So, you want to design gardens
March 9, 2010
When I tell people I’m a landscape architect, many times they say, “Oh, that’s what I would like to do.” Read more
Bring peace to your inner space
March 9, 2010
Looking for ways to spiffy up your indoor décor for spring? It’s as close as the nearest paint shop. Read more
How to turn your vision into a kitchen renovation dream
February 9, 2010
To turn your kitchen into a dream space, have a vision to lay the road map for designers to get you there. File
When Joanne Clowse was ready for a home renovation project, she first thought she had it under control.
“My dad was an electrician and a mechanic from the U.K.,” she said. “So I was used to being around the business.”
But she quickly discovered the business is quite different in the U.S. than the United Kingdom, and she admitted she was in over her head when she wanted to install all new features, from tub to cabinets, in her master bathroom, even with her extensive immersion in the industry.
So, she turned to Issaquah kitchen designer Carole Porter, whose business Kitchen Arts has been helping homeowners in kitchen and bath redesigns since 2000. Read more
El Niño inspires winter gardening
February 9, 2010
It is very exciting to have a record-breaking January without frost, the first time that I can remember. Read more
Discover who’s who at the Bellevue Home Show
January 12, 2010
Issaquah-based Decks by JRW recently completed this project. www.jrwdecks.com
Now in its 28th year, the Bellevue Home Show brings new features and a new attitude when it opens at the Meydenbauer Center on Jan 22. Eastside homeowners will find a strong emphasis on green — in building, remodeling, food, financial matters and creative opportunities. More than 150 local exhibitors represent the entire scope of the building, remodeling and interior design industries.
Rosanne Cohn, of the Bellevue Home Show, said the exhibition is ideal for Eastside homeowners.
“It’s smaller, more accessible — a local experience showcasing the top vendors and exhibitors in their industries, and is dedicated to the Eastside economy and environmental attitudes,” Cohn said.
Four Issaquah businesses are participating this year, ready to enlighten homeowners about the latest in decks, use of natural materials in new homes and home remodeling projects both big and small. Read more
Garden Club creates easy and memorable holiday centerpieces
December 8, 2009
One does not need to go to the lengths June Willard did to amass the supplies for the holiday workshop she hosts for the Issaquah Garden Club.
“I started in Virginia and went cross country to Washington state, collecting cones, pods and seeds,” she said. “I was actually delighted to get some of them out of the house.”
June Ann Hasabrooke shows off a holiday centerpiece she made at last year’s Issaquah Garden Club workshop. Contributed
Willard’s decluttering is the public’s boon, as she is hosting her annual workshop. Garden Club President Diane Tanner said the workshop, which she encourages nonmembers to come and join, is one of the year’s most popular for the club.
“This workshop is extremely popular,” Tanner said. “We always fill up. And you don’t have to bring any supplies. There’s plenty for everyone.”
The Garden Club features workshops throughout the year for its 47 members. But Willard’s holiday session remains one of the most popular. As a master judge and past Washington state president of the Federation of Garden Clubs, Willard, 69, has a long history with the organization.
“The holiday workshop was really popular last year,” she said. “So, in November, someone said, ‘Let’s do it again.’ I said, ‘OK.’ It’s actually a fun project.”
At the workshop, she demonstrates how easy it is to make wreaths, centerpieces and candle rings. Read more
Grow organic fruit, here? Yes, you can
December 8, 2009
Most locals are tuned into the environment. We are concerned about the overuse of chemicals in our yards and gardens, and when it comes to edible crops, we just say “no way” to spray. Read more
Bring green home for the holidays
December 8, 2009
Festive doesn’t have to mean wasteful this holiday season. Read more
Plan now for summer projects
November 10, 2009
A recent client of Darwin Webb Landscape Architects transformed this Sammamish backyard into a resort style outdoor living space. Darwin Webb Landscape Architects
Picture this — the extended family has gathered for a big get-together. The sun is shining; the kids are out of school for summer. Everyone’s having a grand time in the new outdoor living space and the accompanying landscaping is drawing rave reviews.
However, the above scenario could remain just a dream if the process to bring it to fruition isn’t started now.
Architect Dar Webb, of Darwin Webb Landscape Architects, said some homeowners wait too long before upgrading their house’s appeal and value with an outdoor project.
“If someone calls me in early April to have something ready by June 1 in time for summer, unless it’s something very simple, it’s too late,” Webb said. “Winter is a good time to start, more often than not, to have something usable by summer.” Read more
Add heaths and heathers to your holidays
November 10, 2009
It’s that time of year again when you start thinking about celebrations, decorations and dinners rather than the garden. Read more
