Stella's Memorial Day Garden Report: Grass, Dirt & Lots of Sniffing Opportunities

By Stella – Safe Suds Ambassador, Backyard Boss & Official Dirt Inspector

Hi friends!

It’s me, Stella, your golden go-to gal for all things home, heart, and hose-related here at PacWest Pressure Washing. I’m taking a break from squirrel patrol to give you the inside scoop on what my pack was up to over Memorial Day weekend!

Stella oversees the spring planting from the front porch.

Spoiler alert: there were NO pressure washers involved. Just dirt. Glorious, diggable, roll-worthy dirt.

First up, Chris tackled the front and back yards with the mower and string trimmer. I supervised closely from the shade, because someone has to make sure he doesn’t miss the corners where I like to nap. Once everything was trimmed and tidy, it smelled like summer — and trust me, I’ve got a nose for these things.

Chris mows the front yard. The newly planted vegetables are seen in the background.

Then the whole family loaded into the truck (sorry, no pups allowed this time) and headed to Country Girl Greenhouse in Orting. If you haven’t been, it’s like a candy store for humans who like plants. The folks there are the kindest plant whisperers around, and everything they grow looks and smells amazing. Jodi came back with enough veggie starts to open a farmer’s market. I approved most of them… except the Brussels Sprouts. (Bleh. Humans are weird.)

Next stop: Tagro in Tacoma. Now this is my kind of place! Big piles of rich composty goodness made from recycled stuff. It’s eco-friendly, great for gardens, and totally nap-worthy if you can sneak onto a spot in the sun (ask me how I know). Chris swears by it for growing big, juicy tomatoes. I swear by it for quality sniffs.

A sign provides direction and instruction at Tagro in Tacoma, Washington.

Back at home, it was all paws on deck. Garden beds were weeded and fluffed. Raised boxes were filled with that sweet, sweet Tagro. The kids got into the planting groove, Jodi played garden DJ, and Chris handled the logistics. I contributed moral support, hydration breaks (from my bowl), and the occasional quality control dig. You’re welcome.

This year’s planting list is pretty epic:

• Bell peppers, jalapeños & habaneros

• Corn, eggplant & brussels sprouts

• SEVEN kinds of tomatoes

• Zucchini, strawberries (yum), cucumbers, beans & celery

I’ll be guarding the strawberries with my life. Don’t even try me.

All in all, it was a perfect weekend—family time, fresh air, and muddy paws. And while Memorial Day is about more than gardening (we honor those who served with grateful hearts), it felt good to slow down, get grounded, and make something grow.

Hope your weekend was just as full of sun, love, and a little dirt under the nails—or in my case, the paws.

Wags and woofs,

Stella 🐾

Safe Suds Ambassador & Backyard Operations Manager

P.S. Want more behind-the-scenes tail wags and clean-up tips? Sign up for my quarterly newsletter, Stella’s Soapbox! It’s got all the fun stuff, plus advice from yours truly on keeping your home looking (and smelling) fresh.