Category Archives: Poulsbo

Clear Creek Nursery and Produce Stand in Poulsbo WA.

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This is the checkout  at the Clear Creek Nursery and Produce Stand in Poulsbo Wa.

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These pots greet you and indicate the entrance into the fencing wall used to distinguish and protect the nursery.  It is located on the corner of Hostmark and Hwy 305, and is a satellite nursery of the main Clear Creek Nursery in Silverdale, Wa.

Continue reading Clear Creek Nursery and Produce Stand in Poulsbo WA.

A Great Wilderness Trail in the Heart of Poulsbo, Wa.

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Access to the Wilderness Park Trail  is across the street from North Kitsap High School on Caldart, or behind Viking Bank on Hwy. 305.  This incredibly lovely 11.56 acre park is right in the heart of Poulsbo,  but leaves behind concrete sidewalks and honking cars. It is a rugged dirt trail, a regular hiking trail, that makes good walking shoes or boots important.  At this time of year please keep in mind the “mud” factor, because it definitely is a little sloggy.

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I personally like to park at St. Olaf’s Church and walk across the little bridge toward the east to access the trail head.  I believe I am just enchanted by this little bridge plus I enjoy the grassy walk before heading into the woods.

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Immediately one is transported into a wonderful woods with the city left behind.

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Dog Fish Creek flows alongside a lot of the trail and birds abound.

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At several places small bridges have been placed over the creek.DSCN2372.

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This large tree was uprooted this winter in one of our wind storms.  It does not impede upon the trail however, just adding more texture to this rich environment.  Spring will be arriving soon and this park will burst forth with wild flowers and more birds, all for us to enjoy!

A Visit to Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic

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Usually I post about fun places to go, but this post is about a good place for your dogs and cats when they are in need of medical services.  This vet clinic seems a little like the “old time” vet offices, where help and service were paramount, instead of expensive decor or taking your wallet to the cleaners.

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Voted first place in Best of North Kitsap in 2009 and Best veterinarian in 2008, Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic has definitely earned it’s place in the local pet world.  They have a constant busy schedule and treat all types of animals, plus do a lot of humane work.

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The office is unpretentious and efficient with a large, friendly considerate staff.  They are consistent with their hours and service.  With a staff of three experienced veterinarians they are able to provide just about any service you need or will refer you forward if necessary.

Give this office a try if you are needing services or looking to change your vets.  Most likely you will not regret the choice.

A Visit To Valley Nursery Poulsbo Wa

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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

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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.