Best Of... - 2017 by Sound Publishing

12 May 2017

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond |

REPORTER

COVINGTON | MAPLE VALLEY | BLACK DIAMOND

7 1 0 2 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE DRAWING! $100 GIFT CARD: J. Rustik - Maple Valley $75 GIFT CARD: D. Butler - Ravensdale Thank you to QFC for sponsoring $50 GIFT CARD: I. Balash - Kent this drawing!

Thank you for nominating us the Best! Proudly serving the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years! We believe that your journey to wellness and pain free living is a collaborative effort between our therapists, your physician and you. It is our top priority to get you feeling better, fast!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! Call today to schedule your free injury screen! COVINGTON 16720 SE 271st St, STE 200 253.630.5808

COV. SATELLITE 27005 168th Pl SE, STE 200 253.639.4788

MAPLE VALLEY 26837 MV-BD Rd SE, STE 200 425.413.4425

For more information go to www.Outpatientpt.com

1876570

AUBURN 701 M St NE, STE 102 253.833.8766

27010 Maple Valley Black Diamond Rd SE - Maple Valley, WA 98038

425-433-6447

1862841

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond

Results are in… We have wrapped up the Best of Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond readership poll for 2017 and the winners are finalists are listed in on the following pages. I would like to congratulate everyone who received votes and also thank the loyal readers of the Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter for their support each year. The response this year was incredible. The paper received more votes this year than any other year with both our online ballot and the in-paper ballots. Thank you to all who took the time to let us know who The Best of 2017 is. It’s so nice to see our communities take such pride in their retailers, people and service providers. This is what makes Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond and Ravensdale the great cities they are. After many hours of tallying votes and then drawing the winners for the great prizes donated by QFC, I am thrilled to present you the 2017 Best of Covington/ Maple Valley/Black Diamond as picked by our readers. A very special thank you goes out to QFC who generously donated all of the prizes to our lucky readers. Carol Greiling General Manager, Covington/Maple Valley/ Black Diamond Reporter Sound Publishing Inc.

12 May 2017

COMMUNITY

PEOPLE

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP BUSINESS AWARD WINNER: OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY FINALIST: Coffee Convo Craft FINALIST: Studio Barre and Lounge FINALIST: Kirby Nelson Orthodontics

ACCOUNTANT WINNER: SCHRAM & ASSOCIATES FINALIST: Jon Vert Maple Valley Tax Service FINALIST: Ivy Ting - Wimberly, CPA FINALIST: Paul Cederwall

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER WINNER: THE SOUP LADIES MAMA PASSARELLI FINALIST: Outpatient Physical Therapy FINALIST: Bambi Fuller FINALIST: Tina McDonough

ATTORNEY/LAW FIRM WINNER: CAYCE & GROVE LAW OFFICES FINALIST: Jennifer Karol, Cedar River Law FINALIST: Hanis Irvine Prothero, PLLC FINALIST: David L. Moe & Associates

CUSTOMER SERVICE WINNER: JOHNSON’S HOME AND GARDEN FINALIST: Outpatient Physical Therapy FINALIST: Amanda Gross - Edward Jones FINALIST: Imbibe Bottle House & Taproom

BARISTA/LOCATION WINNER: CITY PERK - MORNING GIRLS FINALIST: Beauty and the Beans FINALIST: The Blend Juice & Java Lounge FINALIST: Starbucks - Covington FINALIST: Ristretto’s Coffee and Wine

NEW BUSINESS WINNER: BRUCHELLE’S BAGEL BISTRO FINALIST: S’Wiched FINALIST: Imbibe Bottle House & Taproom FINALIST: Coffee Convo Craft NON-PROFIT WINNER: VINE MAPLE PLACE FINALIST: Valley Girls and Guys FINALIST: Kiwanis of Maple Valley Black Diamond FINALIST: Rotary

BARTENDER WINNER: DENISE GREEN PLA-MOR BAR & GRILL FINALIST: Hop Jacks FINALIST: Maple Valley Bar and Grill FINALIST: Imbibe Bottle House and Taproom

CHIROPRACTOR WINNER: DR. KEVIN J. MURRAY, DC CASCADES CHIROPRACTIC FINALIST: Dr. Phillip Kriss, DC Kriss Chiropractic FINALIST: Dr. Ryan Donovan Maple Valley Chiropractic and Massage FINALIST: Dr. Todd Partain, DC Partain Chiropractic DENTIST WINNER: DR. DANIEL LEE, DDS COVINGTON SMILES FINALIST: Covington Family Dentistry FINALIST: Dr. Craig R. Jolley, DMD FINALIST: Dr. Kirby Nelson, DDS Kirby Nelson Orthodontics FINALIST: Dr. Wade K. Marler, DDS FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL WINNER: ERIC CALLISON EDWARD JONES FINALIST: Scott Beusch - Edward Jones FINALIST: Amanda Gross - Edward Jones FINALIST: Julie Dorsey, CPA FIREFIGHTER WINNER: CARY MCCORMICK MAPLE VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT WINNER: DREW ERICKSON, MAPLE VALLEY FIRE & SAFETY STATION #83 FINALIST: Dan Degidio FINALIST: Kevin Kramlich Mountain View Fire

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f o r u o n y o m k n inating u a h T s Best Orthodontist! From all of us at Dr. Jeffery Kashner Orthodontics, Thank you for nominating our staff!

E VALLEY | AP L BL

AMOND DI

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Schedule your complimentary consultation with us today!

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HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WINNER: DR. CHERYL TAN-JACOBSON, M.D. - MULTICARE COVINGTON MEDICAL CENTER FINALIST: Dr. Shannon Markegard - UW Medicine/Valley Medical, Sawyer’s Village FINALIST: Dr. Joey Garcia, MD MulttiCare Maple Valley Clinic FINALIST: Dr. Ginger Allen, MD UW Medicine/Valley Medical, Maple Valley Clinic ORTHODONTIST WINNER: DR. JEFFREY E. KASHNER, DDS, MSD FINALIST: Dr. Kirby Nelson, DDS Kirby Nelson Orthodontics FINALIST: Dr. Robert S. Haeger, DDS Haeger Orthodontics POLICE OFFICER WINNER: DEPUTY WILLIAM MICHAELS KING COUNTY SHERIFF WINNER: MICHELLE BENNETT CHIEF OF POLICE, MAPLE VALLEY FINALIST: Chief Andrew McCurdy City of Covington FINALIST: Office Greg Victor Maple Valley Police Department FINALIST: Chief DJ Nesel Maple Valley Police Department

INSURANCE AGENT WINNER: CRAIG JOHNSON STATE FARM FINALIST: Ross Olive - State Farm FINALIST: Danielle McGowan - Allstate PUBLIC OFFICIAL WINNER: MAYOR SEAN P KELLY WINNER: MAYOR JEFF WAGNER FINALIST: Margaret Harto FINALIST: Representative Patrick Sullivan FINALIST: Senator Joe Fain REALTOR WINNER: DAWN RUSHTON THE DAWN RUSHTON GROUP FINALIST: Tamara Paul RE/MAX Choice Executives FINALIST: Tina McDonough RE/MAX Select Real Estate FINALIST: Marti Reeder John L. Scott Real Estate FINALIST: Cathy Wahlin - Windermere TEACHER/SCHOOL WINNER: ADAM TURLEY TAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL FINALIST: Denise Butler Rainier Christian School FINALIST: Jaime Bongard - Glacier Park FINALIST: Karen Brown Covington Co-Op Preschool

VETERINARIAN WINNER: VCA COVINGTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL FINALIST: Dr. Melanie Caviness, DVM Wilderness Animal Hospital FINALIST: Reber Ranch FINALIST: Dr. Jack D. Smith, DVM Four Corners Veterinary Clinic WAITER-WAITRESS WINNER: OSCAR - EL COPORAL FINALIST: Terri - Black Diamond Bakery FINALIST: Ken Buckley Imbibe Bottle House & Taproom FINALIST: Danielle - Hop Jacks FINALIST: Osmar Lovo - Azafran Bistro

SERVICES AUTOMOTIVE WINNER: WESTOVER AUTO REBUILD WINNER: VALLEY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR & ELECTRIC FINALIST: Les Schwab FINALIST: Duffy’s Auto Brokerage FINALIST: Black Diamond Automotive BANK/CREDIT UNION WINNER: BECU - MAPLE VALLEY FINALIST: Bank of America FINALIST: Chase - Maple Valley FINALIST: Columbia Bank

FITNESS CENTER WINNER: TAHOMA ATHLETIC CLUB FINALIST: Thrive Community Fitness FINALIST: Orangetheory Fitness FINALIST: Pinnacle Medical Wellness GOLF COURSE WINNER: DRUID’S GLEN GOLF CLUB FINALIST: Lake Wilderness Golf Course FINALIST: Meridian Valley Country Club HAIR SALON/BARBER SHOP WINNER: THE LOFT SALON & SPA FINALIST: Daniel Ross Salon & Skin Care FINALIST: Stan Parente Salon FINALIST: Meridian Salon HEALTHCARE FACILITY WINNER: VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER MAPLE VALLEY CLINIC FINALIST: Outpatient Physical Therapy FINALIST: MultiCare Covington Urgent Care FINALIST: Multicare Maple Valley

For your support of our team!

Team Marti

Marti Reeder, Managing Broker, CRS

Whether you’re thinking about selling or you’re looking to buy, this award-winning local team is sure to be the best fit for all of your needs.

253-246-8938 o. 206-391-0388 c.

martireeder.com

Use my search app!

DOG BOARDING/DAY CARE WINNER: CENTENNIAL KENNELS FINALIST: Ceder River Dog Farm FINALIST: VCA Covington Animal Hospital FINALIST: Soos Creek Kennels

Thank You!! ➳

PEOPLE

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond |

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond

SERVICES MASSAGE THERAPY WINNER: OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY FINALIST: Massage Envy FINALIST: Elements Massage FINALIST: Pinnacle Medical Wellness NAIL SALON WINNER: BELISSIMO LASHES AND NAILS FINALIST: Tip & Toe Paradise FINALIST: Blue Water Nails & Spa FINALIST: Lovely Nails FINALIST: Covington Nails - Jimmy PET GROOMER WINNER: DOG SPAW, 2 HOUR GROOMS FINALIST: Reber Ranch FINALIST: Pampered Pet Grooming Salon FINALIST: Petco PHYSICAL THERAPY WINNER: OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY FINALIST: Pinnacle Medical Wellness FINALIST: MultiCare Covington Physical Therapy FINALIST: Maple Valley Physical Therapy

SENIOR LIVING FACILITY WINNER: WEATHERLY INN AT LAKE MERIDIAN FINALIST: Fountain Court Senior Living FINALIST: Covington Place Senior Apartments FINALIST: Arbor Village Senior Living SPA SERVICES WINNER: DANIEL ROSS SALON & SKIN CARE FINALIST: Massage Envy FINALIST: Stan Parente Salon FINALIST: Serendipity, Wilderness Village

12 May 2017 BBQ WINNER: SHAWN’S QUALITY MEATS & SMOKEHOUSE FINALIST: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit FINALIST: The Iron Grill - Mongolian BBQ FINALIST: Lind’s Custom Meats

ITALIAN CUISINE WINNER: MAMA PASSARELLI’S DINNER HOUSE FINALIST: Gino’s Bistro FINALIST: MOD Pizza FINALIST: Black Diamond Pizza & Deli

CHINESE CUISINE WINNER: GOLDEN PHOENIX CHINESE RESTAURANT FINALIST: Lucky Chopsticks FINALIST: Spring Kitchen - Maple Valley FINALIST: Lucky Star Chinese

JAPANESE CUISINE WINNER: TRAPPER’S SUSHI FINALIST: The Iron Grill - Mongolian BBQ FINALIST: Mizu Japanese Steak House FINALIST: Four Corner Teriyaki

FAMILY RESTAURANT WINNER: MAPLE VALLEY BAR AND GRILL FINALIST: Hop Jacks FINALIST: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews FINALIST: Farrelli’s Pizza

LUNCH WINNER: S’WICHED FINALIST: Panera - Maple Valley FINALIST: Trapper’s Sushi FINALIST: Maple Valley Bar & Grill

TRAVEL AGENCY/AGENT WINNER: AAA FINALIST: Maple Valley Cruise and Travel FINALIST: Kini’s Travel FINALIST: Travel Network/ Travel Leaders - Lorraine

RESTAURANTS BAKERY WINNER: LEGENDARY DOUGHNUTS COVINGTON FINALIST: Crown Donuts FINALIST: Black Diamond Bakery FINALIST: Gracene’s Cupcake Boutique

FINE DINING WINNER: MAPLE VALLEY BAR AND GRILL FINALIST: Mizu Japanese Steak House FINALIST: Gino’s Bistro FINALIST: Azafran Bistro

MEXICAN CUISINE WINNER: EL CAPORAL - MAPLE VALLEY FINALIST: Taco Truck Lonchera La Esperanza FINALIST: Puerto Vallarta Restaurant FINALIST: La Fogata Mexican Restaurant

HAMBURGERS WINNER: HOP JACKS FINALIST: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews FINALIST: Testy Chef FINALIST: Pla-Mor Bar & Grill

PIZZA WINNER: FRANKIE’S - MAPLE VALLEY FINALIST: Farrelli’s Pizza FINALIST: The Rock Wood Fired Kitchen FINALIST: MOD Pizza

Covington Animal Hospital

Thank you for your votes! Without you we could not do what we do! In order to serve you better, we are adding a new doctor and becoming a certified fear free environment.

WIN

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27045 174th Pl. SE • Covington, WA 98042 (behind Jiffy Lube, adjacent to WalMart)

(253) 631-8616

Monday thru Friday 7am-7pm;Saturday 8am-6pm; Sunday Closed

STOP BY FOR MORE DETAILS.

www.vcahospitals.com/covington

1861067

12 May 2017

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond |

RESTAURANTS THAI CUISINE WINNER: MAPLE VALLEY THAI CUISINE FINALIST: Benjarong Thai Cuisine FINALIST: Lucky Chopstickets FINALIST: Spring Kitchen - Maple Valley VIETNAMESE CUISINE WINNER: SPRING KITCHEN MAPLE VALLEY FINALIST: House of Pho FINALIST: Happy Pho Time FINALIST: Benjarong Thai Cuisine

SHOPPING

CLOTHING/SHOE STORE WINNER: KOHL’S FINALIST: Fred Meyer FINALIST: Little Spruce FINALIST: Seattle Footwear Comfort Shoes

GROCERY/CONVENIENT STORE WINNER: QFC - QUALITY FOOD CENTERS FINALIST: Fred Meyer FINALIST: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market FINALIST: Lake Sawyer Grocery

PET STORE/PET SUPPLIES WINNER: MUD BAY FINALIST: Reber Ranch FINALIST: Petco FINALIST: Yummy Tummy Pet Supply

CONSIGNMENT/THRIFT STORE WINNER: KID-TO-KID FINALIST: Goodwill - Maple Valley FINALIST: A Treasure Box FINALIST: Value Village

HARDWARE STORE WINNER: JOHNSON’S HOME AND GARDEN FINALIST: Home Depot FINALIST: Lowe’s

PLANT NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER WINNER: JOHNSON’S HOME AND GARDEN FINALIST: Covington Creek Nursery FINALIST: Garden Center at Home Depot FINALIST: Taylor Creek

FLOWER SHOP WINNER: BEE’S FLORIST FINALIST: Buds & Blooms - Maple Valley FINALIST: Buds & Blooms - Covington FINALIST: QFC Flower Shop

JEWELRY STORE WINNER: ANTHONY’S JEWELERS FINALIST: Fred Meyer Jewelers FINALIST: A Matter of Style FINALIST: Bridget’s Boutique

FURNITURE/HOME DECOR WINNER: PIER 1 IMPORTS FINALIST: A Matter of Style FINALIST: Quintessence FINALIST: Bridget’s Boutique

APPLIANCE STORE WINNER: SEARS HOME APPLIANCES FINALIST: Johnson’s Home and Garden FINALIST: Home Depot - Covington FINALIST: Costco

GIFT STORE WINNER: A MATTER OF STYLE FINALIST: Quintessence FINALIST: City Perk FINALIST: Hallmark

2017

THANK YOU for your VOTES!

30741 3rd Ave #103, Black Diamond, WA 98010

1862755

ANTIQUES WINNER: BLACK DIAMOND ANTIQUES FINALIST: City Perk FINALIST: Little Spruce FINALIST: Maple Valley Goodwill

WINERY/WINE SHOP WINNER: RISTRETTO’S COFFEE AND WINE FINALIST: DaVine Wine Bar FINALIST: Imbibe Bottlex House & Taproom FINALIST: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market Maple Valley FINALIST: Vintage Vino & Espresso

(360) 886-9955 • theloftsalon.biz

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! Covington Family Dentistry

OFFERING EVENING AND SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS

• • • • • • •

OTTO J. HANSSEN, D.D.S. & ASSOCIATES GENTLE CONCERNED DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Utmost Attention To Your Comfort Emergency & Walk-in Patients Welcome Latest In Cosmetic Dentistry And Teeth Whitening Nitrous Oxide Gas Available Complimentary Consultations Payment Plans Available Most Insurance Plans Accepted & Filed

253-630-4400 Member: WDS, United Concordia, Blue Cross, Regence, Premera, Delta, MetLife, King County Dental Society

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(Across from Les Schwab Tires in Covington) 17224 SE 272nd Kent, WA 98042

1862853

Dr. Hanssen & Family

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Fri.-Sat. 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

1862889

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond

12 May 2017 Check us out at our NEW LOCATION!

17621 SE 272ND ST COVINGTON, WA 98042

THANK YOU for YOUR VOTES!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE

425-413-0936 • www.cedarriverlaw.om 23745 225th Way SE, Suite 203 - Maple Valley, WA 98038

CALL TODAY! (425) 358-4532

OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.VALLEYAUTOELECTIC.COM 17621 SE 272ND ST, COVINGTON, WA 98042 • SHOP HOURS: MON – FRI: 8:30AM – 5:30PM

1865771

Thanks

Thanks for nominating us Best Pizza! WIN

NER

201

W 2015

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for choosing

IN N E R

W IN 2016

since1984 27317 Maple Valley Hwy A101

425-413-8111 • www.frankies-pizza.com

The people of Covington, Maple Valley & Black Diamond deserve the best in health care.

1865770

206.718.3296 Dawn@DawnRushton.com

Thank you to our community for voting Best Health Care Provider Cheryl Tan-Jacobson, MD Mary Bridge Pediatrics Covington

Joey Garcia, MD Mary Bridge Pediatrics Maple Valley

Best Health Care Facility & Best Physical Therapy

MultiCare Maple Valley Clinic

24080 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Maple Valley, WA 98038

MultiCare Covington Physical Therapy & MultiCare Covington Medical Center

17700 SE 272nd St, Covington, WA 98042

1877129

BEST!

REAL ESTATE · BUSINESS · LITIGATION

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12 May 2017

Reporter readers select their favorites

cayce|grove

You’ve answered the call and made your choices for the best Covington, Maple Valley, and Black Diamond has to offer, from food to fitness and hardware to health care. We are proud to honor our outstanding businesses in our community that our readers have chosen.

LAW OFFICES

Reporter readers made their picks through ballots published in the paper and online through the 14th of April. The response from the community was tremendous. We would like to thank all our readers who took the time to complete the ballots.

Proudly serving South King County for 40 Years!

We hope you enjoy the next several pages of results of our 2017 Best of Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond and also enjoy the messages from the businesses for which you voted. We are a great community here in South King County!

KAM CAYCE  GRIFAN CAYCE WILLS & TRUSTS  PROBATE REAL ESTATE  BUSINESS TRICIA GROVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Thank you for your Votes! IN N E R

W IN 2016

maple valley + renton offices 425-255-0603 www.caycegrove.com 1862850

16908 SE 269th Pl, Covington, WA 98042 253-236-4269 • KidToKid.com/covington

1877095

THANK YOU for your SUPPORT What makes us unique? 24-HOUR ACCESS

Best of Covington | Maple Valley | Black Diamond |

Thrive Maple Valley is set apart in the fitness industry by our commitment to providing a positive experience for the entire family. Coming to Thrive will not only mean an invigorating workout for you, but also a truly enjoyable experience for your children. Our warm and inviting Thrive Kids rooms are full of toys and play structures for your kids to explore. Consistent staff members provide familiar faces for your children, and instead of turning on the TV, we focus on interactive play.

Maple Valley Family owned and operated

SIMPLE TRUTH BRAND ASSETS November 10, 2011

Eat Better. Think Simple. LOGO

Eat Better. Think Simple. Expires 6/30/17

27411 Maple Valley Hwy, Suite B-106

1877127

0% ENROLLMENT with this ad thrivecf.com/maple-valley-home.asp • (425) 432-1199

Look for Simple Truth® and Simple Truth Organic® items throughout your neighborhood QFC. It’s a simple way to eat better, for every part of your day.

NATURAL & FREE FROM 101 INGREDIENTS LOGO

[16] Friday, May 12, 2017

www.covingtonreporter.com • www.maplevalleyreporter.com

Time to turn back the growth explosion Marianne Binetti

Get growing this week and keep mowing as new growth explodes. Fertilizing roses, annuals, perennials and vegetables is the important task for these heavy feeders if you have not yet done so. In general you should not need to add extra fertilizer around trees and shrubs. Plants with a good root system can find their own nutrients. Overfeeding evergreens, shrubs and trees can cause a flush of soft and succulent new growth and this attracts aphids and encourages disease. Roses are among the biggest gluttons in the plant world so add compost as a mulch, add granular or liquid plant food and also slow-release fertilizers. Continue to plant cool-season vegetables like lettuce, kale, peas and cabbage; also, most annual flowers and bedding plants can go into the ground this week. Think twice about planting warmth-loving plants like tomatoes, geraniums, marigolds and coleus even though we are into the month of May. The very wet spring has caused the ground to warm up more slowly. These warmth-loving plants will do fine in containers with potting soil – it is the cold wet ground that will still be a challenge for heat-loving plants.

My rose plants have green bugs and some orange tiny bugs that I think are aphid. Do aphids come in an orange color? What should I use to spray if I am an organic gardener? K.B., Bellevue

The Compleat Home Gardener

Marianne Binetti will make the following appearances: • Noon Saturday, May 13, at Tukwila City Hall, “Planting for Pollinators – Give Beauty and Bees a Chance.” Session is free, information at www.backyardwildlifefestival.org. • 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at Windmill Gardens in Sumner, “Weed Wars: How to Win the battle without Upsetting Mother Nature.” Register at www.binettigarden.com or 253-863-5843. Fee is $5.

A. Aphids do come in many colors

and there are specific aphid that like certain plants. (Black aphid seem to prefer nasturtiums.) Before you think about spraying a pesticide use your pinching fingers to squeeze the soft bodied aphid and leave their mangled bodies on the roses. This can attract ladybugs to your garden in much the same way crows are attracted to road kill. You may need to check and squish for a few weeks to get a serious aphid outbreak under control. Look for ladybugs and their crocodile-shaped larvae before you squish.

I see you will be speaking about helping our bees and other pollinators at the Backyard Wildlife Festival in Tukwilla. I cannot attend the talk. Please give me the name of that special plant that feeds the Monarch butterfly. J.H., Olympia

Gardeners can help save the Monarch butterfly by adding milkweed or butterfly weed to their gardens. The Perennial Plant Association has named butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) the plant of the year for 2017 so it will be readily available at nurseries. It has lovely orange flowers and the foliage is hairy, making it not only attractive for Monarch butterflies in their search for someplace to deposit eggs but also a low-maintenance and disease-resistant

plant. A new book titled “The Monarch – Saving Our MostLoved Butterfly” by Kylee Baumle explains more about planting for Monarchs and other pollinators. This book is easy to read with gorgeous photos on every page and at $18.95 a pretty reasonable price to pay if you want to help save the world. Especially unique is the information on how to tag monarchs, raise them in your home and attract them to your garden as a way station when they make their annual butterfly migration.

What would you say are the easiest vegetables to grow? We moved to a house with a vegetable plot all ready to plant. I don’t want to mess this up. L.P., Renton

Welcome to backyard farming. Tomatoes are considered one of the easiest to grow veggies with great returns on any time investment as home-grown tomatoes taste so superior to typical grocery store varieties. Buy tomato plants for your plot, not seeds. Beans are the easiest crop to direct seed into the ground as well as beets, lettuce, salad greens, squash (that would be zucchini and winter squash) and in our climate all the leafy greens such as lettuce, kale and chard. Beginning gardeners may enjoy more success with started plants as some veggies are difficult to grow from seed in our climate. Take the time to visit with Master Gardeners at local clinics, join a garden club or research growing tips for the specific vegetables your family likes to eat. ••• Marianne Binetti has a degree in horticulture from Washington State University and is the author of “Easy Answers for Great Gardens” and several other books. For book requests or answers to gardening questions, write to her at: P.O. Box 872, Enumclaw, 98022. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a personal reply. For more gardening information, she can be reached at her Web site, www.binettigarden.com. Copyright for this column owned by Marianne Binetti.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS AND FINALIST IN THIS YEARS BEST OF!

L ETE H T A OF THE WEEK

Thanks for nominating me “Best Realtor” for 2017!

and THANK YOU for supporting “Valley Girls & Guys!” as we support Susan G. Komen for the cure, blankets of comfort and hope, fund local mammograms,The Who House and create Who Dreams for those terminal with cancer. Please call me at (206) 793-3175, or send an e-mail to tinam1@remax.net. #BeTheHopeXOXO

Kentwood High School senior Nicole Soleim excelled in the Kent All City track meet Friday at French Field. Nicole took first place in two events, the 1,600 and 3,200 meters. In the 3,200 she completed the race in 11 minutes, 51.62 seconds and in the 1,600 she finished in 5:21.56. After winning two distance races at the Kent All City Track Meet, Nicole Soleim was named the Covington-Maple ValleyBlack Diamond Reporter Athlete of the Week.