Postharvest Handling and Designing your Pack Shed Workshop: Thursday, March 1. This workshop will be led by, Atina Diffley, farmer and author of the 2012 award winning memoir, Turn Here Sweetcorn: Organic Farming Works. This will be an interactive workshop where participants are encouraged to design systems for their own farms and receive feedback from instructors and other participants. Participating farmers will receive a free copy of the Wholesale Success manual;  $70 value, this 300-plus page manual is newly updated. $15 for the entire day workshop, includes lunch. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sustainable Connections, 1701 Ellis St. Suite 221, Bellingham. See full details and registration at http://bit.ly/2mrZgGb.

 

WSU Whatcom County Extension Master Composter/Recycler Training: Thursdays, March 1 – April 5. WSU Whatcom County Extension is hosting a volunteer training that will cover waste-related topics and offer home-based solutions such as backyard and worm bin composting, zero waste lifestyles, food waste prevention, and other home sustainability practices. The six-week class includes a hands-on hot compost pile workshop and guest lectures by waste system experts and soil scientists. Students will also tour local waste processing facilities such as Green Earth Technologies, Disposal of Toxics, and Northwest Recycling. Following the training, Master Composter/Recycler volunteers are invited to educate in classrooms, community gardens, and at special events to share their knowledge with the greater Whatcom community. 6-8 p.m., plus additional field trips as scheduled. Class fee is $90, and includes materials, field trips, and guest speakers. Applications available at whatcom.wsu.edu. Email mcr.whatcom@wsu.edu or call (360) 778-5814.

 

2018 Home and Garden Show: Friday through Sunday, March 2-4. Check out vendors from all over and get some great ideas for your next project. Sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County. For more information, see www.biawc.com.

 

Penn Cove MusselFest: Saturday and Sunday, March 3-4. Come join us for the Penn Cove MusselFest—Coupeville’s March tradition. “Bold, briny and blue,” the world famous mussels will be the centerpiece of two days of festivities, including chowder tasting and mussel eating competitions, farm tours and activities for all ages featuring locally-flavored fun. See www.thepenncovemusselsfestival.com.

 

So Many Roses, So Little Time: Saturday, March 3. Take notes from Christianson’s Rose Buyer, Nancy Stewart, on varieties we have in stock that are fragrant, disease-resistant, easy care and are also suited well for the Pacific Northwest. 11 a.m. Class fee $8. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required: 360-466-3821, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Growing Small Fruits: Saturday, March 3, This workshop will focus on techniques for growing small fruiting plants, like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, strawberries, and kiwis. 1:30-3 p.m. $10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

30th annual Whidbey Gardening Workshop: Saturday March 3. Providing gardening advice and education in gardening practices to beginner to advanced gardeners in Island County and the Puget Sound region. This workshop is produced and presented by the Island County Master Gardener Foundation at Oak Harbor High School. Keynote address by Dan Hinkley, internationally recognized plantsman, author, plant collector and lecturer. A total of 53 classes with 40 knowledgeable instructors (classes split into 3 sessions); 33 classes are new this year.  Free coffee and optional catered lunch for $12. Visit the Vendor Marketplace and explore educational exhibits. Registration is $40 pre-registration, $45 at door. See whidbeygardeningworkshop.org.

 

Ergonomic Gardening presented by Christianson’s Gift Buyer Eve Boe: Saturday, March 3. Learn the importance of warming up, proper lifting, ergonomic usage of tools and cooling down from former athletic trainer and massage therapist, Eve Boe, to produce a healthier you in the garden. $8. 1 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required: 360-466-3821. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Bow Making Course: Saturday, March 3. ​​​Learn the basics of making your own traditional all-wood bow. A roughed-out board stave will be provided, as well as all the tooling and instruction to have a tillered and shootable bow by the end of the day. Basic archery and shooting instruction will also be covered. $100, includes the stave and a matched high quality bow string. Two Feathers Wildnerness School, Marblemount. See www.twofeatherswildernessschool.com.

 

Seed Starting For Vegetable Gardening: Saturday, March 3. Learn the basics of starting your vegetables from seed, indoors and out, to help you have the most successful summer harvest. Class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. See garden-spot.com.

 

Birchwood Garden Club’s March Meeting: Wednesday, March 7. Karen Chapman from Le jardinet will be the BGC’s March speaker. Her talk will position foliage into three categories: spotlight, highlight and limelight. This talk will revolutionize how you use foliage in your garden. 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit. See www.birchwoodgardenclub.org.

 

Learn How to Divide and Propagate Perennials: Thursday, March 8. Karen Gilliam, a veteran and long time Master Gardener, will give a presentation on plant division and plant propagation from cuttings. Get tips on producing new plants to older ones. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Coop Healthy Connections Rm, Bellingham 405 E Holly St, Bellingham. www.matergardener.wsu.edu, (360) 734-8158.

 

Worm And Compost Class: Saturday, March 10. Learn how to feed your soil throughout the year using materials from your own garden and kitchen. Paige will guide you through the basics of composting for small and large spaces. This class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. See garden-spot.com.

 

Learn to Grow Organic Fruit at Home: Saturday, March 10. Learn how to keep your trees and berry plants healthy and productive. This workshop covers common pest and disease issues, soil and weed management, compost and mulches in fruit growing, and more. $10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Repeat of Growing Apples and Pears: Saturday. March 10. This class covers growing techniques and pruning methods for apple and pear trees, and how to keep your trees healthy and productive year after year. 1:30-3 p.m. $10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Design a Garden Chair Planter presented by Christianson’s Basket Designer, Laura Campbell: Saturday, March 10. Learn to transform an old chair into garden art with basket designer and wreath weaver, Laura Campbell. 10 a.m. Potting Shed, Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Bring your own seat less, open back chair (wood or metal), pruners and gloves. Vines, planting infrastructure and expert guidance provided. Class Fee: $85.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com. Pre-payment required: 360-466-3821.

 

Winter Propagation: Grafting and Hardwood Cuttings: Saturday, March 10. Learn how to propagate fruit trees and other woody plants during the dormant season using grafting and hardwood cuttings. 1-4 p.m. Registration is required, $30 workshop fee.Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Landscaping Basics: Right Plant, Right Place: Saturday, March 10. Horticulturist and Owner of Every bit Handcrafted, Molly Calvin, will select three “problems” submitted by class participants and share possible solutions in an interactive class designed to help you solve your landscaping problems. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon.   $8. Reservations required, 360-466-3821. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

3rd Annual Irish Dinner and Silent Auction: Saturday, March 10. All proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels and More, a program of the Whatcom Council on Aging, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Enjoy a traditional Irish Dinner of corned beef and cabbage provided by Haggen Market Street Catering, Celtic music by Drowsy Maggie, a variety of local brews from Boundary Bay Brewery, a silent auction, photo booth and more. Vegetarian option available.  5:30 p.m. Bellingham Ferry Terminal. Tickets $50 each. See the Facebook event page for ticket link, or through Brown Paper Tickets.

 

32nd annual Lynden Spring Craft and Antique Show: Thursday through Saturday, March 15-17. Enjoy booths featuring unique handcrafted wares, home and garden décor, gourmet treats, one of a kind gifts, repurposed and vintage treasures. Hours are Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 adult, $5 senior, free for 12 years and under. Northwest Washington Fair Expo Building, 1775 Front St., Lynden. See www.lyndencraftantiqueshow.com, http://www.facebook.com/LyndenCraftandAntiqueShow.

 

Proven Westside Pasture Calendar: Thursday, March 15. Sponsored by the Whatcom Conservation District. Noon to 2 p.m. Ten Mile Grange, Lynden. See www.whatcomcd.org/node/215.

 

Local History Presentation with Tim Wahl: Public Spaces: Thursday, March 15. Tim Wahl recently retired from the City of Bellingham’s Parks and Recreation Department. He will share a historical perspective on the Larrabee’s influences in South Bellingham, which includes Fairhaven Park, Woodstock Farm and Larrabee State Park among others. Doors open/refreshments at 7 p.m.  Program, 7:30-9 p.m. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham. www.chuckanutcenter. org, 360-383-7502.

 

6th annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit: Friday and Saturday, March 16-17. Gathering of over 150 local farmers, food producers, businesses, and food advocates for two days of events, education and camaraderie in our local food community. Hands-on workshops, Taste of the San Juans, and learn from 16 sessions in four different tracks including Production, Marketing and Finance, Perspective, and Agricultural Programs and Policy. All on Lopez Island. For updates and more information visit: http://extension.wsu.edu/sanjuan/agriculture/ag-summit-2018/

 

High Impact Plants For Small Urban Gardens  That Are Deer Resistant: Saturday, March 17. Tadd Storrer of Monrovia Nursery will share this year’s collection including design tips and a list of deer resistant plants. Free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. See garden-spot.com.

 

Whatcom Farm Forestry Tree Sale: Saturday, March 17. Varieties of trees available for sale, including: Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, Shore Pine, Mugho Pine, Grand Fir, Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Western Red Cedar, Concolor Fir, Deodar Cedar, Western Hemlock, Giant Sequoia, and Japanese Larch. 10 a.m. to noon Lynden Fairgrounds. For more information or to place a large order, contact  whatcom@wafarmforestry.com.

 

Colorful Plants for the Shade Garden: Saturday, March 17. John Christianson presents examples of plants with tolerance from light to deep shade that provides foliage or flower interest. $8.  Reservations required: 360-466-3821. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Edible Ornamentals: Saturday, March 17. Certified Professional Horticulturist, Lily Hirdler, will share a huge selection of unusual and beautiful ornamental plants which provide nutritive and culinary value. 1 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon.  Reservations required: 360-466-3821. $8.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Growing Wine Grapes: Saturday, March 17. The Cloud Mountain Farm Center has been conducting wine grape variety trials for almost 20 years, and developing different training systems to improve grape production. Learn how to grow wine grapes in our climate, soil requirements, pruning techniques, pest management and harvesting. 10:30 a.m. to noon. The workshop will take place in the vineyard. $10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Biodynamics Demystified by Brian Kerkvliet: Saturday, March 17. Hosted by Chuckanut Center. Participants will learn an overview of applied basic biodynamics, including planting by the calendar, sprays, peppers and teas, compost, nd more. $10-25 sliding scale fee. Ages 13 and up. 1-4 p.m. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr N, Bellingham. See the Facebook event page for registration link.

 

Know & Grow Workshop: Rats: It’s Not Rudolph in Your Attic: Tuesday, March 20. Speaker Karl Bishop will discuss rats, and how to learn their habits and behaviors in order to get rid of them. Learn to bait, trap and exterminate them. No registration required. Free. 1-2:30 p.m. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. http://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/mg/.

 

Whatcom Conservation District Annual Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 24. Low cost, native plants to the residents and visitors of Whatcom County. Roughly 40 species of native, bare-root, conservation grade trees and shrubs plus potted perennials are available at a great price. Local specialty nurseries participate and sell additional native and other unique species. Local vendors and community groups also on site. Come see the new mobile Watershed Explorer in action. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whatcom Community College, Bellingham. For more details, see whatcomcd.org/plant-sale or the Facebook event.

 

Ferns: The Princess of the Woods: Saturday, March 24. Houseplant and Grasses Buyer, Eric Andrews, brings awareness to their versatility and the many varieties of these highly adaptable fronds and teaches about their easy care-especially in a winter garden. $8. 11 a.m. to noon, Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required, 360-466-3821.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com

 

Growing Table Grapes: Saturday, March 24. For the past few years, the Cloud Mountain Farm Center has been trialing different training systems for table grapes. Learn how to grow table grapes successfully, including trellis design, pruning and training, fertility and pest management methods, varieties and more. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Be prepared to be outside. $10 per person or $8 each for 2 or more people, registration recommended. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

Gardening with Japanese Maples: Saturday, March 24. Japanese Maple aficionado and Christianson’s Staff Member, Katheryn Shiohira, will share the perfect varieties for landscape conditions. Learn through demonstration the fundamentals of pruning. 1-2 p.m. $8. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required: 360-466-3821. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Local Bird and Plant Walk with Marlee Mountain: Sunday, March 25. Join local naturalist Marlee Mountain on a leisurely walk along Padden Creek to identify birds and wild edible and medicinal plants. Bring a snack to mix with wild edibles that we will forage. 2-4 p.m. $5-$10 (sliding scale). Ages 13 and up. Meet at Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham. www.chuckanutcenter. org, 360-383-7502.

30th Annual Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale: Saturday, March 31. This community event is free to attend and brings together local and regional plant nurseries in one spot for one day only. Vendors donate a portion of sales to Fairhaven Neighbors, which in turn uses proceeds for neighborhood projects and to help support other local non-profits. Previous beneficiaries have included Skookum Kids, Northwest Youth Services and the Community Boating Center. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hillcrest Chapel parking lot (corner of Old Fairhaven Parkway and 14th Street, Bellingham). Sponsored by Fairhaven Neighbors. For more information: Facebook.com/FairhavenPlantAndTreeSale.

 

Create Your Own Hanging Basket: Saturday, March 31. Christianson’s Staff Member and Basket Designer Becky Paulik coaches you through each step to transform a 12” wire and coir-lined hanging basket. $55. 10 a.m. to noon in the Potting Shed, Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Pre-payment required: 360-466-3821. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com

 

Tiny House, Tiny Landscape: Saturday, March 31. Tiny House Builder and Christianson’s Staff Member, Kerstin Andersen, recounts her personal journey including the “Basis of the build” and glean creative ideas for tiny landscaping. 1 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. $8. 360-466-3821, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Easter on the Farm at Bellewood Acres: Saturday and Sunday, March 31-April 1. Family friendly activities between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Egg hunt, petting zoo, pony rides, Easter bunny, country brunch, scavenger trail hunt, apple bin train ride, and face painting. See tickets information at bellewoodfarms.com/bellewood-acres-events.htm.

 

Creating a Food Forest: Saturday March 31. Presentation and facilitated design process focused on the basics of food forestry, structure and guilds, perennial plant systems with Glen Herlihy of Beacon Food Forest, and assisted by Pliny Keep. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Includes lunch from 12-1 p.m. $25 per person. A Main dish will be provided, potluck items welcomed to share with group. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive N., Bellingham. Chuckanutcenter@gmail.com, 360-383-7502.

 

Additional event information can be submitted to editor@grownorthwest.com.