Category Archives: Kitsap

A Visit To Valley Nursery Poulsbo Wa

Kitsap, Poulsbo, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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A visit to Valley Nursery on a rainy day with latte in hand is a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.  I love being greeted by the giant garden troll.  Wish he lived in my yard! Since this nursery is large (6 acres) I try to have a good amount of time but even a small visit is a refreshing break from the rainy weather.

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I  enjoy looking at their ever changing displays and find inspiration for my own seasonal decorating.  But this day I was on a mission.  I needed to find some help with a diseased rhodie.  They have horticulturists on staff daily and they can answer any questions I have regarding my plants.  They are knowledgeable regarding care, pest control, and soil preparation.  I have discovered that my plants purchased from Valley Nursery almost always do quite well, probably because they stock varieties specific to our northwest environment and growing conditions.  I did have one blueberry bush that didn’t survive and they replaced it.  I can’t say if that always happens but they certainly seem to stand behind their plants.

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Valley Nursery has wonderful garden decor for sale.  The biggest hurdle is to limit my choices because of space in my garden.

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Then a walk through the greenhouses is always inspiring.  I have to admit I am almost out of control here in the spring and find myself with one of those big carts full of beautiful starts.

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Since the fall rainy days are so dreary,  it is fun to see color and to take some plants home to cheer up my entry.  Have to say I do a lot of fall planting also to have some early blooms in the spring.  Inside their garden store they have gifts for all my gardener friends so it is nice to get a little Christmas  shopping out of the way.  In the past I have made some gorgeous (if I do say so) wreaths using their wreath machine.  I hope it is available this year as I am looking forward to using some of the evergreens I have saved.  Happy Gardening!!

Sluys Bakery in Poulsbo WA

Kitsap, Poulsbo, , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Sluys Bakery in historic downtown Poulsbo WA and the home of the famous Poulsbo bread.

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The window display is absolutely enticing and will draw you right in their front door, unless of course you do not indulge in sugar.  I allow myself a little treat occasionally so right through that door for me.  “Look at the size of those goodies” I am saying to myself!

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The door knob, being a metal pretzel, is completely appropriate.

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Once inside the selection is overwhelming. The pastries are large, oozing with frosting and fillings,  and decadent.  I selected one of my favorites, a bear claw as big as my hand.  I also purchased a cherry danish and some jalapeno crackers to take home.  I had to resist taking home cookies, cakes, and more pastries.  Of course, being reminscent of a slightly rustic European bakery, they also serve lefse and other Nordic sweets. During the holidays they always have seasonal desserts such as pies and fruitcakes.  To top it all off the service is excellent.  If you should have to wait,  just spend your time eyeing the scrumptious spread before you.  Try to decide exactly what you want before you get up there and ask for one of everything.  If you are from out of town and unable to come back, I suggest you load up, otherwise you will definitely wish you had later.

Village Green Community Park in Kingston WA

Kingston, Kitsap, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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The new Village Green Community Park in Kingston WA is truly a work in progress.  It is a wonderful space to play with the children or dogs, or just to do a little sunbathing or walking and looking at what used to be an old Kingston farm.

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The park is located on what was a reclaimed waste water treatment site and Navy housing site.  Future plans include ball fields, walking paths, and a new community center housing a library, senior center, and meeting rooms.

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This is the rare 100 year old Camperdown Scotch Elm Tree that was part of the old farm.  Since the tree cannot self reproduce it needs to be protected.  It was adopted by the Kingston Garden Club, and hopefully will have a new sign soon to help assure it continues to thrive.

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Right next door to the new and developing park are the Kingston Tennis Courts.  They are busy courts and in good weather almost always have a game being played on them at any time of day.

Right around the corner is the skateboard park, and that is definitely busy all the time.

Kola Kole Park in Kingston WA

Kingston, Kitsap, , , , , , ,

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While in Kingston we decided to shoot some baskets at the Kola Kole Park basketball court. The court and park are maintained by Kitsap County Parks and in my opinion they do a good job.  The court was clean and the fence in good repair.  It was a sunny day, perfect for an outdoor activity and the little ones were easily entertained playing on the playground equipment next to the Kingston Cooperative Preschool.  The preschool is housed in the old Kola Kole School House which was built in Kingston around 1909.  The preschool has been there for 40 years or so.  Just amazing actually.

After that we took a stroll around the Ed Moon Baseball Field and envisioned the years of playing that has taken place there and the hundreds of youngsters who have played on that field. This park certainly has a lot of history behind it and for such a small town has served a lot of people in so many different ways.

Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale WA

Kitsap, Silverdale, , , , , , , , , ,

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The Clear Creek Trail, which is almost 5 miles long, winds through the heart of Silverdale.  My favorite part of the trail begins at the Silverdale Rotary Gateway Park on Silverdale Way.  Just in case you are not familiar with the park it is easily recognized by being the “skateboard park”.  Just park and follow the signs shown above.  Most likely there will be other walkers leading the way.  It is truly an enjoyable outing for all ages and dogs are welcome if leashed, but you must carry and use your doggie bags (which are provided).  It is also quite a popular bike trail.

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The Clear Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail is a 1.4 mile long, approximately 10 foot wide paved trail winding through open space next to Hwy SR3.  This will be your goal after leaving the parking lot shown in the first photo.

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At this point we took one of the side trails which heads for the wetlands and the boardwalk.  This walk is enjoyable year around. I have walked there in all the seasons and am impressed every single time.  Even in the winter it is exquisite with snow on the grasses, birds everywhere, more solitary peacefulness, and an occasional coyote.  It is truly a wonderful contribution provided by the Clear Creek Task Force.