PROTECT YOUR PLANTS
INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

It's cold outside.

• Rake fallen leaves into garden beds to create a layer of protection for plant roots. Cedar or fir boughs work too.
• Broadleaf evergreens that are tender to temperatures freezing temperatures (e.g. Hebes, Ceanothus, Winter-blooming Camellias) should be covered with floating row cover fabric. If you don't have fabric, old sheets, blankets, burlap, etc can add protection.
• Put your potted plants under covered areas, such as porches, house eaves, or into the garage.
• Snow is a good thing, as it provides insulation, but shake it off of your woody plants to prevent the breakage of limbs.
• If your house is drafty, you may want to move some of your indoor plants to a less drafty spot. Ensure that your houseplants are getting enough humidity, as houses are typically very dry during the winter months.
• During cold periods, do not fertilize your plants, as you do not want to encourage new growth that can be damaged by freezes.

FEED THE BIRDS
 

Our feathered friends are pretty good at finding food most of the year. Winter can be challenging however, especially when the ground is covered in snow and seed sources are unavailable. Here are a few tips for feeding the birds during the winter.

• Place your bird feeders in areas that are safe from predators, but ensure that you can view them from your window so you can enjoy the birds!
• We carry a variety of different seeds that attract a variety of different birds. Don't feed the birds human food. It's generally not safe.
• It's vitally important that you keep your bird feeder free from mold and disease. Clean or wipe down your bird feeder with a dilute bleach solution every few weeks. Discard soggy, moldy, or sprouting seeds.
• When you come in for bird seed, note the birds that are currently around your house. That will help determine what kind of seed to get.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
and everyday

Thank you for shopping at our small business. We truly appreciate it when you come in and patronize our family business.

In that spirit, we like to highlight other small, NW businesses whose products we carry.

• Anchored Northwest is a Spokane-based candled company that started as a hobby and well, the rest is history. Anchored makes a collection of popular candle scents. Come in and give them a whiff.
• Bunzer's Salsa, based out of Kingston, came into the store a few months ago, and after one taste, we decided to carry their salsa. It's been a popular seller ever since.
• Cranberry Sweets started over 50 years ago in Bandon, Oregon, and still today they produce small-batch tasteful treats.
• handmade la conner. Robyn Bradley produces quite a diverse line of small-batch goods for bath, home, and skin. She hails from La Conner and still has a store there.
• San Juan Island Sea Salt, Friday Harbor. A familiar story, Brady Ryan tried making sea salt for his college friends, it took off, and now he, his wife, and small crew have turned it into a business.
• Women Dancing With Vegetables. Robin Maynard-Dobbs is an artist, wellness coach, and ex-park ranger, who creates joyous and whimsical designs. Yes, you really do see women dancing with vegetables!
• Yardia. Brigida Swanson is a Seattle-based Chamoru artist who creates Pacific Northwest-inspired artwork, cards, and kitchen goods.