Artwood Gallery in May: Each month Artwood showcases a particular artist or category of work. Jim Hume will present his aptly-named Foot Stools; Michael Flaherty has a wall cabinet involving a section of Douglas Fir; David Gray’s contributions are a new cabinet, along with his popular Mutiny Bay chair; and Karen Healy will show an informal coffee table of forged steel and maple, as well as a small steel and stone pedestal table. In addition, Artwood will present paintings by Brenda Lowery. Meet the artist on May 13 from 2-4. Artwood Gallery, 1000 Harris Avenue in Historic Fairhaven. 360-647-1628; www.artwoodgallery.com.

 

Dahlia Planting 101: Monday, May 1. Whatcom County Dahlia Society hosts this free event from 7-9 p.m. Laurel Community Grange, 6172 Guide Meridian Road. Refreshments provided. Contact wcdspublicity@gmail.com.

 

Mount Vernon High School FFA’s Annual Spring Plant Sale: Thursday, May 4 through Saturday, May 6. We have hanging baskets, color bowls, annual bedding plants, veggie starts, tomatoes and sedums. Check for hours. Mount Vernon High School.

 

Empty Bowls: Friday, May 5. Presented by Whatcom Artist of Clay and Kiln (WACK). Empty Bowls is a hunger awareness project to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank and Maple Alley Inn. Empty Bowls will be held in the Boundary Bay Beer Garden (Railroad Ave., Bellingham) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For $15, you get a portion of soup, and a locally handmade bowl to keep as a reminder of your contribution to help feed the local hungry. Several local ceramic artists have platters up for bid in the silent auction at Old World Deli in Bellingham. Auction closes on May 5 at the Empty Bowls event. See www.whatcomartistsofclayandkiln.org.

 

Spring Plant Sale:  Friday and Saturday, May 5-6. Friends of the Deming Library host their annual spring plant sale. Browse a wide selection of plants for your garden or flower beds at great prices. Stop by the Library Learning Garden table on Saturday for free garden activities for kids. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Deming Library. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

17th Annual Children’s Art Walk: Friday, May 5. Stroll through downtown Bellingham and delight in the works of the younger art community! Whatcom County students will proudly display their works of art during the 17th annual Children’s Art Walk presented by Allied Arts of Whatcom County. On this night there will be a number of activities for kids and adults, music, and more to celebrate the arts in schools. In addition, Allied Arts Gallery will feature professional work by Allied Arts Teaching Artists in Whatcom County. 6-9 p.m. Art will stay on display through May 31 in honor of the state wide Arts Education Month. Visit www.alliedarts.org for more information.

 

Anacortes Farmers Market Opening Day: Saturday, May 6. Celebrate spring! Buy fresh, local food, visit with your neighbors, and enjoy this weekly market. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Depot, 7th St. and R, Anacortes. See www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Procession of the Species: Saturday, May 6. All welcome to participate in costume. Line up begins at 3:30 p.m. behind the Bellingham Library. The parade starts at 4 p.m. Three rules apply: No written or spoken words, no live animals, and no motorized vehicles. Gather at Maritime Heritage Park  for closing activities. For more details, see http://bpots.org.

 

Snohomish County Master Gardener Foundation Plant Sale: Saturday, May 6. More than 8,000  tomato, herb and vegetable starts, perennials, native plants, trees, shrubs, ground covers, living garden art. Master gardeners will be available to answer questions. Vendors include specialty nursery, gift and garden art. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension, McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. (425) 357-6010, www.snomgf.org.

 

Sustainable Landscaping: Saturday, May 6. In this workshop, learn how to draw pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden, as well as ways to integrate edible plants into a showy landscape. Expect to come away with the tools to grow and maintain your landscape in an environmentally friendly way. $10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Road, Everson. (360) 966-5859, www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Growing Veterans 2nd annual Spring Plant Sale: Saturday, May 6. A variety of vegetable starts will be available, with all proceeds supporting this non-profit organization. Visitors can also view demonstrations and learn about transplanting starts, irrigation techniques, fertilization, and planting for pollinators. The sale runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 21025 Starbird Road, Mount Vernon. See www.growingveterans.org.

 

Goat Husbandry and Dairy for the Homestead: Saturday, May 6. Do you love fresh milk? Do you have extra blackberries that need mowing? Attend this workshop to learn the basics of home goat dairying. You will learn what to look for when purchasing animals, and get an overview of dairy breeds, necessary infrastructure, pasture basics, nutritional needs, milking, health care, and culling and butchering options. $10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. 1:30-3p.m. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Road, Everson. (360) 966-5859, www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Friends of the Ferndale Library Annual Spring Plant & Book Sale: Saturday, May 6. Located both inside and outside the Ferndale Library, you’ll find books for adults and children, fiction and non-fiction, hardbacks and softbound. The sale also features locally grown and donated plants of all types including outdoor shrubs and flowers, house plants, berry plants, hanging baskets, as well as some yard art and outside decor bric-a-brac. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ferndale Library, 2125 Main Street, (360) 384-3647.

 

North Fork Friends Book, Bake, and Plant Sale: Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7. Find great prices and a large selection of used books, baked goods, and plants for your garden at this annual spring sale. All proceeds go toward programs and maintenance of the North Fork Community Library. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. North Fork Library, 7506 Kendall Road, Maple Falls, (360) 599-2020.

 

Sewing Bootcamp: Saturdays, May 6 and 13. Get familiar with the care and use of a sewing machine and solving basic sewing problems, take accurate body measurements and learn to fit items to your own aesthetic and body type. Instructor: Brigitte Parra. $75. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. www.ragfinery.com.

 

Introduction to Weaving: Saturdays, May 6, 13 and 20. Learn to weave using a floor loom with Aurora Lindquist. In a series of three Saturday morning sessions, learn to plan a weaving project and what materials to use, work a loom, and create your own small rug. $88. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Garden Work Party: Monday, May 8. Calling all garden enthusiasts: Join us in the Deming Library Learning Garden on the second Monday of the month through September at 6 p.m. We will plan, plant and harvest. All levels of gardening expertise welcome. Bring your gardening gloves and the desire to dig in the dirt, learn and have fun. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Ahoy, Lummi Island! Tuesday, May 9. Don’t miss this encore presentation with Willows Inn’s sous chef Nick Green and Robert Fong. 6:30-9 p.m. $75. Local Roots Room, Cordata Co-op, Bellingham. To register, see class schedule at www.communityfood.coop.

 

Farm Safety Awareness Workshop: Wednesday, May 10. The WSU Island County Extension is hosting a Farm Safety Awareness Workshop from 6-9 p.m. at the Pacific Rim Institute, 180 Parker Road, Coupeville. The workshop is free and open to all, and will provide an overview of farm health and safety and tractor safety demonstration. For more information, contact Loren Imes at (360) 678-2343 or loren.imes@wsu.edu. The event is co-Sponsored by WSU Extension, Whidbey Island Conservation District, Washington Tractor, and Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue.

 

No-Sew Braided Rugs: Wednesday, May 10. Come learn how to craft a beautiful no sew braided rug with Kirsten Wert. This four strand technique eliminates the need for sewing braids together and results in a sturdy rug able to withstand the modern washer and dryer. These rugs are a great way to keep worn, torn, ugly or stained fabrics out of the landfill. $22. 6-8 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See www.ragfinery.com.

 

Ethiopian Cuisine: Thursday, May 11. Assefa Kebede, former owner and chef at Vancouver’s award-winning Nyala African Cuisine, shares favorite recipes from his native Ethiopia. 6:30-9 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building. $35. To register, see class schedule at www.communityfood.coop.

 

Solar Energy for Your Home, Farm, Business or Off-Grid Site: Thursday, May 11. Learn about evaluating your home for solar, and the federal, state and utility incentives, as well as USDA grants for farms or businesses, battery-backup, and Do-It-Yourself kits in this free workshop. 6:30-8 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, 202 South First Street, Room 309, Mount Vernon. Contact Joan at 360-422-5610 or Joan@FMSolar.com. See www.firemountainsolar.com.

 

19th Annual Camano Island Studio Tour: May 12-14 and May 20-21. For two weekends in May, come visit the studios of artists who demonstrate their methods, explain their unique styles, and show off their artwork in a variety of studio settings. A free, self-guided tour extends from Lake Ketchum in northwest Snohomish County to the southern tip of Camano Island. More than 40 artists present high-quality artwork in many different medicums, including painting, photography, sculpture, wood, jewelry, glass, fiber, ceramics, and mixed media. The tour also is an excellent opportunity for children and families to experience all aspects of art production. For more details, see http://camanostudiotour.com.

 

Everett Garden Club Sale: Saturday, May 13. Assortment of indoor and outdoor plants, garden art and plant related items. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until sold out), corner of 52nd and Evergreen Way (Party Display & Costume parking lot) in Everett. See everettgardenclub.weebly.com.

 

WSU Whatcom County Extension Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale: Saturday, May 13. Select from 20 varieties of tomatoes, specialty perennials, herbs, shade plants, natives, dahlias and more. All plants cultivated and selected by master gardener volunteers. Local plant and food vendors, visit our demonstration garden. Master Gardeners available to answer questions at the Plant Clinic and Information Booth. Sale proceeds go to support the WSU Whatcom Master Gardener program. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale. To learn more about the program and to learn how to become a Master Garden visit http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ch/mg.html.

 

WSU Skagit County Master Gardener Plant Fair: Saturday, May 13. Join the Master Gardeners from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of plant sales and lots of gardening related fun. This year’s special events include a display of antique tractors and gas engines, the small animals from Skagit County 4-H, PLUS many vendors and thousands of plants. Skagit County Fairgrounds (South Entrance), 479 W Taylor Street, Mount Vernon. For further information visit:  http://ext100.wsu.edu/skagit/mg/plant-fair/.

 

Island County Master Gardener Foundation Plant Sale: Saturday, May 13. Perennials, native plants, shrubs, veggies, plant clinic and personal shoppers. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Greenbank Farm, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank, Whidbey Island. See http://ext100.wsu.edu/island/gardening/master-gardeners/.

 

Using Tunnels & Hoops Houses for Productive Gardening: Saturday, May 13. You can grow great tomatoes and peppers in the Pacific Northwest! Use of high tunnels and hoop houses can bring you success in crops that often fail out in the open. We’ll discuss hoop house construction, planting, pruning and training, and management issues.$10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Road, Everson. (360) 966-5859, www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Lopez Lamb, Wool & Goat Festival: Saturday, May 13. Lopez Center for Community and the Arts in Lopez Village.  Sheep dog demonstration at a local farm from 9-10 a.m., followed by indoor and outdoor events at the Community Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sheep shearing, cheese making, felting, spinning and weaving, lichen dyeing, fleece sale. Local growers and craftspeople selling their products, as well as a special grilled plate lunch sold to benefit the Lopez Farm-to-School Program. Celebrate local agriculture! Free admission. For information, contact Island Fibers at (360) 468-2467 or fibers@islandfibers.com.

 

Benefit Dinner and Auction for Wyatt Zender: Saturday, May 13. Come support Wyatt and his family. Wyatt is a third grader at Kendall Elementary. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on March 15, 2017 and will be in Seattle receiving chemotherapy and radiation until August 2017. Our hope is to raise funds that will help his family with medical expenses and allow Tony and Heather to spend as much time with Wyatt in Seattle as possible. Dinner will be served 5-7 p.m. $10 per person, $30 per family (parents and children). Silent and Live Auction. At the Deming Log Show Grounds. If you have an item to donate to the auction, email wyattswarriors17@gmail.com.

 

Northwest Paella with Jesse Otero: Monday, May 15. We will discuss the ancestral beginnings of paella while creating two delicious versions using local ingredients. 6:30-9 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building $39. To register, see class schedule at www.communityfood.coop.

 

Ancient Fruitcake: What Really, Really Old Food Tells Us About History, Culture, Love and Memory: Monday, May 15. This talk is not about the old leftovers in the fridge. It is about food that is so old, so unusual, or so meaningful, that no one dares throw it away. Discover the foods archeologists have found buried with mummies, the petrified banana so appealing it sparked a Banana Museum, the 350-year-old fruitcake handed down through generations, 2000-year-old bog butter; and the pickle that has been in a jar since the 1860s. During this “chew and chat,” author and broadcaster Harriet Baskas explores how and why these and other formerly fresh foods may have been forgotten, intentionally tucked away, or preserved due to unusual or peculiar circumstances. And, more importantly, we’ll talk about how these and other vintage vittles can and do hold memories, tell stories, and connect us with family, culture, and history. Harriet Baskas is the author of seven books, including Hidden Treasures: What Museums Can’t or Won’t Show You, and has created award-winning radio programs. This presentation is made available by Humanities Washington (www.humanities.org). This event starts at 6 p.m. in the Mount Vernon Library Resources Room and is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at (360) 336-6209 or see www.mountvernonwa.gov.

 

Make Your Own Sourdough Bread with Andy Walton: Thursday, May 18. This class will demonstrate the process of maintaining a sourdough starter, taking it from sourdough sponge to dough ball to rising bread to baking. Andy Walton holds a degree in nutrition and culinary arts from Bastyr University and is engaged in farming, cooking, and fermentation. 6:30-9 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $35. To register, see class schedule at www.communityfood.coop.

 

Cirque du Couture: Ragfinery’s 3rd Annual Upcycle Runway Challenge: Friday May 19. Every year brave participants of all skill levels are tasked with transforming castaway materials into runway-ready designs. This exciting event is a celebration of creativity and community as we come together to be inspired, witnessing local artists and craftspeople transforming ordinary into extraordinary. This year’s theme, Cirque du Couture, draws inspiration from the popular performance ensemble, Cirque du Soleil, offering participants fantastical imagery from which to springboard their upcycled designs. 7-9 p.m. Details and tickets at ragfinery.com.

 

Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland’s Spring Farm Tour: Friday, May 19. The theme is “Innovators in Skagit Agriculture” and includes stops at Bow Hill Blueberries, Samish Bay Cheese, Lunch Presentation at Padilla Bay Interpretive Center, Skagit Flats Farm and The Bread Lab. Participants can learn about the infrastructure that’s necessary to keep Skagit agriculture viable. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chartered bus tickets are $20/member and $30 general. Call (360) 336-3974 or see http://www.skagitonians.org.

 

76th annual International Plowing Match: Saturday, May 20. Come on out and watch competitors step back in time and plow the land with a team of draft horses just as our ancestors did when they homesteaded the land. Sign the original guest book started in 1949. Free entry. All welcome to watch local and regional participants with their teams of horses. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Berthusen Park, Lynden. For more information, follow the Facebook page.

 

Creating Communities, Weaving Indra’s Net in Whatcom County: Saturday, May 20. Drop-in and help local artist Debra Goldman create a collaborative net from recycled and donated fabrics. The net will be knotted by community members throughout Whatcom County with the end result being a beautiful piece of community generated artwork that we hope to exhibit to the public somewhere in Whatcom County.  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Composting for the Home:  Saturday, May 20. Learn about hot or cold composting, bins, tumblers, or worms.  Presented by the WSU Extension Master Gardeners. 1 p.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, (360) 354-4883.

 

Zero Waste Lifestyle: Saturday, May 20. Jenica Barrett of “Zero Waste Wisdom” will discuss the advantages of working toward a zero waste lifestyle. Focusing on the bathroom for this class, she will share household products she has made. Participants will make their own deodorant to take home.  3 p.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Annual Cascade Cuts Plant Sale: Saturday, May 20. This wholesale nursery, opens to the public one day a year to benefit Sustainable Connections Food & Farming Program. The sale includes perennials, annuals, veggie starts, and herbs. All sales support Food to Bank On, the annual Whatcom County Farm Tour, and more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  632 Montgomery Road, Bellingham (King Mountain neighborhood). For more information, see www.sustainableconnections.org or call (360) 647-7093.

 

Mount Vernon Farmers Market Opening Day: Saturday, May 20. It’s our 30th anniversary! Join us as we open the season and celebrate local farmers, crafters, makers and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Downtown Mount Vernon Riverwalk. See http://mountvernonfarmersmarket.org.

 

Charlie with Vegetable Sound System: Sunday, May 21. Shambala Bistro hosts Charlie with Vegetable Sound System from Australia, who combines live instruments with electronic swing-funk beats based around the permaculture principle. 7 p.m. $5 cover for an acoustic house-concert. Shambala Bistro, 614 Pine Street, Mount Vernon. Call (360) 588-6600. See http://formidablevegetable.com.au.

 

Home Composting & Worm Bins with Callie Martin, Skagit County Public Works: Monday, May 22. Learn how easy it is to compost your food scraps by harnessing the work of worms in our upcoming vermicomposting class. Class participants will learn the basics of worm bin designs, care, and feeding,  presented by Callie Martin, the Waste Reduction/Recycling Education Specialist for Skagit County Public Works-Solid Waste Division. 6 p.m. Mount Vernon City Library. Free, all welcome. For more information, call (360) 336-6209, or check out the library’s website at www.mountvernonwa.gov.

 

Tomatoes & More: Gardening Above 50 Degrees with the Co-op’s Garden Jay: Monday, May 22. Now is the time to plant warm season veggies like cucumbers and melons. Basil, sunflowers and zinnias, too, and it’s time to plan your summer planting for fall and winter vegetables. Find out why earlier isn’t always better, soil and sun requirements, advantages and limitations of container gardening and Jay’s picks for best varieties. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Skagit Valley Co-op, Mt. Vernon.

 

No-Sew Rag Rug Workshop: Monday, May 22. Learn to make a no-sew rag rug with Kristen Wert. This four strand technique eliminates the need for sewing braids together and results in a sturdy rug able to withstand the modern washer and dryer. These rugs are a great way to keep worn, torn, ugly or stained fabrics out of the landfill. Please bring a pair of scissors and two old sheets of different colors. Register by calling 360-966-5100, space is limited. 6 p.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Ski to Sea Book Sale: Wednesday through Saturday, May 24-27. ALarge selection of books and media for all ages. Most items are only $1! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale is held downstairs in the Central Library at 210 Central Avenue. All proceeds benefit the library. For more information, contact friendslibrary3@gmail.com.

 

Machinery Safety Workshop: Friday, May 26. The WSU Skagit Extension is offering a one-day farm Machinery Safety Workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 11768 Westar Lane, Suite A in Burlington. (The workshop was originally going to run as a 5-week course, however it did not have enough registrants and needed to be changed.) Individuals in all counties are eligible to attend the training. Last year’s class contained a mix of middle school, high school and Spanish- and English-speaking adults. Certification can be obtained for students 13 years of age and above. A deposit of $25 is required to hold your spot; an additional $50 is due by the end of the course if you wish to receive a certificate (if you do not want a certificate your total cost is $25). Instructors are Don McMoran, Dorothy Elsner and Kate Smith, of the WSU Skagit Extension office. To learn more, contact WSU Skagit County Extension at (360) 428-4270 ext 225 or email dmcmoran@wsu.edu. Online registration is available at http://farmsafetyskagit.brownpapertickets.com.

 

Seaweed Beach Ramble w/Ryan Drum! Friday, May 26. We will have 2 hours at low tide to learn, touch, taste, and discuss seaweeds and their numerous culinary and medicinal uses. Beach time followed by Q&A time. Bring your hat and bring your lunch. Organized by Living Earth Herbs. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Larrabee State Park. Call Living Earth Herbs at (360) 734-3207 to pre-register. $30. Carpool available. Sorry, no dogs or harvesting.

 

Low Tide Picnic: Saturday, May 27. Presented by Wild Whatcom Community Programs. The Elder Salish People say, “When the tide is out, the table is set”. The table will be well laden today, with a predicted low tide of -3.3! It’s a great time for a daytime tour of the surprising diversity of marine life in your neighborhood. Come explore this beach with local knowledgable folks from the Marine Life Center and Doug “Waterman” Stark from the Beach Watchers. Bring your lunch and wear your boots. 11:30-1:30 p.m. Marine Park, Bellingham. Suggested Donation: $12/$8. Email Program Coordinator, Holly Roger: holly@wildwhatcom.org.

 

In JUNE

Puget Sound Jr. Livestock Show: Thursday, June 1 through Saturday, June 3. Open to all 4-H and FFA members who’d like to exhibit, sell or market swine, goat, sheep or steer. Skagit County Fairgrounds, Mount Vernon. For more information, visit www.pugetsoundjuniorlivestock.org.

 

Blast from the Past Festival: Friday through Sunday, June 2-4. This local Sedro-Woolley event has many different activities over the three days, including kids’ contests, art and craft vendors, a quilt show, art show, car show and more.  For more information, see www.sedro-woolley.com.

 

Everett-Wetmore Food Truck Fridays: The Washington State Food Truck Association and the City of Everett partnered to offer this food truck lot on Wetmore Avenue. Explore this pilot program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. See the truck schedule on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wafoodtrucklots/.

 

Mosaic Nuno Felt Tunics: Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3. In this two day workshop with Patti Barker, students will learn how to build a seamless Nuno felt tunic using a resist pattern, a variety of silk scraps, a little wool, and soapy water. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $150. Ragfinery, Bellingham. (360) 738-6977, Ragfinery.com.

 

Farmers Day Parade: Saturday, June 3. Watch tractors, trucks, horses, bands and more salute the agriculture industry of Whatcom County along Front St. in Lynden. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m., and runs from 10th St. to 3rd St. Free to spectators. In addition, the Farmers Day Pancake Breakfast runs from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Lynden Community Center. Adults pay $5, children are $3. All-you can-eat pancakes, french toast, biscuits and gravy with eggs, sausage, orange juice, and coffee. For more information, follow the Lynden Chamber of Commerce’s facebook page or visit www.lynden.org.

 

Laurel Farm Tour: Saturday, June 3. Participants can enjoy a bus tour of the Laurel area, including gardens and farms. The tour includes four private gardens and stops at Appel Farms, Laurel Farm, Boxx Berry Farm, and Bellewood Acres. All profits will be donated to local non-profits. For more information, pick up a registration form at any participating farm, or see their Facebook pages for details.

 

Jewels in the Garden: Saturday, June 3. Hummingbirds never cease to amaze us.  These little stunt fliers can fly forward, backward, hover and even fly upside-down as they seek nectar, their favorite food. Learn from Sheila Pera, Education Chair at Skagit Audubon Society, about the mysteries and wonders of hummingbirds and what plants will attract them to your garden. 11 a.m. – noon. $8, reservations required. Christianson’s Nursery, Mount Vernon, (360) 466-3821.

 

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: Saturday, June 3. Learn everything you need to know about getting started on the path to growing your own food with Cyndi Stuart from The Roost at Roddy Creek. Cyndi’s book, “Real Food from a Real Farm: Eating Through the Seasons” will be available for purchase. 11 a.m. – noon. Christianson’s Nursery. $8, reservations required. (360) 466-3821.

 

Anacortes Waterfront Festival: Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4. This is a fun family event with a little something for everyone – pirates, classic cars, milk carton regatta, children’s activities and more along the Anacortes waterfront. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, see http://www.anacortes.org/wff/events.cfm.

 

FOSL Spring Bake Sale: Saturday, June  3. Pick up some delicious homemade cookies, breads and other baked goods. Sale held at the annual Fishing Derby at the Howard Bowen Memorial Park on Hovel Road. Support the Sumas Friends of the Library and the Sumas American Legion at the same time! 9 a.m. to noon.  For more information, contact the Sumas Library, (360) 988-2501.

 

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, June 4. Made from scratch pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Biscuits and gravy available, too. Meet and greet local politicians, as they serve you coffee and breakfast. Adults/$5, kids 6-10/$2, kids 5 and under eat free. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway, about 1/2 mile east of the “Y” Road. For more information call (360) 739-9605.

 

Free Ice Cream Social: Sunday, June 4. The Children’s Giving Garden of Christ Episcopal Church invites you to a free ice cream social. Join us in creating community spirit, share ideas, and enjoy ice cream. Made possible by a generous grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation’s “Project Neighborly” program, supported by the Bellingham Food Cooperative, Edaleen Dairy, Pacific Building Center and TW Landscaping. Free and open to all ages. Noon to 2:30 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church,  382 Boblett Street, Blaine.

 

Celebration Appetizers: Monday, June 5. Get ready for the celebrations of summer with Cindy McKinney. Sample and learn how to make delicious appetizers. 6:30-9 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham, $45. Enroll online at  communityfood.coop/events/2017-06/

 

Whatcom County Dahlia Society hosts 2017 A.D.S. New Introductions: Monday, June 5. Laurel Grange, 6172 Guide Meridian. 7-9 p.m. This event is free. Refrefreshments will be available. Contact wcdspublicity@gmail.com.

 

Chef’s Choice: Tuesday, June 6. Karina Davidson puts together an all-delicious menu of favorite recipes. 6:30-9 p.m. Cordata Co-op Local Roots Room, Bellingham. $45. Enroll online at communityfood.coop/events/2017-06/

 

Easy Growth of Mushrooms on Your Table with Qi Lou: Tuesday, June 6. Learn how to grow and harvest mushrooms at home. Qi Lou will share experiences of growing our own mushrooms from prepared mushroom logs. Written instructions and prepared mushroom logs will be provided. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Skagit Valley Co-op, Mount Vernon. Register online at ww.skagitfoodcoop.com.

 

3rd Annual “Our Future, Our Valley” Breakfast: Wednesday, June 7. Join Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland for our annual celebration of past, present, and future Skagit Valley agricultural leaders over a hearty breakfast. WSDA Director Derek Sandison will share his perspective on the trade and economic outlooks for Washington State. 7:15-9:15 a.m. Free; donations requested. RSVP required to LindaT@skagitonians.org or (360) 336-3974. Get more information at www.skagitonians.org.

 

Introduction to Fermented Foods: Wednesday, June 7. Join Andy Walton for an introduction to fermented foods and how they influence health. Make sauerkraut together and taste test some previously fermented sauerkraut. Taste a sample of kefir, a fizzy beverage that is fast and simple to make at home. 7 p.m. Sumas Community/Senior Center, 451 2nd St. For more information contact the Sumas Library, (360) 988-2501.

 

Summer Menu for Healthy Blood Sugar with Mira Swiecicki, OD: Wednesday, June 7. Mira Swiecicki shares easy-to-prepare summer recipes and healthy eating tips for anyone concerned about maintaining healthy blood-sugar levels. 6:30 p.m. $15. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. Enroll online at  communityfood.coop/events/2017-06/

 

Felt Paintings: Wednesday, June 7. Natalia Robinson will provide instruction on color tones, shading, proportions and angles will be covered, as well as exploring needle felting techniques for wool painting. Bring an image that is meaningful for you. $27. 6-8 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. (360) 738-6977, Ragfinery.com.

 

Fresh Fruit, Vibrant Veggies: Thursday, June 8. Learn how to start including more fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet with Alissa Segersten. 6:30-9 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $39. Enroll online at communityfood.coop/events/2017-06/.

 

Ice Cream: Friday, June 9. Who doesn’t love ice cream? Learn to make your own at this fun class with Cindy McKinney. She’ll be demonstrating three types, and making a couple of quick ice cream toppings. For adults 21 years and older. Registration required. 3-5 p.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, (360) 354-4883.

 

Sorticulture: Friday through Sunday, June 9-11. Everett’s Garden Arts Festival takes place at Legion Memorial Park, 145 Alverson Blvd in Everett. Over 100 artists and nurseries will showcase items to transform your garden. Live music, wine garden, food court and free activities for the kids. Free admission and shuttle available. See www.everettwa.org.

 

Marysville Strawberry Festival: Saturday, June 10-17. The Marysville Strawberry Festival is a week-long community festival in Marysville. Activities and entertainment include rides, children’s activities, arts, crafts, parades, a car show, live entertainment, Berry Fun Run, talent show, strawberries and more. See www.maryfest.org/.

 

Slime No More! Saturday, June 10. Master Gardener Diana Wisen, from WSU Research and Extension Center, will share multiple approaches (biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical) to rid your garden of slugs and snails and the best methods to reduce the damage done by non-native slugs and snails. 11 a.m. – noon. $8, reservations required. Christianson’s Nursery, (360) 466-3821.

 

Deming Logging Show: Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11. Various logging events, adults and kids, logging exhibits and equipment, BBQ, shortcake, concessions and more. Admission per person. Deming Log Show Grounds, Cedarville Road, east of Bellingham. Proceeds go to busted up loggers. See www.demingloggingshow.com.

 

Creating Communities ~ Weaving Indra’s Net in Whatcom County: Saturday, June 10. Drop in and help local artist Debra Goldman create a collaborative net from recycled and donated fabrics. The net will be knotted by community members throughout Whatcom County with the end result being a beautiful piece of community generated artwork that we hope to exhibit to the public somewhere in Whatcom County.  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Jams, Jellies, and Spreads: Monday, June 12. Learn how to preserve fresh foods safely in this series at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Evergreen Room in McCollum Park, 600 128th St SE, Everett. Learn how to create that perfect balance of fruit, sweetener, and other ingredients to enhance flavor and shelf life with research-based recipes. Low and no sugar recipes covered. Come prepared to cook during the hands-on session and take home a jar of fresh-made jam. 6:30–9 p.m. In addition, the online course Preserve the Taste of Summer, while a *prerequisite to the three hands-on classes, is also a great stand-alone course on safe home food preservation. $25 per course. Visit PreserveSummer.cahnrs.wsu.edu  to register.

 

Know & Grow Workshop: Extending the Growing Season of Your Vegetable Garden: Tuesday, June 13. Local expert Peter Heffelfinger will talk about how to extend the length of time you can harvest vegetables from your own garden. What varieties are best and when to plant them.  Also how to protect them for an even longer harvest season. Free. 1-2:30 p.m. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. (360) 428-4270, ext 227, http://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/mg/

 

Wild Salmon: Tuesday, June 13. Enjoy the iconic fish of the Pacific Northwest –in three ways – at the peak of its season, with chef Robert Fong. 6:30-9 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $49. Enroll online at  communityfood.coop/events/2017-06/.

 

A Wildcrafter’s Herb to Know: St. John’s Wort with Erin Vanhee: Tuesday, June 13. This free class focuses on Hypericum perforatum, or St. John’s Wort, as an example to explore the harvest of wild herbs: how to find your herbs, what tools to use and how to choose your harvest without harming the plants habitat. 6:30-8 p.m. For more about Erin, see www.erinvanhee.net. Register online at ww.skagitfoodcoop.com.

 

Summer Tour of Whidbey Island Gardens, hosted by WSU Whatcom County Master Gardeners: Thursday, June 15.  Join us for a bus tour to multiple gardens on Whidbey Island, starting at 8 a.m. The tour includes: Children Garden in Oak Harbor; Island County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden in Greenbank,  where our group can enjoy sack lunches at the gardens and any question will be answered there by Master Gardeners; and a private garden in Coupevillle. The bus will return to Bellingham by 5 p.m. Registration is $28. For more information, contact Barb Shickler  at barbaraschickler2@gmail.com.

 

80th Annual Berry Dairy Days: Friday through Sunday, June 16-18.  Celebrate local agriculture and heritage. Enjoy strawberry shortcake, grand parade, entertainment, kids zone, car show, food vendors, fireworks show, free outdoor movie of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and more in downtown Burlington. For a full schedule, see www.BerryDairyDays.com.

 

Lilies You Will Love: Saturday,  June 17. Oriental Lily Lovers meet our local grower, Melinda Creed, who now grows several thousand Oriental lilies for sale as potted perennial plants or cut flowers. She grows about 40 varieties, including several of the new “rosily” which are double/multi layered lilies that are pollen free. Lilies are drought tolerant, bee friendly plants that will turn your summer garden into a fragrant feast of color. Perfect plant to grow in and around mid to taller plants in your border. Free class. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham.

 

Summer Care in the Vineyard Workshop: Saturday, June 17. This workshop walks you through best practices for managing your vineyard in the hot summer months. The class will cover shoot positioning, summer pruning, bunch thinning, water management, and disease management – all techniques critical to the production of quality grapes for eating and winemaking. $10 per person; registration recommended. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. (360) 966-5859, www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

A Rosy Day Out: 14th Annual Rose Festival: Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18. Starting at 11 a.m., Nita Jo Roundtree will share her new book, “Growing Roses in the Pacific Northwest: 90 Best Varieties for Successful Rose Gardening”. Copies will be available for sale. At 1 p.m., Rebecca Reed, U. S. Sales Executive for David Austin Roses, will describe characteristics and qualities of David Austin varieties. Her descriptions and knowledge of these fragrant and romantic roses will help you decide which roses are perfect for your garden. At 2 p.m. enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream social featuring Mallard’s Rose Ice Cream (made from real roses!). The day peaks with keynote speakers Ciscoe Morris and John Christianson (aka “The Rosebuds”) at 3 p.m. Throughout the event, Skagit’s Tri- Valley Rose Society hosts a lovely rose display for all to enjoy in the Schoolhouse. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For more details, see www.christiansonsnursery.com/.

 

Plant your Winter Vegetable Garden Now! Saturday, June 17. For a successful winter garden, it is best to begin planning and planting during the peak summer season. In this class, you’ll learn about the types of plants you can grow, special fertility and soil requirements for winter gardening, and the use of cloches and frost blankets to extend the harvest. $10 per person; registration recommended. 10:30-noon. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. (360) 966-5859, www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Biringer Farm Annual Strawberry Fest: Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18. Free admission. Enjoy fresh strawberries, ride the Biringer Farm Jolly Trolley out to acres of berries, and more. Activities include giant strawberry ride, strawberry inflatable, pennies in the hay, kiddie slides and tunnel, pig bowling, face paint, Red Rooster Route chicken dance, farm market and more. On Saturday, join Kate Halstead, of WSU Snohomish County Extension Food Safety Program, as she puts “Summer in a Jar” with short cooking demos including jams, jellies, spreads and taste tests from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Biringer Farm, 21412 59th Ave NE, Arlington. See http://www.biringerfarm.com/events/.

 

Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens Plant Sale: Saturday, June 17. A variety of plants will be available, including trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, roses, and annuals. Get advice about plant choice, care and maintenance from Arboretum volunteers and local landscape professionals. Sales benefit the arboretum. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett. (425) 257-8597, www.evergreenarboretum.com.

 

Documentary Night: “Cooked” with Michael Pollan: Saturday, June 17. Join the Friends of the North Fork Community Library for a showing of “Fire,” the first episode of the Netflix Original series “Cooked,” with Michael Pollan. Raffle prizes and light refreshments provided by the Friends. 5:15-6:15 p.m.  North Fork Library, 7506 Kendall Road, Maple Falls, (360) 599-2020.

 

19th annual Summer Solstice Parade: Saturday, June 17. Join the parade celebrating the start of summer, through Eastsound starting at noon. The theme for the parade this year is Solar Flair. The parade route will go from Main Street to North Beach Road and will finish at the Village Green, where there will be music and dance performances.

 

Father’s Day Car Show & Barbecue: Sunday, June 18. Live music, breakfast, barbeque and car show! Car registration fee is $15 (register at gearheadswc.com). Proceeds from the car show benefit the Whatcom Humane Society, Bellingham Food Bank, Vietnam Veterans, and Alzheimer’s Association. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bellewood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. (360) 318-7720, bellewoodfarms.com.

 

Take the Confusion Out of Drip Irrigation Systems: Monday, June 19. Master Gardener and home irrigation expert Jeff Thompson cuts through all the confusion about low volume drip irrigation systems in a hands-on workshop sponsored by WSU-Snohomish County Extension. The workshop is designed to make a novice comfortable with all as­pects of designing and implementing a low volume drip irrigation system for the home gar­dener. 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Extension Education Center in South Everett in McCollum Park, 600 – 128th St. SE. The cost is $20 or $30 for a couple, and includes an extensive reference handout. To register, visit http://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/ or call (425) 357-6039.

 

Farmer Roundtable: Small Farm Cultivation: Wednesday, June 21. Hosted by Cloud Mountain Farm Center, this workshop presents Jason Weston, co-owner of Joes Gardens, who will share his experience rehabilitating Planet Jr. walking tractors. Weston will have his collection on hand to demonstrate and share how their size and versatility have improved his systems. Farmers are encouraged to share about their own systems and challenges as well for what should prove to be an inspiring discussion of weed destruction. 3-5 p.m. Joe’s Gardens, Bellingham. The workshop is free to attend, made possible by a grant from the Lucky Seven Foundation. Please RSVP to info@cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or at (360) 966-5859 ext. 1300. Please include your farm name and any specific questions you would like addressed.

 

KIDS: Braided T-shirt Rugs: Thursday, June 22. 3-4:30 p.m. Kick off summer break with a new skill which will keep kids busy at home or on the go. Kirsten Wert will show kids how to use this 4-strand braiding technique to make a colorful, sturdy rug using reclaimed t-shirts. $22. Ragfinery, Bellingham. (360) 738-6977, Ragfinery.com.

 

10th annual Llama/Alpaca Information & Education Day: Saturday, June 24. A day of workshops and education about alpacas and llamas is free to anyone that currently owns or is interested in owning these animals. RSVP is required to attend. A group of caring owners and speakers will discuss care, basic information and more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. Coffee available. Animals will not be sold during the event. JNK Llama Farm, Bellingham. Call (360) 592-2603 or visit www.jnkllamas.com.

 

Ranching for Resilience—A Field Day for Producers and Consumers: Saturday, June 24. Hosted by Roots of Resilience, Matheson Farms and North Cascade Meats – A Farmers’ Cooperative. Tour a working farm, and see yaks and cows. Learn about the holistic approach to livestock grazing and ranch management. The afternoon consumer tour and program is free. North Cascades Meat Producers Cooperative will bring their new mobile processing unit. The morning producer educational program is tailored to livestock producers, agencies, and organizations. Registration is $37, $17 for each additional member of the family or farm, $17 for students. Space is limited; kid friendly. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 236 W Smith Road, Bellingham. Registration required. To register, see the Facebook event page  or visit http://pnchm.org and click on workshops. Contact info@pnchm.org.

 

 

Fairy Day Fun at The Garden Spot & ‘Make It and Take It’: Saturday, June 24. In celebration of International Fairy Day on the 24th, Garden Spot Nursery will be hosting a party for fairy enthusiasts, young and old alike. Kids (and adults, too) are invited to come in costume. The fairy parade starts at high noon for a promenade around the nursery. Enjoy some fairy food, make your own fairy crown, and have your face painted by a local artist. Enter our drawing for a chance to win a potted fairy garden. Event is free. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As part of our Fairy Day celebrations we’ll be offering a drop-in fairy gardens class for $39. These miniature potted landscapes are fun and easy to make.  Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. (360) 676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Summer Propagation: Softwood Cuttings: Saturday, June 24. The skill of propagating cuttings is something every gardening enthusiast should have in their tool belt. If a few simple guidelines are followed, softwood and semi-ripe cuttings can be very successful. The summer season is the most effective for the propagation of many woody plants. Learn learn to clonally propagate plants during the growing season, and discuss timing of cut, condition of wood, and caring for cuttings during and after the rooting process. $10 per person; registration recommended. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson.  (360) 966-5859, www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

A Japanese Touch for your Home and Garden: Saturday, June 24. In this class, owner Hans Wressnigg of NIWA Japanese-inspired Landscapes, will present some of the basic principles, aesthetics, and design practices of the Japanese garden tradition and how they can be successfully adapted to a variety of local home and garden situations. 1 p.m. North Fork Library, 7506 Kendall Road, Maple Falls, (360) 599-2020.

 

Orcas Island Garden Tour: Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25.  Annual Garden Tour  of five gorgeous gardens, including a historical garden, waterfront estate garden, artist’s garden, community-participatory farm, and school garden. $20 admission.Tickets are available at Darvill’s Bookstore, Crow Valley Gallery, Driftwood Nursery, Smith and Speed Mercantile, and at Tour Gardens weekend of Tour. For more details, see http://www.orcasislandgardenclub.org.

 

 

Organic Rose Petal Jelly & Sorbet: Saturday, June 24. Suzanne Butler, culinary expert and cooking instructor, will be using organic Rugosa rose petals from the Nursery’s own Rose Garden to make a beautiful, fragrant rose petal jelly and sorbet. Attendees receive a mini (1.5 ounce) hexagon glass jar of rose petal jelly to take home. 11 a.m. – noon. $15, reservations required. Christianson’s Nursery, (360) 466-3821.

 

KIDS: Playful Textiles Camp: Monday to Friday, June 26-30. Campers will explore different fabrics, materials, and accessories through daily open-ended, playful projects with Instructor Allie Pasquier. Projects will include sun prints, games, embroidery, and interactive play with textiles! 10 a.m. to noon. $120. Ragfinery, Bellingham. (360) 738-6977, Ragfinery.com.

 

Read “GREEN” with Washington Tractor:  Tuesday, June 27. Special guest Nate from Washington Tractor will read a story and demonstrate his John Deere tractor in the north parking lot of the library. For grades K-5. Preschoolers are welcome with a parent. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

Livestock Advisors Farm Tour: Skagit River Ranch: Wednesday, June 28.  The Livestock Advisor Program is offering this free farm tour at Skagit River Ranch in Sedro-Woolley. Since 1998, the owners, George and Eiko Vojkovich, farm bio-dynamically to build the soil and nutrient-rich grass that grows healthy animals. They offer beef, pork chicken and eggs, and are USDA Certified Organic and Certified Humane. 6-8 p.m. To register, visit farmtours.brownpapertickets.com. For more about Skagit River Ranch, see www.skagitriverranch.com.