors are always getting a bad wrap because of a few dishonest ones. Most established contractors have earned a reputation of being honest and trustworthy. OH: Biggest consumer mistake? SW: Building or buying more home than they can comfortably afford. OH: Did you build your home? If not (or so) what would you change? SW: Of course, 25 years ago. As I get older one level would be nice, but I still live there and love it! OH: If you could move into one of your projects today, which one would it be and why? SW: Summer Wind Condominiums. One level, no maintenance and affordable. OH: What do you see as the most important topic today when looking at the Whidbey housing scene? OH: How does Oak Harbor fall into/reflect what’s going on regarding housing all over the island? SW: It is no secret the housing industry is a mess because of the mortgage crisis. I truly believe that there has never been a better time to buy a house. Prices have dropped considerably and it looks like the government is about to give home buyers a larger tax credit for purchasing a home. Oak Harbor is a great place to live, that will never change. OH: Where you see the future of housing construction going? SW: I see the future of housing getting back to basics. I think people will spend money on energy efficiency and more environmentally friendly products. OH: Any people in the industry you look up to? SW: There are several local people in this business who have done a lot for the community, and are building quality homes. I feel a “partnership� to many of them. OH: Which weighs more, design or function? Why? SW: Both are important, but if I had to pick one I’d say function. I built a home once that the appraiser called functionally obsolescent, I didn’t like that. OH: “Construction guy� words of wisdom from the job site? SW: Be safe, be clean and be friendly OH: There’s a few Waldrons here in town, right? SW: My Mom and Dad, Brother and Sister, Son and Daughter, five Grandchildren and Nieces and Nephews. See Q&A, page 14
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13
ABOVE: Even on “downtime” you’ll find Steve Waldron working to coordinate his construction company’s projects. AT RIGHT: Fishing in Alaska is a past time for the Waldron family. Continued from page 13
OH: Who was the pioneering Waldron and when did they come to Oak Harbor ? SW: My dad, John, moved the family here in 1969. He was the Manager of Washington
Federal Savings and Loan. OH: If you were half way across the country in an elevator and a stranger asked you about Oak Harbor, what’s the hometown pitch you’d give them? SW: That it is a great community, its beautiful and it doesn’t rain as much as people say. And we are proud of our military influence. OH: Best bet for a quintessential Oak Harbor day? SW: My wife and I on a crystal clear day in August with no wind on the first tee of one of our golf courses OH: What are some of the businesses here in town represented by the family name? SW: My wife spent over 20 years at Whidbey Island Bank. My brother, Vint and his wife Charisse own Seabolts, which is a great place to eat and buy seafood. Most likely, people in our community have heard Charisse sing at high school althletic events, weddings or even funerals. I have been a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay Alaska for over 30 years. My son now has his own boat. So does Vint and his son. Four boats four Waldron’s, a lot of male bonding. OH: Any funny mix ups with who runs what?
SW: My brother says people are always asking him questions about their house. I get asked how the restaurant business is going. Some people even think we look a lot alike, but I’m older and have less hair! OH: Could you ever shuffle jobs and have it work? SW: Yes, I have great people working with me. They make it easy to shuffle... they are the reasons I can spend my summers fishing in Alaska. OH: Think you’ll ever build “the perfect house”? SW: Yes, I already have. 350 of them.
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March/April 2009
Unlocking what makes your house stand out in the market isn’t as hard as you think
H
ome shoppers can make a decision whether to buy or not in a matter of seconds. “Right now is a great time to buy,” said Rick Schutte, Broker/Manager for Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate. “The problem is there’s more supply now for people to look at when they go shopping for a new home.” Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money from today’s strapped budget to make your house stand out in the surplus of listings on the market. Ideally, you should make your home feel like a showroom model, and you should enlist backup to do so. “We as a homeowner may think our house looks nice, but our opinion of decor and
home sale
success what’s considered a clean house might not necessarily be what sells,” said Hal Hovey, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate. Your home’s impression starts before anyone steps foot on your property. Even if home is a shining jewel, if there’s not “curb appeal” and they can’t see past your overgrown yard and dingy sidewalks, they won’t consider anything your home offers. “Neatness goes a long way,” Hovey said. “From the moment people drive up, if there’s garbage out, cars parked out front, anything excessive, it automatically takes away from what should be the focus — the home.” Sometimes buyers won’t even get out of their own home when shopping.
“We’re seeing more and more that people are doing their home shopping on the internet,” Hovey said. “And if the pictures there don’t interest them they won’t bother scheduling a viewing.” Fix any squeeky gates and doors (interior and exterior). Don’t forget the fence. If you have a painted fence, give it a new coat. If your fence has changed colors with the seasons, consider pressure washing or staining. “A lot of people don’t think about how important it is, but a front door also says a lot about a house,” Hovey said. Your home should appeal to the senses. “The smell is one of the first things to hit people and a bad smell can make them run
We are proud of the service we provide. See pg. 16 for more
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WHIDBEY AVENUE DENTAL CARE
March/April 2009
15
for the door,� Hovey said. Fresh paint on the walls will not only appeal to their eye, but help achieve that “new home� smell. Clean the carpets or polish, wax or varnish the floors to improve appearance and remove pet and tobacco odors. Take yourself out of the house. Put away all the family photos and consider painting over the personal monogramming on the kid’s wall. Home buyers want to imagine they live there — not you. Keep it simple. Take away any extra furniture in a room. Put away those knick knacks no matter how prized. Capture your home’s image now. You never know when you could want to place your home on the market. It could be the dead of winter when another snow storm hits Whidbey. “Take pictures this spring so we can see how great your yard looks in its prime,� Hovey said. Repair leaky faucets, running toilets, loose doorknobs and make sure sinks drain easily. Clean the gutters and remove moss from the roof. Consider installing new fix-
S I L 'S 16
Have you experienced a relaxing manicure & pedicure from Sil’s girls? Polish it off with her creative nail art! We also specialize in gel and acrylic nails & toenails.
tures, inside and out. These small details may seem nitpicky to some, but they make a big statement about the overall condition of your home. “All this stuff adds up to the impression you give of how you take care of your house,� Hovey said. “The way the buyer sees it, if there are little things overlooked, what bigger problems could there be?� Bring in the light to highlight everything. “Even if your showing is in the middle of the day, every light in the house should be on so buyers can see how great your house is,� Hovey said. When considering a home improvement beyond the regular weekend warrior tasks, consult a Realtor as to the return on your investment of time and money. “People need to remember to keep their home in character with the neighborhood,� Schutte advises. “You also don’t want to build a kitchen that outprices your entire home.� A good investment for an older home? Make it more modern. Add energy efficiency with new fixtures, lightbulbs and appliances. Update windows and other insulation. Consider a new, efficient water heater.
Mom was right. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Preparing your home for sale will be filled with a laundry list of tasks that can be cut short with regular home maintenance and cleaning.
“Even if you’re not going to sell your house now, preparing your house as if you were is a good idea,� Hovey said. “It’ll help you uncover any problems that might seem minor but could turn into expensive ones later.�
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wake up your landscape paperie
Polka Dot
S
pring is the time when the most important gardening tasks of the year are accomplished. Whether you have a long-established garden, a yard taking shape or a beginning to blossom raised bed, Mailliard’s nursery manager Barbara Counts shared some tips guaranteed to get your landscape into shape.
spruce it up One of the biggest spring gardening tasks and one of the first you should undertake is getting rid of signs of seasons passed. “Pull weeds and any dead plants,” Counts said. “It’s time to assess what made it through the winter cold.” Get ready to trim, reshape and transfer those now dormant plants, shrubs and trees, but be careful not to prune some too early. “Plants like lilacs and forsythia have to be pruned after the first bloom, otherwise
you’re cutting all the flowers off the plant,” she said. If you can’t tell whether a plant is alive, leave it until you can ask the professionals. “Bring in a sample and we can help determine if there’s still life there.”
Custom Invitations & Announcements for Children of All Ages!
make a plan Now that your canvas is clean and tidy, it’s a great time to decide how you want it to grow. Start researching plants, draw out where in the ground you want them and plan now any major changes in your landscape even if they’ll occur later. “Whether you’re planning to add a new rock wall or simply getting your vegetable garden going again, planning is one of the
Sally’s Garden See Pg. 20 for more
A Treasury of Delights for Your Home & Garden
Unusual Plants, Shrubs, Roses, Rhododendrons, Trees, Fountains, Fantastic Pottery Selection, Home Decor, Wonderful Gifts, & Unique Furniture
107 S. Main Street • Coupeville • 360-678-9114
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679-3399
polkadotpaperie.com March/April 2009
17
sunday
monday
tuesday
wednesday
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week
Daylight Savings Time Begins. Check smoke alarm batteries.
8 National Agriculture Week
15
Make Recycled Art at 3 p.m., OH library
9
Astronomical Society meeting, 6:30 at First United Methodist Church.
16
As Young as You Feel Day
23
22 Whidbey Island Marathon begins at 8 a.m.
March is American Red Cross Month
2
1
Doctors Day
29
30
thursday
3 OHPD Community Advisory Board, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
10
St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown Oak Harbor.
17 Tuesdays through april 9, AARP Tax Aide at OH Library
24
Check Whidbey News-Times for activities ideas for the weekend!
31
4 11
5
25
Fun FYI
saturday
Middle Name Pride Day
Bids for Kids Gala Auction at 5:30 p.m. at Roller Barn
6
OH book group discusses “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay� at 5:30 p.m.
Eeek! Friday the 13th
12
13
7 Digital Photo Scavenger Hunt at OH Library March 14-15
14
Whidbey Follies March 21, sponsored by Whidbey Playhouse and Concerts on the Cove, visit www.concertsonthecove.com
Deadline to apply to be a BeachWatcher
18
friday
19 Chamber Members Spring Expo at Elks Lodge
26
20 Education and Sharing Day
27
21 Dive for Goldfish at Vanderzicht Pool at 4:30 p.m.
Planning on getting a new cell? Drop your old cell phones off at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Your used cell phones will be recycled with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Senior Center.
March 2009 events â?‰ happenings â?‰ life â?‰ festivals â?‰ much-a-do
Senior Living Cottages Now Available.
Experience retirement dreams come true.
48 ,JNCBMM %S t
18
March/April 2009
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sunday
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
No Fooling Today. April Fools! Spring Break Begins for OHSD
International Children’s Book Day. Blood Drive at First United Methodist
Anime and Magna Club Meeting for Teens at OH Library.
Check the Whidbey News-Times for Easter Egg Hunts for the Kids
Come discuss Whidbey Reads selection “The Highest Tide� at 5:30 at OH library
April 3-26 “Night Watch� at Whidbey Playhouse
1
Leave the car at home & bike to your errands today.
Monday 7 p.m. Bedtime Stories at the OH Library
5
6 National Egg Salad Week
Happy Easter
12
Administrative Professionals Week
13 Offer to Help the Kids with Homework.
19 Holland Happening Street Fair continues
{
26
20
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. Toddler Storytime at the library
7
Tax Day!
Be nice to someone.
Meet “The Higest Tide� author at OH Library
23
{ April
29
4 Make time to read a book.
10 National Wildlife Week
17 Holland Happening Dutch Dinner
22 National Dance Day
Send OH events to cwoolbright@ whidbeynewstimes.com
16
AARP Drive Safe at Oak Harbor Senior Center
21 28
National High Five Day
Make it a movie night!
3
9
15
14
Astronomy Week
27
8
2
saturday
11 Bowl for Kids Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters Event
18
Holland Happening Grand Parade
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25
Cook something out of the ordinary for dinner.
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2009
events â?‰ happenings â?‰ life â?‰ festivals â?‰ gatherings â?‰ much-a-do â?‰ fun
FINDING THE RIGHT FINANCIAL ADVISOR
IS AS IMPORTANT AS FINDING THE RIGHT BOND. Call today and I’ll help you find a bond that’s right for your needs.
www.edwardjones.com
.FNCFS 4*1$
Diana L. Wynn, AAMS
Financial Advisor 795 NE Midway Blvd., Suite 101, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
r EJBOB XZOO!FEXBSEKPOFT DPN March/April 2009
19
Continued from page 17
best things you can do to decrease problems later in the year,� Counts said.
work the soil Having a successful harvest in your garden or a landscaped yard that flourishes is about more than just sticking seeds, plants or trees in the ground. That dirt needs nourishment. If you bring a sample of dirt to a local nursery the folks there can help decide the right balance of nutrients for your soil. “Nows a great time to put compost out so
the rain can work it in,� Counts said.
get the proper tools Investing in quality gardening tools and accessories can make all the difference. “People always go cheap on shovels but then they’re back buying another,� Counts said. Today, you can find not only sturdy, but also ergonomically designed garden tools on the market. “They may look a little funny but I have people swear by them,� she said.
In your gardening tool arsenal, Counts suggests keeping on hand at least one pair of gloves, a sturdy shovel, a good pair of pruners and a rake (dirt and/or leaf). “Now’s a great time to get all your tools sharpened,� Counts said. “That’s something that people often forget about, but it can really make a difference.� Other handy items include a bucket for weeding, a plant guide, and sun hat and suncreen for those sunny days later in the year.
Plants need upkeep “The first year of watering is the most important,� Counts said. “Even if you water it well at first, that soil isn’t going to keep its moisture forever.� Know what plants your time can handle. If you’ve got a constantly busy schedule, spending time tending your garden every day likely isn’t for you. “There are many low-maintenance plants out there that all look great year-round with little to no effort,� Counts said.
when in doubt
Clearing The Air...
The Northwest Clean Air Agency is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state and local air quality regulations in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties. The agency also sponsors numerous voluntary programs to further improve air quality.
Climate Care Tips...
t 7JFX QBZ CJMMT POMJOF t $IFDL UJSF QSFTTVSF NPOUIMZ t *OTVMBUF XJUI XJOEPX USFBUNFOUT t 'PS NPOFZ TBWJOH UJQT TJHO VQ UP SFDFJWF “Climate care email tips� at www.nwcleanair.org
Serving Island, Skagit & Whatcom Counties
Outdoor Burning Ban...
Washington State law has permanently banned residential yard debris and land-clearing burning in VSCBO HSPXUI BSFBT BOE UIF GPMMPXJOH DJUJFT UPXOT Island County: $PVQFWJMMF 'SFFMBOE Langley, Oak Harbor. For more information call: 360.428.1617 ext. 4 (Skagit) 800.622.4627 ext. 4 (Island & Whatcom)
“One of the best pieces of gardening advice I ever received was to not be afraid to learn from my mistakes — and to not be afraid to ask for help,� Counts said. In addition to the nurseries of the area, the Island County/WSU Master Gardeners offer plant workshops at the local farmers’ markets during season. The Master Gardeners will also host the Whidbey Gardening Workshop March 14. For information about the workshop and links to gardening resources, visit www.island.wsu.edu.
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{special advertising section}
Farm 2table
Have you ever wondered what the hubub is about “going organic?” Heard the buzz about the Slow Food Movement? Wondered what the letters CSA stood for? It’s time you got in touch with Oak Harbor area farmers and learned a little about community agriculture. Flyers Restaurant and Brewery owner Jason Tritt will be among the first to tell you if you want the freshest food on your table — look no further than your neighbors. “There’s more agriculture on this island than people know,” Tritt said. From beef and pork to lettuce and tomatoes, a little bit of everything is grown on island “It makes it very fun and enjoyable for my chef to have all this great, fresh, local product,” Tritt said. “It’s important to support the local economy and there are a lot of family farmers that go unnoticed.” If you want to connect with a local farmer, the best way is to visit them during the upcoming market season. Also, look out for the leading farmer advertising method — roadside signs.
market season
Wondering when North Whidbey’s farmer’s markets debut? The Coupeville Farmers Market will open April 4 and run Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through mid-October. The Oak Harbor Public Market opens May 21, and runs Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., through September.
22
March/April 2009
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Oak Harbor farmer Karry Brooks, at left, started raising her own poultry , pigs and turkey to give her family healthy meat with known origins.
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