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Local soap box derby racers win 3 events in Ohio
Bella Siddle and Ronan Johnson just returned from Ohio with three first-place soap box derby trophies.
“It’s crazy,” Siddle said Sunday, a day after winning the rally stock division at the 83rd All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. “It’s crazy because there’s a lot of really, really good racers.”
Siddle, 11, became the first racer from Washington to win a All-American Soap Box Derby title since David Krussow of Tacoma in 1966.
“It means a lot because last time I came here I was one-and-done, but now this time I won,” she said during the live video interview after winning Saturday.
Siddle was one of about 50 racers in her division. Overall, 129 girls and 133 boys competed in the return to racing after the coronavirus pandemic canceled last year’s event, which features six divisions.
Bella Siddle, right, crosses the finish line first to win the rally stock division at the 83rd All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.
Siddle also won a $3,000 scholarship in addition to the trophy, a champion ring, a red jacket and bragging rights.
Meanwhile, Ronan Johnson, 19, won two prestigious races earlier in the week — the Rally Masters 3-Lane Challenge and the Legacy World Championships.
“It’s been a super good week,” he said. “Really happy with how I did.”
Upon winning the Rally Masters 3-Lane Challenge race, Johnson was immediately ushered back to the top of the Derby Downs hill to start the Legacy World Championships.
“There was no time to celebrate because the legacy car was at the line ready to go,” he said.
No matter. He went on to win that event, too.
Ronan Johnson, middle, poses with his first-place trophy after winning the Rally Masters 3-Lane Challenge the 83rd All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.
The Master’s Rally is regarded as one of the more demanding races because the racers swap wheels and lanes over several heats. It’s unlike the main event Saturday where racers get one shot at advancing.
“It’s a really fair race,” said Rich Johnson, Ronan’s father and the soap box derby regional director for Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. “It’s a very skill-based race.”
The Legacy World Championships race is the division where cars are custom designed for elite older drivers. Ronan Johnson finished second in 2019.
Two other local racers — Camden Tatarian and Avery Rochon — competed in the derby after winning their divisions in the 14th annual Windermere Stanwood-Camano Soap Box Derby in June at Arrowhead Ranch on Camano Island. In that race, Tatarian, 7, won the stock division title, and Rochon, 16, took the super stock division trophy.
“We’ve got some great racers (in the Stanwood-Camano area),” Rich Johnson said. “(Tatarian and Rochon) just ran into some bad luck” Saturday in Ohio.
But this isn’t the end of the soap box derby season. Siddle and Ronan Johnson are stowing cars and gear in Indianapolis for rally races later this year.
It’s something they’re used to. Ronan Johnson and Siddle qualified for the Akron races after accumulating enough points in the rally circuit last year after races in Las Vegas, Florida, California and Tennessee.
“We took last November to travel around. It was possible because school and work was virtual because of the pandemic,” Rich Johnson said.
The 15th annual Windermere Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby is set for June 18, 2022. For more information, visit soapboxderby.org.
Contact reporter Evan Caldwell at ecaldwell@scnews.com and follow him on Twitter @Evan_SCN for updates throughout the week and on Instagram @evancaldwell.scn for more photos.
Best Hikes Close to Home
Right in the Neighborhood
Sometimes you want to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views that only a hike can offer, but there just isn’t enough time to make a day out of it. Fortunately for those in the Stanwood and Camano Island area, there are two great hikes just a few minutes down the road.
Barnum Point Preserve Loop Trail
On the eastern shore of Camano Island lies a 2.75 miles round trip hiking trail called Barnum Point Preserve. This walkable trail is full of views across Port Susan Bay towards the Cascades, and on a clear day, you may be able to see snow covered peaks in the distance.
This land holds a semblance of historic significance, as a man by the name of Sterling Jones Barnum purchased it in 1904, relocating his entire family in the process. His granddaughter, Carolin Barnum Dilorenzo, ran an inn on the land well into the 2000s.
Four Springs Preserve Loop
This 1.6 mile hike through the woods resides in the center of Camano Island. You can expect to see some large maple trees, luscious ferns, and several kinds of wildflowers in the summer. Depending on the month, you may also run into some gurgling streams and water-bogged sections of land. This quick hike is great if you’re pressed for time, and is quite family friendly.
Make a Day Out of It
There are more beautiful trails with a lot to offer in the surrounding PNW region. Though a bit of a longer drive (averaging 1 to 2 hours away), these hikes are worth the trip—you might even be inclined to bring your camping gear with you!
Oyster Dome
Located in Blanchard State Forest near Samish is Oyster Dome Trail, a 5.0 mile round trip hike. Throughout your journey, you’ll see a collection of trees including Douglas fir, Western redcedar, and alder trees. Many of these trees are second-growth, as the Chuckanut area used to be known not only for its oyster fishing, but for its logging. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Olympic mountains in the distance!
Lime Kiln Trail
East of Granite Falls by the Robe Canyon Historic Trails Park is the 7.0 mile round trip Lime Kiln Trail. Expect to be greeted with forests, streams, stony river banks, small canyons, and more as you traverse the mossy forest. A short way off the trail stands a towering kiln that was built in the 1890s and used through the early 1930s to produce lime (calcium oxide) from limestone.
Gothic Basin
This magnificent piece of nature lies on the western edge of the cascades and is a ~9.0 mile round trip, depending on how far you wander. This trail is full of deep forests, creeks, an abundance of summer wildflowers, towering rock faces, and a scenic waterfall. Once you get here, you won’t want to leave.
Mount Baker
Mount Baker National Forest has an abundance of trails of varying difficulty and length, and several trails require you to have a recreation pass. You can cross rivers, see waterfalls, pristine lakes, and gurgling streams, and breathe in the fresh air. Be sure to check the difficulty level first and look through the dozens of trail options to choose from before setting out!
Market Insights | June 2021
SELLERS – When this happens you may feel like you are being undersold. Remember, you can’t underprice a home in this market, but you can still overprice a property. The market will find you and drive up your price to the appropriate value.
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Windermere Real Estate Designated Broker | REALTOR®
Owner, Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island
360-387-HOME
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7 Vintage Design Elements That Are Still Popular Today
Adding the right touch of vintage décor to your home is a matter of balance. It brings that decades-old, well-traveled quality that gives the spaces in your home a special character. A common concern with vintage décor is that it will make a home feel outdated. Fortunately, certain design elements and trends have stood the test of time.
We tend to think of vintage décor in terms of well-known objects, like shag carpets and Eames chairs, but it is so much more than that. Some of the most iconic design concepts of eras past continue to influence how we design our homes today. From features to furniture, here are just a few that have maintained their popularity with homeowners and interior designers alike.
7 Vintage Design Elements That Are Still Popular Today
1. Built-Ins
The history of built-ins dates back to the Arts & Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. In contrast to the Victorian period that preceded them, the Arts & Crafts designers looked to simplify home design by working features into the structure of the home itself. The clean aesthetic look of built ins, as well as their functionality and the storage they provide, have kept them relevant for decades.
2. Exposed Brick
Exposed brick has maintained its popularity through the years, sometimes used to compliment certain modern design trends, such as Industrial, a common design choice for open-concept, non-traditional living spaces such as lofts. Whether it’s stripping away a wall to reveal a chimney or using it as a backsplash for open shelving, exposed brick creates a vintage lived-in quality. Its natural pattern and textured surface work well as either a focal point or an accent piece in large and small spaces alike.
3. Crown Molding
With roots dating back to ancient Greece, crown molding is both decorative and functional. It provides a visual transition for the surfaces in a room by embellishing the space between the ceiling and wall. It can also be a decorative piece for architectural elements such as bookshelves, doorways, etc. Although crown molding is a small detail, it plays a significant role in tying a room together.
Image Source: Getty Images
4. Marble Countertops
From ancient Rome to the European Renaissance, marble has been widely used throughout history in countless homes throughout the world. Heat resistant and easy to clean, marble countertops have become a staple of kitchens and bathrooms. Due to their large surface area and durability, they are often the centerpiece of kitchen renovation projects. Because marble is porous, it’s best to seal them at the time of installation to prevent damage.
5. Wicker Style Furniture
With origins tracing back thousands of years, wicker-woven furniture is still ubiquitous today. Made from the sturdy and flexible material rattan, wicker furniture is lightweight and weather resistant. It makes for the ideal outdoor patio chair or lounge seat, or the perfect rocker by the fireplace in the living room. A combination of functionality and beauty, wicker furniture’s popularity has showed no signs of slowing down.
Image Source: Getty Images
6. Checkerboard Tile
Checkerboard tile is a classic element of vintage design, often used on kitchen floors and in bathroom tile work. Designers have always found a way to incorporate this eye-catching black and white pattern into the latest trends. In the home, it can be applied on a large or small scale. If a whole kitchen floor is a bit much for your taste, incorporate it in smaller areas, such as a bathroom backsplash or a backdrop for your shelves.
7. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
The evidence of the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) movement’s relevance is all around us, but in the home, it lives on in its signature furniture pieces. MCM designers took the concepts of modern design—clean lines, minimalism, multi-functionality—and created sleek, interesting furniture pieces that blend into a room and make a statement simultaneously. Common items such as teak desks, Eames chairs, Tulip chairs, credenzas, and raised-legged dressers skyrocketed in popularity during the fifties and sixties. MCM has proven to be timeless, and to this day, its influence can be seen in homes everywhere.
Image Source: Getty Images
For more information on home design styles, check out our Interior Design page on our website.
Written By Sandy Dodge
3 Summer Weekend Trips in the Pacific Northwest
If you have a travel bug this summer but need to stay close to home, a weekend trip is just the thing to satisfy. Here are three great locations that you can explore on a beautiful weekend in the Pacific Northwest:
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is a gem waiting to be discovered. It is a long island running north to south, located northwest of Seattle across Puget Sound. Home to a Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island is known for its beautiful hills, beaches, and collection of small harbor towns.
Deception Pass State Park at the northwestern tip of Whidbey Island is home to beautiful trails, clifftop views, and Deception Pass Bridge. You can hike, marvel at the sights, and walk across the 18 story-high bridge to Fidalgo Island. When you develop an appetite from all that walking, you can visit one of the many harbor town restaurants to enjoy just-caught seafood while watching the boats come and go.
San Juan Islands
Even further northwest sits the spectacular San Juan Islands. Each island in this group can offer you a wealth of different experiences. From Moran State Park’s old-growth forest on Orcas Island to the perfect sealife lookout at Lime Kiln Point State Park on the western shore of San Juan Island, the natural beauty is magnificent.
From kayaking, whale-watching, and boating tours, to wine tasting, historical museums, and unique seaside towns, this collection of islands is the perfect place for a weekend getaway—though by the end you might decide to stay! A great place to start off your adventures is in historic Friday Harbor, a bustling and lively town full of shops, restaurants, and opportunities for whale-watching tours.
Camano Island
Just east of Whidbey Island and west of the mainland lies Camano Island. Just over 15.5 miles long, Camano Island is a moderately sized island with moderate weather—the perfect place to get away from daily life.
For some relaxing time to reconnect with nature, try out Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park, both consisting of hundreds of acres full of forest and beach trails. For breathtaking views, Iverson Spit Preserve and Barnum Point lookout over Port Susan Bay and the Cascade Mountains. Camano Island is also home to many artists based in the Pacific Northwest, so be sure to check out some of the local talents while you’re there. You can find unique and awe-inspiring pieces at places like the Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park.
Don’t let your weekends get away from you this summer. If you live in the Stanwood and Camano area, or anywhere in the PNW, pay these beautiful islands a visit!
How to Rent Out Your Vacation Home this Summer
A second home can be more than an escape from daily living, it can be a source of income. For those who own a vacation home, summer is full of opportunities to open your doors to renters while still enjoying the benefits of having your own personal getaway. This approach to home ownership can be a balancing act, but with the right preparation and know-how, you can turn your vacation property into an income-producing investment.
Renting Out Your Vacation Home in Summer
Splitting the use of your vacation home with renters can oftentimes result in quick turnaround times between visits, so it’s important to avoid falling behind on your task list to keep each transition and visit as smooth as possible. To help with this process, consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure the home is presentable, clean, and fresh for each guest’s stay. Listing your property on short-term rental sites like AirBnB and VRBO help increase your property’s visibility and can be a useful tool for managing the rental process, especially if you’re having a difficult time attracting renters.
If you’ll be staying at your vacation home between renters, be sure to schedule those dates ahead of time so you can block them off from visitors. A mix-up in scheduling only creates added stress and will negatively impact your guests’ experience, and potentially the online reviews.
Pricing Your Vacation Rental
Get the best return on your investment by offering a competitive rate, including on popular weekends. It’s common for homeowners to increase prices for popular summer dates like the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend. These are the times when people are flocking to vacation getaways and your prices should reflect the increase in demand. Because competition among renters is high during summer, making your home stand out amongst other properties in your area is a worthy investment. Boosting the curb appeal, replacing appliances, upgrading linens, installing high-speed Wi-Fi, and providing a workspace are all ways you can give your vacation home a competitive advantage.
Personalize Your Vacation Rental
As a host, it’s a good idea to add personal touches to improve your guests’ experience and make them feel at home. Add décor and treats tailored to your guests’ stay, especially if they’re celebrating a special occasion or life event. Little details like adding a personalized note, flowers, and treats from local hot spots will help make their experience one they won’t soon forget.
Image Source: Getty Images
Before Renting Out Your Vacation Home
The regulations of the short-term rental market vary by location. Before you rent out your vacation home this summer, understand the rules in your area. For instance, if you belong to a homeowners association, they may have by-laws in place that restrict your ability to rent your property.
Review your homeowners insurance policy to understand whether you are covered while guests are staying in your home. It is likely that you will need to obtain a landlord insurance policy to cover your property while it’s being rented. While some companies offer it as a rider policy that can be added onto your existing homeowners insurance, obtaining a separate policy may be required for adequate coverage. A typical landlord insurance policy will cover property damage, liability, and rental income loss. When shopping around for landlord insurance, find the policy that best fits the needs of your property.
Written By Sandy Dodge
Stanwood and Camano Farmers Markets
The temperature is rising, the sun is shining, and farmers markets are starting back up again!
This time of year brings so many wonderful things, and farmers markets are one of them. Not only do they make fresh, local food available to everyone, but they allow us to connect with our community in a unique and meaningful way.
Shopping at your local farmers market is a win-win-win situation. You benefit from the one-of-a-kind creations and local produce, while the farmers and crafters involved in the market increase their exposure within the community and get paid for their hard work.
What You Can Get From Farmers Markets
Fresh produce awaits! The food that you purchase from farmers markets is less processed and is full of vitamins and nutrients. You can usually find fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goods, high-quality meat or dairy products, and even flowers and herbs.
Food isn’t the only thing waiting for you at your local farmers market. They are a great place to find completely unique pieces of art, furniture, quilts, and so many other crafts and creations. These products are often well-made and purchasing them can be more environmentally friendly and sustainable than online shopping or going to a big-box store. As mentioned above, these creations are often one-of-a-kind, which means you’ll be one of the few people in the world to have them!
Making Connections
Enjoying fresh produce and special art is only one benefit of visiting a farmers market. Making connections with the vendors at farmers markets also strengthens the community and helps form new friendships.
A community that supports each other is a community that thrives. You can economically support your local sellers, and they can support you with both their products and their knowledge. Need advice on how to make your tomatoes grow? Just ask the local produce vendor!
Local Farmers Market
To support local shopping this season, Stanwood Farmers Market, located right behind the Stanwood Police Station, will be open every Friday from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. starting June 4th and going through October 8th. You may also visit the Camano Island Farmers Market at the Camano Commons every Tuesday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. whose season starts in June and goes through September. These farmers markets are welcoming vendors from all over Washington this summer, so the public of the Stanwood and Camano Island areas can experience bustling and lively markets full of the freshest, most sustainable, and most unique products.
Connect with your community and support your local farmers and artists. Make the farmers market a new part of your Summer routine!
Racers find fun at the soap box derby race
Virginia Sanita popped out of her soap box derby car wearing a giant smile.
“I love this. Just love it,” the 9-year-old said. “I’m usually nervous at the top, but I’m exploding with excitement while I’m going down the track.”
Sanita was one of 76 racers to battle two-by-two down the derby track Saturday at Arrowhead Ranch on Camano Island. Though she placed eighth in the stock division, she also earned the derby’s largest trophy: the Harry Brown Sportsmanship Award for demonstrating true sportsmanship throughout the day.
At the end of a long day on the track, Camden Tatarian won the stock division title, and Avery Rochon took the super stock division trophy. Their prize? A trip to the annual All-American Soap Box Derby Race Week, taking place July 24, where racers compete for the title of world champion and more than $36,000 in college scholarships.
“We believe that this was the best year yet,” said Marla Heagle, who with husband Randy owns the local Windermere offices. They are the derby’s lead sponsor.
“The year off gave us time to add a few improvements to the ranch,” she said of the upgrades that included a silo at the base of the track for announcer Ed Bednarczyk and statistician John Swanson. “The Arrowhead Ranch also grew from 20 to 50 acres in 2020, so we were able to have onsite parking, making it easier for spectators, racers and their families to navigate. The food trucks were a new addition to the event also, and all of them sold out.”
But all eyes were on the track, where racers said the key to speed is fairly simple.
“The trick is to look out as far as you can to go as straight as you can,” said Leo Saylor, 10, who was participating in his fifth derby event. “Oh, and never look at the person you’re racing.”
Cyler Granston, 7, traveled to Camano from Solana Beach, California, for his first-ever race.
“The speed! First time down, I went faster than I thought,” he said. “But each time down it gets easier.”
The local soap box derby event incorporates science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, while encouraging active mentorship and family collaboration throughout the derby car-building process. Most racers and family members have spent the past few weeks attending driving and building clinics in addition to working on their cars, many of which are paid for by local businesses.
In the stock division, the combined weight of the stock car, wheels and driver cannot exceed 200 pounds. For the super stock division, the combined weight cannot exceed 240 pounds. Stock division drivers must be ages 7-13; super stock drivers must be ages 9-17.
Later this summer, Arrowhead Ranch will host the Summer Classic Rally Races, a stop on the soap box rally circuit where racers can advance to Akron by accumulating points in a series of races.
About 200 volunteers helped make the derby possible, led by volunteer coordinator Myra Reinhard from Coastal Community Bank, Heagle said.
The derby’s two largest trophies — the Harry Brown Sportsmanship Award and the Pat Richardson Positive Impact Award — are named after long-time volunteers.
Brown, who died in 2017, volunteered at the local derby since it started, helping with everything from assisting a family build a car to arriving at 4:30 a.m. on race day to put on the event, Heagle said.
Richardson, who died in 2019, was enormously generous to so many causes in the community — especially those that had a positive impact on kids, including giving his time, money, and equipment to help the race, Heagle said.
Derby racer Titus Placzyk won the Pat Richardson Positive Impact Award for encouraging other racers and helping the volunteers without being asked.
Winners
Stock division
1st: Camden Tatarian
2nd: Priscilla Siddle
3rd: Adelaide Holmes
4th: Titus Placzek
5th: Ian Shrock
6th: Ryko Falk
7th: Timmy McCann
8th: Virginia Sanita
Super Stock division
1st: Avery Rochon
2nd: Sydney Jarvis
3rd: Bellita Siddle
4th: Reid Timmerman
5th: Karsten Nichol
6th: Isabelle Placzek
7th: Naomi Placzek
8th: Lil Swanson
Contact reporter Evan Caldwell at ecaldwell@scnews.com and follow him on Twitter @Evan_SCN for updates throughout the week and on Instagram @evancaldwell.scn for more photos.
Where to Stay While You Sell Your Home
The time between selling a home and moving into a new one can be a challenging period for homeowners that leaves them with a basic question: Where should I live? In the interim, there are various housing options to choose from but picking the right one depends on your personal situation and the amount of time it will take until you move into your new home.
Once you know it’s time to sell your home, there are various factors that will have an influence on what housing is available to you. Your budget will help determine your options. For example, if you are already in contract with your new home, you might be looking to save some money in preparation for move-in costs. Seasonality plays a role as well. Talk to your agent about real estate trends in your local market to understand which housing options tend to be available at certain times of year.
Image Source: Getty Images
Where to Stay While You Sell Your Home
In Your Home
There is the option to stay in your home while you sell it. If your home is still on the market, understand that a fully staged home will be fundamentally different from the one you’re used to. Once you’ve sold your home, there are additional options for staying as well. By working closely with your agent, you can negotiate a longer closing period or a rent-back agreement with the new owners. A rent-back agreement is an agreement between the two parties in which the seller rents their old home from the buyer for an agreed-upon period of time before the new buyers move in, allowing for a smooth transition to take place. Depending on the buyer’s urgency to move in and the competitiveness of the market, a rent-back agreement may not be feasible, but in the right situation it presents a mutually beneficial solution.
Apartment or Condo
Renting an apartment or condo while you wait to get into your new home can help make the transition easier. To avoid unpacking all your belongings only to have to pack them back up when it’s time to move again, try to find furnished listings in your area, or search for units that offer furnishing at an added cost. Although paying rent is an added expense, this set-up can help you stay organized throughout the moving process.
Friends & Family
If you have friends or family nearby that have space to accommodate you, they may be open to the idea of taking you in until you’re able to move into your new home. In this scenario, you’ll likely need to store your household items elsewhere, which will come with an added cost. Of all the options, this is typically the least expensive.
Short-Term Rentals
The short-term rental market offers a flexible approach to finding somewhere to stay. Filtering your results by location will allow you to select a place that won’t disrupt your daily routine. If you won’t be moving into your new home for an extended period of time, you can choose a rental with amenities accommodate your longer-term needs. Keep in mind, the cost of short-term rentals can easily add up, and in some cases may be more expensive than renting an apartment or condo.
Hotel
Another popular option for riding out the interim period between houses is staying at an extended-stay hotel. These hotels usually offer amenities that accommodate long-term living like a kitchen, living space, laundry services, a refrigerator, internet, and more.
For more information on selling your home, visit the Selling Page on our blog. To get an idea of what your home is worth, try our free home value calculator at the link below:
What’s my home worth?
Written By Sandy Dodge
Gardening in the Pacific Northwest
Whether you are an avid gardener, or a novice starting for the first time this summer, there are some key aspects to gardening in the Pacific Northwest to take note of.
Stanwood and Camano Island Growing Zones
Many maps place the Stanwood and Camano Island areas in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a. These zones help inform gardeners on which plants are most likely to survive in a certain geographic area. Zone 8a represents places that can reach temperatures of 10°F to 15°F at the absolute lowest, though Camano Island reportedly stays much warmer than this even in the coldest months.
The American Horticultural Society (AHS) created a useful counterpart to this method of measurement in the form of the Heat Zone Map. This metric is based on the number of heat days (days per year above 86°F) that a certain area experiences. Heat zones can range from 1-12 (1 = no heat days, 12 = 210 heat days), and the Stanwood and Camano Island areas tend to fall in zone 1 meaning there are usually no days above 86°F.
These standards help gardeners categorize the plants that will survive throughout the year, and they are a great starting point for any dedicated plant grower.
The Crops That Thrive
Since the temperature is mild for most of the year in the Stanwood and Camano Island areas, there are many crops that grow well in these zones. Gardeners may want to favor crops that don’t require high heat and that are able to survive in both humid and dry climates. Some crops that are well-known for thriving in the Pacific Northwest are:
- Artichokes
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Many kinds of greens, including lettuce
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Summer squash
- Tomatoes
- Onions
Gardening Trends
Looks matter too! Aside from crops, many gardeners take advantage of the beautiful perennials and luscious native plants that are supported by this moist and mild environment. Using plants that are native to the Pacific Northwest in landscaping and gardening setups is a popular technique used to keep things looking natural and healthy.
Some plants native to the Pacific Northwest that people may add into their gardenscapes are the broadleaf lupine, blanket flower, camassia, Pacific bleeding heart, broadleaf sedum, and many more. Adding foliage and flowers that naturally grow in your geographical area not only benefits the local wildlife but also helps you beautify your garden without putting in a lot of extra effort.
Making the Most Out of Your Garden Space
You can garden no matter how little or how much space you have. To make the most of your garden space, be sure to utilize both the sunny and the shaded areas and choose crops, foliage, or flowers accordingly. There are many plants that can grow vertically, so using trellises or other supports can free up more ground space.
Planting in rows can take up more space than plants really need. Using gardening beds helps consolidate specific plant types, and as a bonus, they make it easier to control the composition of the soil. When all else fails and you think you have no more room, you can always place pots and planting containers on the porch or in a bright corner of the sunroom!
