Bellingham Farmers Market: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, through mid-December. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Focus on Farming and Focus on Forestry Conference: Wednesday, Nov. 1. Local and national farmers, researchers and experts share ideas. 24 workshop classes in six industry tracks, keynote speakers, lunch and more. For registration and conference details, see www.focusonfarming.org.

 

365 Days of Non-Stop Color: Birchwood Garden Club’s November Meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 1. Garden Mentors founder, Robin Haglund, is bringing her spectacular, “365 Days of Non-Stop Color.” BGC membership open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit County. 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. See www.birchwoodgardenclub.org.

 

Christianson’s Nursery Celebrates La Conner’s Art’s Alive! With Their Annual Holiday Open House: Friday through Sunday, Nov. 3-5. Annual holiday scene, a treasure trove of original local, visual and culinary artisans. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Held in conjunction with the Town of La Conner’s Art’s Alive! (360) 466-3821, ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

20th Annual Holiday Open House: Rockin’ Round The Christmas Tree: Friday,Nov. 3. Hosted by Skagit Valley Gardens. Beautifully decorated theme trees, unique designed holiday displays, hot cider, cookies, live entertainment and always fun. 5-8 p.m. Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Rd, Mount Vernon.

 

Ciderfest: Saturday, Nov. 4. Hard cider tasting, brat bar and community carboy fill from 1-5 p.m. BelleWood Acres, Lynden.  See bellewoodfarms.com.

 

2017 Wild Mushroom Adventure: Saturday, Nov. 4. Learn to identify good mushroom habitats, characteristics, and more. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $35 per person. See cascadiamushrooms.com.

 

Hellebore Event: Saturday, Nov. 4. Katie from Skagit Gardens brings her years of experience and will introduce what is new and cool in hellebores for 2018. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, Nov. 5. Featuring made from scratch pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee, and biscuits and gravy. Meet and greet local politicians, as they serve you coffee and breakfast.  Tickets are $6 per adult, $2 per kids (ages 6-10) and free for 5 and under. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway, about 1/2 mile east of the “Y” Road, Bellingham. (360) 739-9605.

 

Whatcom County Dahlia Society hosts Pie Social: Monday, Nov. 6. Bring a pie to share and chat about gardening and dahlias. Coffee and ice cream provided. 7-9 p.m. Laurel Grange, 6172 Guide Meridian.  Contact wcdspublicity@gmail.com.

 

Farmer, Chef, Food Biz Mixer: Wednesday, Nov. 8. Farmers, fishermen, food artisans, brewers, chefs, food buyers, and all interested invited for an evening of connecting over food and drinks. 6-8 p.m. Sustainable Connections events space, 1701 Ellis St, Bellingham. RSVP to sara@sustainableconnections.org.

 

Spindle Spinning Class: Thursdays, Nov. 9 and 16. Learn how to spin your own yarn in this two-part class using the portable and versatile drop spindle. No experience needed. Stop by Northwest Yarns to sign up, or visit our website at www.nwyarns.com. 11 a.m. to noon. $60.

 

Whatcom Food Network Fall Forum: The State of Whatcom Farmland: Thursday, Nov. 9. Learn about the state of farmland in Whatcom County. The keynote speaker will be Hannah Clark, the Executive Director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts. Clark, with Chris Elder from the Whatcom County Planning Department will highlight current challenges and opportunities locally and in the region. Their presentation will be followed by a panel discussion to learn more from those actually farming or working with these issues on a daily basis. Snacks and beverages provided. This event is free but please RSVP as space is limited. 1-4 p.m. Ferndale Library. See the Facebook page to RSVP.

 

2nd annual Holiday Artisan Market at The Coop: Friday, Nov. 10. Enjoy a fun night of holiday shopping with local vendors. 4:30-8:30 p.m. 7349 Huisman Pl, Lynden. Be sure to dress warm.

 

Rexville Grange Holiday Art Show: Friday, Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 19 (Saturdays and Sundays). Meet local artists and craftspeople at the opening reception on Nov. 10 (open until 8 p.m.), and get your holiday shopping done early during our open hours the two weekends before Thanksgiving. Hosted by Rexville Grange Art Show, 19299 Rexville Grange Rd, Mount Vernon. Weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See the Facebook event for more info.

 

Bow Farmers Market Holiday Festival: Saturday, Nov. 11. A total of 35 local craft and speciality food vendors on display. Hot spiced cider, music, and lunch available. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beau Lodge, Bow. See bowlittlemarket.com.

 

Amazing Amaryllis For The Holiday: Saturday, Nov. 11. Amaryllis collector Melinda Creed will join the Garden Spot to demonstrate how to plant and care for your winter blooming Amaryllis bulb. This is a forced indoor bulb that is spectacular for holiday decorations and gifts. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Crazy Quilting: Saturday, Nov. 11. Begin to create a patchwork quilt using modern and traditional methods, and accent it with embroidery and other embellishments. Several basic embroidery stitches will be demonstrated with time to practice. Learn the techniques and bring them home with you to apply to a larger project. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor is Sally Brinton. Cost is $76. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Introduction to Weaving: Saturdays, Nov. 11 & 18. Learn to weave using a floor loom with Aurora Lindquist.  In a series of Saturday morning sessions, learn to plan a weaving project and what materials to use, warp a loom, and create your own small rug. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $88. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Japanese-Inspired Gardens for Small Spaces, Saturday, Nov. 11. The power of the Japanese garden design tradition lies in its adaptability to spaces of any size. Join Hans Wressnigg and learn how to identify and develop tsuboniwa spaces in your home or business. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200. Class fee $8.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Conifer Walk with John Christianson, Saturday, Nov. 11. Join John Christianson on a casual tour to enjoy and learn about many great conifers in the Nursery’s display gardens and at adjoining La Conner Flats. Dress for the weather and wear good shoes for muddy spots. 1-2 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations requested (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200; complimentary.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Kids Giant Garage Sale: Saturday, Nov. 11. Looking for some great deals on movies, toys, bikes, games, and more? Join us at this fun fall event where the kids are making and taking the cash. Free admission; bring cash/checks and shopping bags. 9 a.m. to noon. Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave. Want to be part of the sale? Open to kids ages 18 & under, fee $15. Visit Burlingtonwa.gov/recreation for additional information or call Burlington Parks and Recreation office at 360-755-9649.

 

Lynden High School Christmas Arts and Craft Fair: Saturday, Nov. 11. Many local crafters and artists offering their talents and creations. A great holiday shopping event. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. In the gym and cafeteria at the Lynden High School. Proceeds help support the art department.

 

Skagit Valley Weavers Guild Meeting: Monday, Nov. 13. Meet for dinner at Bob’s on old 99 N at 4:30 in the back room. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Allen United Methodist Church, 16775 Allen West Road, Bow. Susan Tortone will present “Rigid Heddle Weaving.” For more information, see skagitvalleyweversguild.org.

 

Cabled Coffee Mug Cozy: Monday, Nov. 13. Learn how to incorporate cables into your knitting with this fun little project, suitable for gifting or keeping for yourself. Basic knitting skills required. Stop by Northwest Yarns, Bellingham, to sign up, or visit www.nwyarns.com. 5-7 p.m. $40. Materials list will be provided.

 

Author Langdon Cook: Upstream: Searching for Wild Salmon from River to Table: Tuesday, Nov. 14. Author and journalist Langdon Cook presents his book at 6:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Library. Free, all welcome.

 

Know & Grow Workshop: Tuesday, Nov. 14. Master Gardener Deborah Smeltzer will share some of the things she learned during a recent trip about what Iceland is doing for climate preparation (educational travelogue!) and WSU scientist Dr. Tim Miller will talk about crops and weeds. Puget Sound Energy will follow with a short presentation about using energy efficiently in your home. 1-3 p.m. Contact Alex duPont  at 360-428-4270, ext 227  or alex.dupont@wsu.edu. See http://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/mg/

 

Putting Your Garden to Bed (or not):  Wednesday, Nov. 15  and Saturday, Nov. 18. Learn about dividing perennials, digging bulbs, storing dahlias, top-dressing beds, and more. Also learn about winter gardening and hoop houses. Open to beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Orchards for Resources and Education). Wednesday 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

Growing Groceries Education Series: Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants #2: Wednesday, Nov. 15. In this class, learn how to interpret soil tests, and make and use compost. This class series is designed to help you learn how to grow food. All classes take place Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30 p.m. at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. Cost is $20 per class. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com or download a form for mail-in registration at snohomish.wsu.edu/growing-groceries.

 

Squash Celebration: Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Enjoy an evening of delicious seasonal squash dishes prepared by Wellness Chef Kate MacKenzie. Course fee $39, includes choice of wine or non-alcoholic beverage .6:30 p.m. Cordata Co-op Local Roots Room, Bellingham. See http://communityfood.coop/events/.

 

Wandering the Food Deserts of Whatcom County: Wednesday, Nov. 15. Join the Bellingham City Club for a discussion on what it takes to get local food from farms to tables and the factors at play driving the grocery industry, and the impacts that food deserts have on vulnerable populations. Following the presentation there will be a Q&A session. Open to the public. Northwood Hall, 3240 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham.  Doors open at 11:30 a.m.  Buffet lunch is served at 11:50 a.m. and the program runs from 12:20 p.m.-1:30 p.m. The discussion will be led by: Mike Cohen, Executive Director of Bellingham’s Food Bank; Holly O’Neil, who currently serves on the Steering Committees of the Whatcom Food Network and the Foothills Community Food Partnership, facilitator for the Whatcom Anti-Hunger Coalition, and a Coordinator of the Whatcom Farm to School Support Team: Kevin Weatherill,  President/CEO of The Markets LLC and past president of the Washington Food Industry Association, former CEO of Bernstein Seafoods and former Vice President of Operations at Brown and Cole. Price: $13 for members, $18 for non-members and $5 for Young Adults (29 and under) when purchased in advance on Brown Paper Tickets.  A limited number of tickets may be available at the door at the cost of $15 for members and $20 for guests. (800)-838-3006, www.bellinghamcityclub.org.

 

No-Sew Braided Rugs: Wednesday, Nov. 15. Come learn how to craft a beautiful no sew braided rug. 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. Instructor: Kirsten Wert. 6 p.m. Cost: $22. Ragfinery, Bellingham. www.ragfinery.com.

 

Local Nutrient & Water Quality Research: Whatcom Conservation District Farm Speaker Series: Thursday, Nov. 16. Join the Whatcom CD Research Team to learn more about edge of field runoff, ZAPS real-time E.coli monitors, and advances in manure management. Plus get an update on water quality results maps and trends from around the County. Noon to 2 p.m. VFW Post 9301, 7011 Hannegan Road, Lynden. To RSVP and for more information, see www.whatcomcd.org.

 

Ah, Paree! Thursday, Nov. 16. Karina Davidson offers a culinary excursion to the City of Lights. Course fee $49, includes choice of wine or non-alcoholic beverage. 6:30 p.m. Cordata Co-op Local Roots Room, Bellingham.  See http://communityfood.coop/events/.

 

Stone Soup Share at BelleWood Acres: Thursday, Nov. 16. A Fundraiser by Crave Catering: 7 Chef Crafted Soups and 7 Local Tales of Gratitude. Kid friendly, music and libations. 6-9 p.m. $25 tickets on sale at bellewoodfarms.com. 360-318-7720. BelleWood Acres, Lynden.

 

Home for the Holidays: Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 16-18. Selection of holiday gifts, crafts, food and more. Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. Thursday hours 5-9 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and free parking. See homefortheholidaysbellingham.com.

 

19th annual Kale House Art and Craft Sale: Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 17-18 and 24-25. The show will include ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, paintings, mixed media, and décor for home and garden, all artistically displayed and sold throughout the 1920s era home. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 201 Kale Street, Everson. See kalehouse.net or visit the Facebook page.

 

Knitted Color-work Sock Ornament Class: Friday, Nov. 17. Learn how to knit a color-work sock for your Christmas tree, presents, or to display year-round.  This class will show you some basic sock-making and color-work knitting skills, scaled down for a cute and tiny project.  Basic knitting skills required. Stop by Northwest Yarns to sign up, or visit our website at www.nwyarns.com. 3-6 p.m. $60. Materials list will be provided.

 

House on the Hill Craft Show: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18. Friday hours 5-9 p.m. and Saturday hours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Home Decor(indoor and outdoor), vintage items, gift sets, handmade cards, bath and body items, baked goods, stroopwaffels, and homemade doughnuts. 3435 Alm Road, Everson. See the Facebook event page for more information.

 

Everson Library Used Book Sale: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18. Great selection of new arrivals; something for everyone. Behind Peoples Bank across from the Everson Library. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Everson Library. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts: Starting Friday, Nov. 17 and running through Christmas Eve. Five-week long festival featuring the work of over 100 local artisans and crafts people at 4145 Meridian Street, Bellingham. Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and closing at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. For complete information see www.alliedarts.org.

 

Red Barn Handpicked Holiday Market: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18. A fun filled market with over 50 handpicked vendors for you to browse and enjoy. Handcrafted, unique, vintage and repurposed. Hosted by Red Barn Market Events. The Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center, 1775 Front St, Lynden. Friday noon to 9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is just $3 and kids 12 and under are free.

 

Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen: Saturday, Nov. 18. Cindy McKinney will demonstrate the creation of a wide array of gifts from the kitchen including tangy honey mustard, bacon jam, scone mix, peanut butter cups, and a few quick candies! Space is limited; register online or by calling the library. 11 a.m. Ferndale Library, 2125 Main Street, (360) 384-3647.

 

Late Fall Gardening Tips for Spring Success: Saturday, Nov. 18. WSU Whatcom County Extension Master Gardeners will show you how to protect and enhance your garden soil through cover crops, mulch, drainage strategies, soil tests, crop rotation, and more. Master Gardeners are trained volunteer community educators that use university-backed research to teach sustainable gardening and landscaping practices. 10 a.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, (360) 354-4883.

 

Impressionistic Flower and Garden Photography: Saturday, Nov. 18. Inspired by the 19th Century French impressionist painters, garden photographers are discovering with long exposures, they can use their cameras and smartphones as a “digital paintbrush.” These “painterly” techniques for all photographers are surprisingly easy to learn.  Instructors John and Kathy Willson will show you how to photograph flowers in ways perhaps you never have imagined. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations requested (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200; Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Anacortes Farmers Market Holiday Market: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18-19. Get your holiday produce, stock up on your favorite vendors’ goods and find that perfect handmade holiday gift during this special two-day indoor event. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admittance. At the Port Warehouse, end of Commercial Ave., Anacortes (not the Depot). See anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Woven Star Ornaments: Saturday, Nov. 18. Learn to make these star ornaments with Laura Larson Kollmar, who will demonstrate the steps to creating this lovely paper ornament to enjoy for the holidays. Patience and care for detail are helpful for this craft. Materials provided. Space is limited; register online or by calling the library. 3 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

6th annual Women in Agriculture Conference: Saturday, Nov. 18. “WE CAN DO IT” is the theme. Interactive day full of inspiration, learning and networking with other women farmers. The 2017 conference is a one-day event held simultaneously in 39 locations throughout Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon. Locations include Mount Vernon, Everett, and Coupeville. Featured speakers are Alexis Taylor, Oregon Department of Ag Director, and Anne Schwartz, Blue Heron Farm owner. For more information, visit www.WomenInAg.wsu.edu.

 

Christmas In The Woods Open House: Saturday, Nov. 18. Step into our beautiful winter garden for Treats in The Trees. Expect surprises and fun throughout the day as we showcase our holiday gifts and evergreens. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Sewing Bootcamp: Saturdays, Nov. 18 & Dec. 2. Get familiar with the care and use of your machine and solving basic sewing problems, take body measurements and learn to fit items to your own aesthetic and body type. Take away a short guide. Instructor: Brigitte Parra. Cost: $76. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham.

 

Mount Vernon Harvest Market: Saturday, Nov. 18. Come pick up fresh, local ingredients to prepare your Thanksgiving meal and do some early gift shopping for the holidays. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See mountvernonfarmersmarket.org.

 

Nancy’s Wreath Decorating Class: Saturday, Nov. 25. Come have a ball decorating Northwest evergreen wreaths adorned with holly, twigs, and berries, topped with a gorgeous bow. 9 a.m. Workshop fee is $39 and includes all supplies. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Gardenview   Montessori   Presents   the   11th   Annual Holiday   Bazaar: Saturday, Nov. 18. Featuring   local   artist   and   crafts vendors,  a  silent  auction,  bake  sale  and  activities  for  children. Food from Pizzazza between   11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free   admission. Free   ticket   at   the   door   for   each   child   to   use   for   a   kid’s   craft,   kid’s game   or   kid’s   raffle   entry.  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hillcrest Chapel, 1400   Larrabee   Avenue,   Bellingham. Visit   www.gardenviewbazaar.com   for   more   information.

 

21st Annual Holiday Tea & Visit with Father and Mother Christmas: Saturday, Nov. 25. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Holiday Tea noon to 5 p.m. Bring your family and friends to enjoy tea, scones, assorted sandwiches, chocolates and desserts. Our 1888 Schoolhouse will be decorated in a delightful candlelit forest theme. Auto harpist Bob Harper and violinist and cellist Dennis Burkhardt will play background chamber music to add to the 19th century setting. Dress up for a formal tea or come as you are. Maximum of 36 guests per session: 12:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Reservations required. Donations will benefit the La Conner Regional Library Foundation. Father & Mother Christmas Arrive 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come in your holiday finest or Saturday casual and bring your cameras to take your own keepsake photos. Holiday Wreath-Making Classes 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deck the halls with ease by using our wreath-making machine along with inspiring help from designers Karen Harper and Laura Campbell. Classes last one hour-long. We provide a stunning array of fresh greens and berries (sold by the pound) or bring your own. The cost of one wreath form is included in the class fee. Wear warm clothing and bring your own pruners and gardening gloves. For customers with experience using wreath making machines, additional time available from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24. Please call ahead for reservations. Maximum of 7 students per class: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations required. Class fee $8. To make your reservations for classes and events, please visit the Nursery or call us at 360-466-3821 or 1-800-585-8200. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Let’s Make Presents: Wednesday, Nov. 29. Kids can make great gifts for family and friends at the library. Everything you need will be provided. For grades K-5. 3:15 p.m. Sumas Library, 461 2nd St., (360) 988-2501.

 

The Stocking Project: Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Dec. 2. Bring material and sewing supplies to sew a stocking to be donated to a child or family in need! Patterns and assistance will be provided, though familiarity with a sewing machine is necessary. Stockings will be displayed at Ragfinery and the Firehouse Cafe in Fairhaven, then filled and donated to those in need by Northwest Youth Services, Interfaith Coalition and Opportunity Council. Registration needed. Wednesday 6-8 p.m. and Saturday 2-4 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Washington Small Fruit Conference: Wednesday through Friday, Nov 29-30 and Dec. 1. A three-day conference with latest relevant research information delivered by the scientists performing the research. Lunches each day are provided. This conference is presented in association with the Lynden Ag Show, a trade show featuring vendors serving the small fruit community. NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden.  For more information, see  http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/edu/sfc/.

 

 

DECEMBER

Port of Bellingham Holiday Festival: Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1-3. Gingerbread house contest, visit with Santa, music, crafts, food, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. Free cookies, hot cider. Performances by local choirs, bands, and dancers. Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gingerbread auction benefits Toys for Tots. See www.portofbellingham.com/141/Holiday-Port.

 

Christmas Market: Craft & Vendor Boutique: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2. Hosted by Essentially Loved. Enjoy shopping in a family friendly atmosphere. Fee admission. Bakerview Square 414 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, Suite 111. See the Facebook event for more information.

 

Lighted Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 2. Lynden’s  annual holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. with the Lighted Christmas Parade. Lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment, and more. The procession starts at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street throughout downtown Lynden. In addition, take a tour of unique light displays and decorated storefronts throughout the city during Lynden in Lights. See www.lynden.org.

 

Marcy’s Grapevine Wreath Class: Saturday, Dec. 2. Join Marcy as she guides you in designing a European-style grapevine wreath. Tables filled with evergreens, berries, moss, and more for you to create your own unique wreath with French ribbon.  Workshop fee is $39 and includes all supplies.  Call, come in, or sign up on our website to register. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Swans of the Skagit: Saturday, Dec. 2. Come hear wildlife biologist Martha Jordan discuss these amazing birds (the largest waterfowl in the world) and share Skagit Valley’s best places to view them. Jordan is the Executive Director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association. Make your reservations early; this is always a wildly popular class! Reservations required, (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200; Class fee is $8. 1-2 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Winter Interest in the Garden: Saturday, Dec. 9. A U.W. Graduate in Botany, local radio and television personality, business consultant and long-time Nurseryman, Scott Conner teaches Winter Interest in the Garden at the Schoolhouse. Reservations required, (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200. Class fee is $8. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Holiday Faire: Saturday, Dec. 9. Live music, magical lands, delicious food, local craft vendors and hands-on workshops so families can make simple, lovely crafts for others. Visit the Snow Queen in her castle, mine for treasures in Gnome Village, watch an enchanting puppet play or warm up with delicious homemade soup, baked goods and live music in the Wooden Spoon Cafe. Everyone welcome. Prices of activities varies from $1 – $4. Parking is available at The Firs at 4605 Cable St. A free van shuttle brings people to and from the school. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whatcom Hills Waldorf School, 941 Austin St, Bellingham. (360) 733-3164, www.whws.org.

 

Japanese String Garden Make It and Take It: Saturday, Dec. 9. Kokedama is the ancient Japanese art of the floating string garden. Make a suspended plant using clay, moss, and string. These elegant kokedama balls can be hung indoors or outdoors. Karyn will walk you through the care and planting. Class fee of $39.99 will cover the plant and all supplies. Call, come in, or sign up on our website to register.     Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Snow Geese of the Skagit: Saturday, Dec. 9. Snow geese migrate to Skagit Valley farmlands from Alaska and Wrangell Island, Russia. Come learn more about their fascinating life history and challenges with wildlife biologist Martha Jordan, Executive Director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association. 1-2 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required, (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200. Class fee is $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Happy Healthy Horses: Whatcom Conservation District Farm Speaker Series: Thursday, Dec. 14. Join the Whatcom CD Research Team to learn ways to keep your horses happy and healthy this winter. 6-8 p.m. Bellewood Acres, Lynden. To RSVP and for more information, see www.whatcomcd.org.

 

Living Glass Ornament Make It and Take It: Saturday, Dec. 16. Delicate glass balls showcasing tiny lichens, mosses, twigs, and other forest trimming, these lovely living ornaments are sure to become a favorite addition to your holiday decor. All ages welcome. Class fee is $15/ball or $13 ea for three or more and includes all supplies. Call, come in, or sign up on our website to register. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

To submit events and information, contact editor@grownorthwest.com. The deadline for the December issue is Nov. 22.