Steve Smith

Some of the brightest spots in my garden right now are my clumps of mixed crocuses. (Getty Images)

Lessons spring from what does and does not winter over

Taking stock of how your garden fared through the cold, wet months will help you plant for the future.

 

It’s time to get up and make your beds — your vegetable and flower beds, that is — while it’s still cool. (Getty Images)

Get those frost-tolerant veggies into the ground while it’s still cool

And while you’re at it, tuck a few varieties of frost-tolerant flowers into your beds, as well.

 

Steve’s garden in late winter. (Steve Smith)

March madness: Here’s your game plan for a winning spring garden

From veggies and berries to landscaping and lawn care, it’s time to get your head in the game.

 

Mandevillea Coral Orange Sunrise

Spring dreamin’: Cold, wet winter can’t keep a good gardener down

With better weather around the corner, now’s the time to explore new shrubs, trees, roses — even perennials and annuals.

Mandevillea Coral Orange Sunrise
In just a few weeks, Winter Daphne will come into bloom with a fragrance that will fill the entire yard. (Getty Images)

Creating a delightfully fragrant garden just makes good scents

As a garden center owner for over three decades, I have seen all types of gardeners come in to shop for plants and, without exception,… Continue reading

In just a few weeks, Winter Daphne will come into bloom with a fragrance that will fill the entire yard. (Getty Images)
This photo shows a display garden called “Bee Simple!” by Everett’s Susan Browne Landscape Design at the 2018 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival. (Northwest Flower and Garden Festival)

It’s show time: Let this festival renew your love of gardening

This week marks the beginning of the 33rd annual Northwest Flower and Garden Festival, which will run Feb. 15-19 at the Washington State Convention Center… Continue reading

This photo shows a display garden called “Bee Simple!” by Everett’s Susan Browne Landscape Design at the 2018 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival. (Northwest Flower and Garden Festival)
Girl pruning rose bushes with secateurs

Here’s your gardening to-do list for February. Step 1: pruning

Recess is over, it’s time for action After this last hard freeze, I am hoping that the worst is behind us and we can confidently… Continue reading

Girl pruning rose bushes with secateurs
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Fruit tree season is upon us. Choose wisely

Unlike growing veggies, fruit trees are a long-term investment, so make sure you start out on the right foot.

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Rose stock art.

Is there a rose bush in your gardening future?

Now is the time to browse local garden centers for these sun-loving, repeat-blooming treasures.

Rose stock art.
Growth concept. Including learning, education, investment, business sector, technology, innovation. Comparison of bulbs grown in the soil and illuminating the sides, with leaves

January is a great month for learning more at gardening classes

With the pandemic ebbing (knocks on wood), the classes have moved from Zoom back to in-person venues.

Growth concept. Including learning, education, investment, business sector, technology, innovation. Comparison of bulbs grown in the soil and illuminating the sides, with leaves
Winter seed heads in Steve Smith's garden in Marysville. (Sunnyside Nursery)

Slow down and enjoy ‘quiet time’ in the Snohomish County garden

A quietly serene winter garden is the perfect place to escape the chaos of everyday life.

Winter seed heads in Steve Smith's garden in Marysville. (Sunnyside Nursery)

A few tips for a better garden in 2023

I know a few of you might find it incredibly hard to believe, but I actually spend a considerable amount of time researching my columns… Continue reading

abstract background from a grass covered with hoarfrost

How cold is too cold for the Northwest garden? It depends

Overnight temperatures in the teens, and daytime highs that don’t exceed the mid-20s, can spell doom if gardeners don’t take action.

abstract background from a grass covered with hoarfrost
Garden gnomes and vintage trucks make fabulous yard art -- though the truck may be difficult to gift wrap.

Steve Smith’s gift ideas for your favorite gardener

They range from the down-to-earth practical (garden tools) to the purely decorative (garden art).

Garden gnomes and vintage trucks make fabulous yard art -- though the truck may be difficult to gift wrap.
Festive Christmas wreath of fresh natural spruce branches with red holly berries isolated on white background. New Year. Top view. Traditional decoration for Xmas holiday.

Get in the holiday swing of things — make a wreath

Area garden centers have the greenery and equipment so you can make a one-of-a-kind decoration for your home.

Festive Christmas wreath of fresh natural spruce branches with red holly berries isolated on white background. New Year. Top view. Traditional decoration for Xmas holiday.

Weather, rain, geraniums: A gardener gives thanks

Take a minute and reflect on what you are grateful for in your garden, and then share the gratitude with your fellow gardeners.

Pile of fall leaves with fan rake on lawn

It’s time for a little winter cleanup in the garden

Here are a few tips to help your garden survive winter and come back in spring stronger than ever.

Pile of fall leaves with fan rake on lawn
A Bloodgood Japanese maple in fall, with a wisteria in the background. (Sunnyside Nursery)

Decidedly deciduous: Creating year-round interest in the garden

Up your fall gardening game with Japanese maples, hydrangeas and countless more deciduous trees and shrubs.

A Bloodgood Japanese maple in fall, with a wisteria in the background. (Sunnyside Nursery)
Cyclamens, cyclamen coum, flowering in a UK garden in winter

Discover hardy cyclamen, cool-season jewels for PNW gardens

They will grace a shady part of your garden with dainty butterfly-like flowers from August through October.

Cyclamens, cyclamen coum, flowering in a UK garden in winter
Wither sunflower.

Fall is for planting — don’t let the weather spoil it

Here’s what to do — and what not to do — in the garden during our increasingly long dry spells.

Wither sunflower.