San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3. This year San Juan Island will host the annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit. Gather with more than 150 local farmers, food producers, businesses, and advocates for a weekend filled with education, inspiration and community. Dr. Heidi Roop, of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, is this year’s Keynote Speaker. Hosted by WSU San Juan County Extension, Suite LL, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com.

 

Stay SHARP in 2019: Saturday, Feb. 2. We will teach you how to use our favorite sharpening tool. Bring in your dull pruners, learn how easy life can be when you have a sharp edge. Class fee is $15 and includes a sharpening tool. 10 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Pruning and Natural Gardening: Saturday, Feb. 2. Travis Dickson, of Raindance Landscaping, will show you how to apply old and new biological practices to your garden with a particular focus on pruning.  Learn a chemical free approach to caring for your plants. 1 p.m. Free. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Kokedama Workshop: Saturday, Feb. 2. Simply translated, kokedama means “root ball” and is a style of Japanese Bonsai in which a plant’s root system is wrapped in moss and bound with string, transforming it into a living sculpture. Using a 6-inch Asplenium nidus, or ‘Bird’s Nest’ fern, instructor Megan Brauner will demonstrate how to create your own living sculpture. Bring gloves and pruners. 10:30 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Brown Bag seminar: A vision for AgWeatherNet, west of the Cascades: Monday, Feb. 4. How does the role and purpose of AgWeatherNet evolve at a time when weather sensors and data are widely available? Dr. David Brown, Director of WSU AgWeatherNet and Associate Professor of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, will present information at noon. Sakuma Auditorium located at WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center. 360-848-6120.

 

Prepping for Cuttings 101: Monday, Feb. 4. Whatcom County Dahlia Society hosts this presentation at Laurel Grange, 6172 Guide Meridian, Bellingham (next to Bellewood and across from Z’s Recycle). 7 pm. Free event, with coffee and refreshments provided. All welcome.

 

Winter Gardening and Soil Basics: Wednesday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 9. Discover what can be “wintered over” in your garden, the effects winter has on your soil, and how to best prepare for a healthy summer season. Learn how to get a jump on the growing season and hoop houses, including simple hoop house construction and what can be grown in it with passive protection. Planting tables will be available to help guide your seed buying. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Orchards for Resources and Education). Wednesday at 4 p.m.  and Saturday at 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd St., (360) 305-3637.

 

Free Film Series at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op: The Skagit Valley Food Co-op presents Movie Night at the Co-op, a free film series every Wednesday night in February. The movies are: Feb. 6: A Plastic Ocean; Feb. 13: Seeds of Time; Feb. 20: Vanishing of the Bees; and Feb. 27: Sustainable Food Film. Movies take place on the 3rd floor of the Co-op Building, in room 309. The movies start at 7 p.m. Snacks and light refreshments provided.

 

Glen Echo Botanical Garden with Dick Bosch: Birchwood Garden Club’s February Meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 6. Whatcom County has a 7-acre garden treasure in Glen Echo Botanical Garden. Owner Dick Bosch bought the property in 1971 and began recovering the land. The garden is divided into 9 sections: Blue Garden, English Garden, Moss and Fern Garden, Fuchsia and Begonia Garden, Natural Forest, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Stump Garden and Serenity Garden. 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit County. See www.birchwoodgardenclub.org. For more about Glen Echo, see www.glenechogarden.com.

 

An Illuminated Letter Class: Create a Calligraphy Valentine’s Day Card: Thursday, Feb. 7. Create a Valentine’s Day calligraphy card at a free, two-hour class with Betsy Risser at Mount Vernon City Library, 6-8 p.m. All supplies provided. Call the library at (360) 336-6209 to pre-register.

 

Skagit Ag Summit: Friday, Feb. 8. The day focuses on the issues of water, labor, economic viability, innovation, pain points, and leadership. A local food and farm mixer will follow. See the agenda at https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/event/skagit-ag-summit-4/. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. Contact Don McMoran, WSU Skagit Co. Extension Director, at (360) 428-4270 ext. 225 or dmcmoran@wsu.edu.

 

Anacortes Monthly Winter Farmers Market: Saturday, Feb. 9. Produce, food, crafts, and more. Held the second Saturday of each month through March. Inside the Depot building. For more details, see www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

‘Make It and Take It’ Pussy Willow Heart Planters: Saturday, Feb. 9. Join Marcy to learn her creative twiggery tricks in a planter filled with dwarf sweet pea seeds, pansies, and other pretties. Enjoy blooms from February to July. Class fee of $39. Two times: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Pruning Fruit Trees: Saturday, Feb. 9. Get your fruit trees ready for Spring. Learn basic pruning methods for home orchard fruit trees – apple, pear, and stone fruit (cherry, peach/nectarine, plum, and apricot). Skagit County Master Gardener Jacky King will teach you how to train young trees using different pruning systems, as well as how to maintain trees as they grow and begin to produce fruit for harvest. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com

 

Learn to Grow Fruit Trees: Saturday, Feb. 9. If you’re thinking about planting fruit trees, but don’t know where to start, this is the workshop for you. Llearn about the easiest varieties to grow, how to decide which rootstock to plant, where and how to plant, and what initial pruning and training are needed. Be prepared to be outside. $15 per person. 10:30 a.m. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register at www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Bonsai: Extraordinary Rituals: Saturday, Feb. 9. Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art form using cultivation techniques to produce miniature trees in containers that mimic the shape and scale of full-size trees. Using a repetition of techniques over weeks and years, Bonsai Master Monte Gorman teaches methods to help maintain and gain tree vigor and health. Attendees will receive a list of Bonsai resources for continued learning. Bring in your Bonsai for advice on repotting or pruning after class. 1 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Advanced Vegetable Gardening – 5 Part Series: Starts Saturday, Feb. 9. This five-part class is designed for intermediate to advanced vegetable gardeners looking to increase their background knowledge, refine their skills, and get new ideas and strategies for growing better vegetables. Topics covered will include crop planning, crop rotation, soil fertility, composting, seed starting, season extension, direct seeding, transplanting, weed management, pest and disease issues, water and irrigation, high tunnels, and winter gardening. This year, the course is being co-taught by Anne Schwarz of Blue Heron Farm and Mike Finger of Cedarville Farm. Anne and Mike have a cumulative total of over 60 years of market vegetable growing experience in the Pacific Northwest. Registration required, space is limited. $150 for the five part series. Remaining series dates: March 23, April 20, May 11, and June 15. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register at www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Winter Market: Saturdays, Feb. 9 and Feb. 16. Produce, farm products, baked goods, live music. 10 am. to 2 p.m. Lopez Island Grange, 452 Richardson Road, Lopez Island, lopezislandgrange@gmail.com.

 

Potluck & Square Dance with The Nematones: Saturday, Feb. 9. Community potluck at 6 p.m. Dance at 7:30 p.m. Sliding scale $10, kids free. Lopez Island Grange, 452 Richardson Road, Lopez Island, lopezislandgrange@gmail.com.

 

Community Seed Swap: Saturday, Feb. 9. Hosted by Cascadia Skillshare and Barter Faire. Bring your seeds and homemade items. Plus, barter and skillshare. Classes start at 10 a.m. Barter and seed swap begin at 1:30 p.m. Dinner, music, and dancing from 5-8 p.m. Adults $10, children under 12 free. Held at the BUF, 1207 Ellsworth, Bellingham. Tickets and barter table reservations are available through  www.cascadiaskillshare.org.

 

Snohomish Conservation District Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, Feb. 9. Conservation grade plants at a great price. All are welcome to attend and purchase native plants and visit educational booths. Demonstrations on various topics, as well as Conservation District staff and Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th ave SE, Monroe. For a plant list and more details, see https://snohomishcd.org/annual-plant-sale.

 

Upcycled Valentines: Saturday, Feb. 9. Drop by Ragfinery and make a quick upcycled Valentine for a special someone. We’ll provide the vintage patterns, fabric scraps, paper, and other embellishments; you provide the creativity. If you have some sentimental fabrics of your own, bring them along to incorporate into your design. By donation. 2:30 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. www.ragfinery.com.

 

Supporting Your Mason Bees: Sunday, Feb. 10. Jim Ullrich, new owner of Knox Cellars Bees, will explain the life cycle of these friendly pollinators and how to encourage them to to nest in your garden, providing much-needed pollination of your fruits. Mason bees and all of the supplies needed will be available for purchase. 1 p.m. Class is free. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Dig Into Spring: Winter Pruning with Helen Weber, Master Gardener: Tuesday, Feb. 12. 6 pm. Learn to prune correctly for health, beauty and safety. We’ll start with roses, move on to other shrubs and finish up with a little about trees. Dig Into Spring is a program through the Washington State University Skagit Master Gardener’s Series at the Mount Vernon City Library, 6 p.m. 315 Snoqualmie St, Mount Vernon, (360) 336-6209.

 

Growing Groceries Series: Small Fruits, Big Harvests: Wednesday, Feb. 13.  Learn more about growing food using healthy and sustainable practices.7 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. $20. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/growing-groceries.

 

Pruning for Gardeners: Thursday, Feb. 14. Join Erin Moore, PlantAmnesty Master Pruner and WSU Master Gardener, for a free session on selective pruning. Learn why you should prune, by habit, plants and planning, the overgrown garden, and why less is more. Presented by Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County and WSU Master Gardener Program. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Community Connections Classroom at the Community Food Coop, 405 E Holly St, Bellingham.

 

Anthracnose in the Orchard: Thursday, Feb. 14. The Snohomish County Fruit Society presents Greg Giuliani, who will speak about anthracnose in the orchard, how to recognize and then treat the disease. Greg has a small orchard of 30+ trees and has experimented, successfully, using petroleum jelly to inhibit apple anthracnose lesions from spreading reproductive spores in an effort to break that disease’s reproduction cycle in the orchard. SCFS is a chapter of the Western Cascade Fruit Society. 7-9 p.m. at the Snohomish Boys & Girls Club, located at 402  2nd Street, Snohomish. Refreshments and Q&A time available. All welcome. See http://snohomishcfs.wordpress.com/.

 

Snohomish County CTA: Days for Girls:  Friday, Feb. 15. The Snohomish County CTA will be sewing pads and shields – providing personal hygiene products for Days for Girls.  The products will help many girls and women around the world.  Bring your sewing machine or serger, regular sewing equipment and a few basic colors of construction thread.  Kits and instructions will be provided.  Bring your brown bag lunch, beverage and enjoy sewing fun.  Meeting is at the Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For more information contact Julie.sevald@wsu.edu.

 

The Great Junk Hunt: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16. Two huge buildings full of hand-picked vendors selling their best junkin’ goods. Farmhouse, industrial, vintage, re-purposed, handmade and much more. Friday admission is $20 for early bird hours 6-9 p.m. Saturday admission is $8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids under 12 free. Evergreen State Fair, 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe. See www.thegreatjunkhunt.com

 

Bellingham Winter Saturday Farmers Market: Saturday, Feb. 16. Produce, crafts, foods, plants, and more. Held the third Saturday of each month through March. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, with over 100 vendors. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Native Plants and Birds: Saturday, Feb. 16. Discover the benefits of native plants in your yard for birds, bees, bugs, and beauty. North Cascades Audubon Society shares how and why growing native plants improves your backyard habitat. Great gardening ideas birds love and plenty of materials to get you started. 2 p.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, (360) 354-4883.

 

Growing Giant Vegetables: Saturday, Feb. 16. Lee Roof, President of the Pacific Northwest Giant Pumpkin Growers club, will discuss how to grow giant vegetables for beginners with advanced tips for the hobbyist. Attendees receive pumpkin seeds after class. 11 a.m., Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Begin planting next month and consider entering this year’s Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival which occurs at the Nursery on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com

 

Caring for Your Roses: Saturday, Feb. 16. Becky Reed, horticulturist and rose expert for David Austin Roses, will be joining us for this fascinating morning for rose lovers. Learn everything you need to know about roses including cultivation, planting, and care. Suitable for both enthusiasts and beginners. 9 a.m. Class is free. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Needle Felted Mending: Saturday, Feb. 16. Learn the art of needle felting and beautify your favorite wool sweater while doing it. Choose a small project that you can tackle in this 3-hour session. Bring a wool garment which needs repair, and a color image of a flower or other simple design as a pattern for your felted appliqué. 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. www.ragfinery.com.

 

Growing Apples and Pears- Working with Larger Rootstock Trees: Saturday, Feb. 16. This class will cover growing techniques and pruning methods for apple and pear trees. The techniques covered will help you to keep your trees healthy and productive year after year. In this session, the focus will be on managing semi-dwarf and standard trees. 10:30 a.m. $15 per person. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register at www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

Tide to Table: A Valentine’s Salish Feast: Saturday, Feb. 16. Hosted by Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition. 5-9:30 p.m. at Bellingham Yacht Club’s Marina Room overlooking Squalicum Harbor, 2625 S Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham. The evening includes an oyster bar hosted by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, a seafood main course grilled by Jay Bornstein of Bornstein Seafoods, dishes catered by Blanchard Mountain Catering, a dessert dash, silent auction, and a full-service bar. Tickets are available through tidetotablesalishsea.brownpapertickets.com.

 

NW Washington Farm-to-Table Trade Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 19. This annual event organizes over 180 farmers, fishermen, food artisans, restaurants, grocers, and others interested in sourcing local. Keynote speaker, sessions, and lunch included. Early bird registration: Sustainable Connections members $45, non-members $55. For 2019 event info, see www.sustainableconnections.org/events.

 

Northwest Flower and Garden Show: Gardens of the World: Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 20-24. Participants can enjoy 20 fully landscaped display gardens, 100 free world-class seminars, and thousands of treasures in the garden and vintage marketplaces. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Washington State Convention Center, Seattle. For tickets and more information, see www.gardenshow.com.

 

Conservation Practices for Whatcom County Pig Farms: Thursday, Feb. 21. Visit with the Whatcom Conservation District, invited experts from veterinary and agronomy professions, and local farmers, including Alluvial Farms, Bittersweet Farm, and pastured pork researchers from Kwantlen Polytechnic Institute in British Colombia. Discuss techniques to manage deterioration of vegetative ground cover, soil compaction, high nutrient input, irregular nutrient distribution and nutrient losses to ground water and to the atmosphere. 6 p.m. Ten Mile Grange, Lynden.

 

37th annual Western Washington Potato Workshop: Friday, Feb. 22. Learn about information and research from the Washington State Potato Commission, WSU staff, national speaker, and more. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. Contact Don McMoran, WSU Skagit Co. Extension Director, (360) 428-4270 ext. 225 or dmcmoran@wsu.edu.

 

Great Plant Picks: Saturday, Feb. 23. Join us for a fun, interactive discussion of the plant picks of 2019. Find out what’s hot for this year and start planning your garden. 9 a.m. Class is free. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Garden Design: Saturday, Feb. 23 and Wednesday, Feb. 27.  Learn how to look at your yard as a landscape designer. What’s the best placement of fruit-bearing trees, bushes, and vines? What factors are involved when locating vegetable gardens?  Review how to assess the overall yard including hardscape assessments, best materials, integration with the home and/or views, sunlight observations, air flow, and other major landscaping considerations. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Orchards for Resources and Education). Saturday 10 a.m. and Wednesday 4 p.m.  Blaine Library, 610 3rd St., (360) 305-3637.

 

Feed Sack Zippy Pouches: Saturday, Feb. 23. Transform woven plastic sacks into fun, funky, and functional zipper pouches. Bring thread and a zipper of any color in the approximate size you would like your pouch. 10 a.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. www.ragfinery.com.

 

Dig Into Spring: Garden Tool Basics with Diana Wisen and Don Glover, Master Gardeners: Tuesday, Feb. 26. Learn how to select the right tools for your tasks, and how to sharpen and maintain them, including: pruners, shovels, hoes and hori-horis. Dig Into Spring is a program through the Washington State University Skagit Master Gardener’s Series at the Mount Vernon City Library, 6 p.m. 315 Snoqualmie St, Mount Vernon, (360) 336-6209.

 

Growing Groceries Series: Vegetables A-Z: Wednesday, Feb. 27. Learn more about growing food using healthy and sustainable practices. 7 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. $20. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/growing-groceries.

 

 

 

 

MARCH 

No-Sew Braided Rugs: Friday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 6. Learn how to craft a beautiful no-sew braided rug from old sheets. Bring sharp scissors, two old bed sheets in different colors, flat or fitted, any size. Friday at 10 a.m. Wednesday at  6 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. Register at www.ragfinery.com.

 

Winter Field Day: Saturday, March 2. Presented by the The Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation. Special emphasis on soil for growing fruit this year plus rootstock and scion wood sales, workshops on pruning and grafting, and Fruit Garden demonstrations on pruning. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost $15 for non-members, free for members. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. See  http://nwfruit.org or the Facebook event for more details.

 

Clay Extravaganza: Saturday, March 2. Come celebrate all things clay with the members of Whatcom Artists of Clay and Kiln, as well as a few neighboring artists.  Try out the wheel, have the kids make something, watch our highly anticipated Clay Games Competition, or just shop all the wonderful things the people of our area have created. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham.

 

Growing Small Fruits: Saturday, March 2. This workshop will focus on techniques for growing small fruiting plants, like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and kiwis. 1:30 p.m. $15 per person. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register at www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

 

A Fascination for Hellebores, Christianson’s 13th Annual Winter Festival: Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3. Keynote speaker Riz Reyes, will speak at 11 a.m. Saturday. Hellebores bloom through the winter where nights remain cool and their rich green foliage provides summer and winter structure. A complimentary class begins Saturday at 11 a.m. with keynote speaker and noted horticulturist, Riz Reyes, who will discuss the different varieties of hellebores and how to use them in the garden, cut arrangements and containers. Stay after class for a live floral arrangement demonstration by Riz with emphasis on current trends. Hellebore offerings will pack the Propagation House to the brim with a beautiful display throughout the weekend with exciting new varieties and tried and true favorites. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

Grow Your Own Vegetables with Kim: Saturday, March 2. Learn about lighting, soil, temperature, containers, and seed germination times. Special discounts on all Territorial, Renee’s, and Botanical Interest seeds.  Class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Successful Beekeeping in Whatcom County with Michael Jaross: Starts Tuesday, March 5.  Hosted by Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham. This 8-week course with beekeeper Michael Jaross will focus on his own methods for keeping honeybees alive, healthy and productive under local condition, as well as equipment, hive inspections, swarms, diseases and parasites, feeding bees, honey, queens, preparing for successful over-wintering, bringing bees into spring, and more. The class meets for 8 weeks, Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuition is $195. Participants will work with bees on site, and make several daytime field trips to Jaross’ teaching apiary at WWU, The Outback Apiary. For more information, see http://whatcombeehelp.com/.

 

Western WA Berry Workshop: Friday, March 8. The full agenda is available at https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/event/western-washington-berry-workshop-3/. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. Contact: Don McMoran, WSU Skagit Co. Extension Director, (360) 428-4270 ext. 225 or dmcmoran@wsu.edu.

 

Anacortes Monthly Winter Farmers Market: Saturday, March 9. Held the second Saturday of each month through March. Inside the Depot building. For more details, see www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

4th annual Whatcom Small Farm Expo: Saturday, March 9. Presented by the Whatcom Conservation District, this event offers something for everyone. Hands-on exhibits demonstrating the latest in agricultural innovations, products and services, and seminars by local veterinarians, financial advisors, and horticulturists. Meet with vendors and local resources. Whether you are trying to grow your own food, making the transition from hobby to business or operating a small farm business, there will be information available for all. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front Street, Lynden. See the Facebook event page for more information.

 

Clematis 101: Saturday, March 9. Unravel the mystery of clematis vines. Discuss varieties, pruning, and care of these wild plants. Clematis will be discounted for this special event. Class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Pruning for Aesthetics: Saturday, March 9. Learn from Ornamental Horticulturist Hans Wressnigg about how to approach pruning with a clear vision for your garden and learn techniques that result in discriminating canopy thinning and growth management. 1 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com

 

Growing Great Roses: Saturday, March 9. The rose is America’s most popular flower and is also one of the very oldest in cultivation, with thousands of different varieties. 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 well-suited for the Northwest. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. 1 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

The Mount Baker Orchid Society Show and Sale: Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10. See blooming orchids, exhibits by orchid societies, and sales by Emerald City Orchids and MBOS members. The show and parking are free. Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Rd., Mount Vernon. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will be judged by American Orchid Society accredited judges, and ribbons and trophies will be awarded. Members will be available to answer your orchid questions. An orchid repotting service will also be available, along with instructions on how to grow orchids successfully at home. For more information, please contact Betsy at betsyp1045@gmail.com (360-647-1752). See www.facebook.com/mountbakerorchidsociety/ for more information.

 

2019 Whatcom County Science and Engineering Fair: Saturday, March 9. Hosted by Whatcom County Science and Engineering Fair and St. Paul’s Academy. Curious kids of all ages are welcome at the Whatcom County Science and Engineering Fair! All young scientists, engineers, makers, and collectors in grades K-12 are encouraged to enter. Win exciting prizes in each category and age division. There will be open viewing time after judging – a great time for the whole family to see what imaginative projects our young thinkers and do-ers create. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Paul’s Academy, 1509 E. Victor St., Bellingham. For more information, see http://whatcomcountysciencefair.com.

 

Dig Into Spring: Raised Beds with Dave Buchan, Master Gardener: Tuesday, March 12. Learn the benefits of raised bed gardening for the home gardener. Discover the many styles available, construction tips and the best materials to use- including corrugated, galvanized steel panels. Dig Into Spring is a program through the Washington State University Skagit Master Gardener’s Series at the Mount Vernon City Library, 6 p.m. 315 Snoqualmie St, Mount Vernon, (360) 336-6209.

 

Bellingham Winter Saturday Farmers Market: Saturday, March 16. Held the third Saturday of each month through March. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, with over 100 vendors. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Let’s Talk Daylilies: Saturday, March 16. Daylilies are the plants that every gardener dreams of and they are deer resistant.  Learn what is new in the 2019 daylily collection at Garden Spot Nursery. Class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Designing a Four-Season Hummingbird Garden: Saturday, March 16. Just in time for spring and the return of Rufous Hummingbirds to the Pacific Northwest, the Skagit Audubon Society will present a program about hummingbirds and how to attract them to your garden. Instructors Sheila Pera and Jane Brandt will cover garden design and plants that are a magnet for these beautiful birds throughout the year. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Growing Groceries Series: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs, & Pollinators: Wednesday, March 20. Learn who’s who and how to attract the good guys. 7 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. $20. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/growing-groceries.

 

Whatcom Conservation District’s 26th annual Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 23. More than 40 tree and shrub species available at the sale. Visit with community resources, local growers, and more in the vendor area. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On the Campus of Whatcom Community College, Bellingham. This year, pre-orders will only be done online through https://www.whatcomcd.org/plant-sale. Pre-orders must be received by March 11.

 

‘Make It and Take It’ Hypertufa: Saturday, March 23. Kim Swanson will teach you how to make hypertufa containers. These lightweight concrete planters have been used in Old-English gardens for centuries and they can become a part of your garden. $39 covers all supplies. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Starting, Planting and Staking Dahlias Made Easy: Saturday, March 23. Learn how to grow floriferous dahlias from tubers, cuttings and seedlings using inexpensive grow lights and propagation mats. John and Kathy Willson, former owners of popular Swede Hill Dahlia Sunflower Farm, will teach you fool-proof methods for getting your plants off to a great growing season of amazing blooms. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8.  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Dig Into Spring: Seeds or Starts? With Valerie Rose, Master Gardener, and Ada Snyder, High Mowing Seed Co.: Tuesday, March 26. Some vegetables and flowers thrive when planted directly into the ground. Others grow best when started in a pot or tray, then transplanted outside. Learn the best conditions for starting your favorite plants and take home some free seeds. If you have extras bring them to share. Dig Into Spring is a program through the Washington State University Skagit Master Gardener’s Series at the Mount Vernon City Library, 6 p.m. 315 Snoqualmie St, Mount Vernon, (360) 336-6209.

 

Growing Groceries Series: Seed Starting & Raising Transplants: Wednesday, March 27. Save money and raise the varieties that do best in the Northwest. 7 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. $20. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/growing-groceries.

 

Perfect Peonies: Saturday, March 30. Renel Anderson, from Pure Peonies in Everson Washington, leads the class to discuss the many varieties of peonies that grow well locally and the many ways to use them for wedding arrangements and fresh cut floral bouquets. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon.  For reservations, visit the Nursery or call 360-466-3821. Class fee $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

2nd annual Skagiit Farm to Pint FEST: Saturday, March 30. Presented by the Port of Skagit. Gathering of 13 Skagit breweries paired with Skagit Valley restaurants and farmers showcasing local produce. Music by Skagit Valley bands. The Skagit Breweries will be pairing a beer (featuring Skagit Valley Malting grain) and a bite (featuring  local ingredients) and offering additional tastings of their choice – expect the most creative and compelling beers the Valley has to offer!  You will receive a commemorative glass, 13 pairings of new, rare and classic beers expertly paired with a bite, and additional samples of the breweries second beer offering. All proceeds go to support the non-profit Farm Business Incubator and Training Program: Viva Farms – Long Live Farms! 2-6 p.m. Heritage Flight Museum, 15053 Crosswind Dr, Burlington.

 

The ABC’s of Dwarf Conifers: Saturday, March 30. You can count on conifers to provide 12 full months of color. Join Ginger as she introduces her favorites for 2019.  Planting with dwarf conifers is only limited by your imagination. Class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, www.garden-spot.com.

 

Additional events will be posted at www.grownorthwest.com. Send your event submissions to editor@grownorthwest.com.