Peonies: Birchwood Garden Club’s May Meeting: Wednesday, May 1. Renel Anderson from Pure Peonies in Everson will be providing an overview of the varieties, care and requirements of peonies. Her nursery in Everson is a must see during this time period to enjoy the color potential. Pure Peonies has over 175 varieties and have a robust plant and bouquet business (purepeonies.com). 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. See www.birchwoodgardenclub.org. Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit Counties.

 

Wild Salmon and Albacore: Wednesday, May 1. Join Chef Robert Fong for delicious dishes. Guest fisherman and Lummi Island Wild marketing manager Riley Stark will talk about fishing in the Salish Sea and how Lummi Island Wild catches reefnet sockeye salmon. Riley will also show you his way of filleting a whole salmon. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $59. See https://communityfood.coop/events/2019-05/.

 

Crepes Savory and Sweet: Thursday, May 2. Cindy McKinney demonstrates delicious crepe recipes both savory and sweet. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $45. See https://communityfood.coop/events/2019-05/.

 

Growing Your Garden of Fragrant Delights: Thursday, May 2. Hosted by Garden Mentors. In this beginner-to-advanced gardening discussion, learn how to add year-round aromatic plants to your garden, while avoiding the worst stinkers. Learn DIY ideas for bringing your garden of fragrant delights indoors in fresh and  preserved forms. Open to everyone. Courtesy of the Whatcom Horticultural Society. Free for members, $12 non-member fee at door. 7-9 p.m. Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St, Bellingham.

 

Friends of the Deming Library Spring Plant Sale: Friday and Saturday, May 3-4. Get your garden started at this annual sale.  Beautiful plants and starts for your veggie garden or flower bed at great prices.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Deming Library to support library programs and building maintenance. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Snohomish County Master Gardener Foundation Plant Sale: Saturday, May 4. More than 5,000 tomatoes starts, 4,000 herb and vegetable starts, perennials, native plants, trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, living garden art. Master gardeners will be available to answer questions. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension, McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. (425) 357-6010, www.snomgf.org.

 

Birchwood Garden Club’s 27th Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, May 4. 9 a.m. to noon. Downtown Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, lower level. A wide variety of shrubs, trees, roses, perennials, annuals, veggie starts, pots, books and and choice selection from members’ gardens. Proceeds from the sale benefit numerous community organizations including the Whatcom Museum and Bellingham Public Library gardens along with donations of gardening literature for both adults and children at the library. Come early for best selection. For more information, see www.birchwoodgardenclub.org.

 

Native Plant Sale: Saturday, May 4. Hosted by the Salal Chapter of Washington Native Plant Society. Trees, shrubs, perennial flowers and more. 10 a.m. to noon. 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. For more information and a plant list email nativegarden@fidalgo.net.

 

16th annual Bellingham Procession of the Species: Saturday, May 4. All welcome to participate in costume. Line up begins at 3:30 p.m. behind the Bellingham Library. 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 Procession events, see http://bpots.org.

 

Sustainable Landscaping: Saturday, May 4. Learn how to draw pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden, as well as ways to integrate edible plants into a showy landscape. $15 per person. Registration recommended. Be prepared to be outside. Register for this workshop. 10:30 a.m. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. See www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org/workshops.

 

Introduction to Home Composting: Saturday, May 4. Join the Master Composters from WSU Whatcom Extension to learn about home composting methods. What do you need to compost your garden waste and kitchen scraps at home? Pros and cons of various systems will be discussed, plus how best to use your finished compost in the garden or landscape. $15 per person, registration recommended. 1:30 p.m. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. See www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org/workshops.

 

Composting 101: Saturday, May 4. Callie Martin, Skagit County’s Waste Reduction/Recycling Education Specialist, will lead this hands-on workshop and share everything you need to know to get started building healthy soil at home. Azusa Farm and Garden, Mount Vernon. Register at http://www.azusagardens.com/events.

 

Old World Breads: Monday, May 6. Learn to bake classic European bread from a master in this fun demonstration class with Bruno Feldeisen. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $45. See https://communityfood.coop/events/2019-05/.

 

The Mexican Kitchen: Tamales: Thursday, May 9. Ana Jackson demonstrates three delicious varieties of tamale. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $45. See https://communityfood.coop/events/2019-05/.

 

WSU Whatcom County Extension Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale: Saturday, May 11. Locally grown tomatoes, perennials, herbs, fruit trees and natives for sale. Master Gardeners available to answer questions at the Plant Clinic and Information Booth. Mini workshops, food sales, vendors and displays. Proceeds support the WSU Whatcom Master Gardener program. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale.

 

Skagit County Master Gardener Sale: Saturday, May 11. Over 2,500 tomatoes (39 varieties), veggie and flower starts, native plants, perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, and Mother’s Day gifts. Educational booths, art, food, plant and other vendors. Master Gardener help with gardening questions. Recycle your used plant pots. Enjoy early day gas engines, classic tractors and antique farm machinery too. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Skagit County Fairgrounds, Mount Vernon, Building F. Free admission and parking. See a list of plant varieties at https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/mg/plant-fair/.

 

Lopez Lamb, Wool & Goat Festival: Saturday, May 11. Free events for the entire family. Sheep and goats. Spinning, weaving, dyeing and felting. Sheep shearing and fleece sale. Vendors of local crafts, food, and farm products. Mediterranean Lamb Extravaganza Plate Lunch to benefit the Lopez Farm-to-School Program. Sponsored by Island Fibers. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, Lopez Village, Lopez Island. For information contact fibers@islandfibers.com,  360-468-2467, or www.islandfibers.com.

 

Using Tunnels and Hoop Houses for Productive Gardening: Saturday, May 11. This class will cover hoop house construction, planting, pruning and training, and management issues. Be prepared to be outside. $15 per person. Registration recommended. 10:30 a.m. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. See www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org/workshops.

 

Introduction to Eco-Printing: Saturday, May 11. Create vivid patterns on fabric using foliage and other elements from nature. This simple, eco-friendly dyeing technique uses a direct contact printing method, drawing out pigments from plants to make interesting and sometimes surprising designs on fabric. 1 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. Register at https://www.ragfinery.com/upcoming-events/.

 

Mother’s Day Weekend at Christianson’s Nursery: Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12. Take in the sights of the lovely English-styled Rose Garden and farm animals. Stroll through the vintage greenhouses to select from bountiful hanging baskets collection. Complimentary coffee and Toni’s delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies. Visit Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-466-3821 or see www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Alluvial Farms Open House: Saturday May 11. Have a cup of coffee, meet the owners and pigs, learn about shares, and shop the farm stand. Alluvial Farms, 6825 Goodwin Road, Everson. Contact alluvialfarms@gmail.com.

 

Herbicide Mode of Action with Dr. Tim Miller: Tuesday, May 14. WSU Scientist Dr. Tim Miller will discuss the process known as ‘mode of action’. Learn the ways that several common herbicides such as glysophate, 2, 4-D, dicamba, and tri-clopyr actually work. Be prepared for a chemistry lesson. Free. No registration required. 1-2:30 p.m. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Auditorium, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. Contact Alex duPont, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, at alex.dupont@wsu.edu or (360) 428-4270 ext. 227.

 

Alaskan Halibut: Wednesday, May 15. Chef Robert Fong presents halibut three ways. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $59. See https://communityfood.coop/events/.

 

Stalking the Wild Hors d’oeuvvres: Wednesday, May 15. Hosted by Chuckanut Center. Come on an adventurous forage hunt for wild edible weeds that we will cook up into surprise recipes. 5:30 p.m. forage, 6:30 p.m. cooking 7:30-8 p.m. eating and schmoozing. Terri Wilde is a long time forager, herbalist and permaculturalist and loves to cook what she forages from the world around her. $20-$30 sliding scale with volunteer positions available. 103 Chuckanut Dr N, Bellingham, chuckanutcenter.org.

 

Whatcom Food Network Spring Forum: Thursday, May 16. Hosted by Whatcom Food Network. Learn about what’s happening with local food and where we’re headed. Dig into what is working when it comes to eating local, for both individuals and institutions, and what happens when local, healthy food access isn’t available. Discuss one solution that addresses the economic, physical, and cultural barriers to serving children. Free. Snacks and refreshments provided. Noon to 4 p.m. Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point Park, 2600 S. Harbor Loop, Bellingham. Agenda and RSVP here: https://whatcomfoodnetwork.org/forums/. See the Facebook page or contact the Whatcom Food Network for more details.

 

Pastured Sheep Farming in Whatcom County: Thursday, May 16. Join the Whatcom Conservation District, experts in the veterinary and agnomomy fields and a panel of Whatcom County commercial sheep farmers to discuss raising sheep and conservation practices at Lydia’s Flock, a 35-acre pasture based fiber sheep farm east of Bellingham. Learn how Lydia and her family use management intensive grazing to improve forage quality and protect soil and water resources. This system requires they track where and when they move the flock, divide larger pastures into smaller paddocks, and installation of water lines or livestock watering facilities. Doug Bajema of Northwest Tractor Services will share tips to maintain perennial grass and clover pastures using over seeding, no-till practices, soil testing and nutrient budgeting. The workshop will also feature Amber Van Hove of Northwest Shearing. Amber is a certified shearer through the University of California. While she is based in Whatcom County, she travels to small farms and flocks in Northwest Washington State and the Fraser Valley, BC. Amber uses the New Zealand method of shearing for humane treatment and care of your flock. 6 p.m. RSVP recommended. See https://whatcomcd.org/calendar/month.

 

Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland’s Spring Farm Tour: Friday, May 17. Hop aboard a chartered bus and visit farms in eastern Skagit County to learn about the infrastructure and economics necessary for a viable agricultural industry. This year’s tour is focused on eastern Skagit County. Farm stops include Sauk Farm (Concrete), Carstens Ranch (Concrete), Eagle Haven Winery (Sedro-Woolley), Hoehn Bend Farm (Sedro-Woolley), and Foothills Farm (Sedro-Woolley). This tour is open to those age 21 and older. Tickets are $25/$35. Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. To register visit www.skagitonians.org.

 

78th annual International Plowing Match: Saturday, May 18. Come and experience a piece of agricultural history. Watch these beautiful draft horses animals guided by plowmen and women working a field as in the past. Admission and parking are free. Enter at the north end of Berthusen Park; entrance located off of the W. Badger Road.  The International Plowing Association puts on this historic event and is an active group of volunteers consisting of multi-generational plowing families and people interested in preserving the tradition of the Plowing Match. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Berthusen Park, Lynden. See the Facebook event page for more information and a great collection of photos.

 

Grow Your Own Broom: Saturday, May 18. Learn how to grow “Broom Corn” (Sorghum vulgare) in western Washington successfully and then how to make your own broom from it by hand. Each participant will make a whisk broom to take home. Registration required. 1 p.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, (360) 354-4883.

 

37th annual Bay View Women’s Run & Walk: Saturday, May 18. This enjoyable course takes runners and walkers over gently rolling hills and includes the Padilla Bay Shore Trail. Proceeds benefit Skagit DVSAS (Skagit Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services) and Women’s Health. The 2-mile Run & Walk, 5K and 10K Runs will start from the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison. See bayviewwomensrun.com for more information.

 

Cascade Cuts Plant Sale: Saturday, May 18. This wholesale perennial, annual, veggie and herb nursery is open to the public one day a year as a fundraiser for Sustainable Connections’ Food & Farming Program. Ornamentals, herbs, flowers and more available for purchase. Check out coffee trees, hops, compost tea machines, and more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 632 Montgomery Road, Bellingham. For more information, contact Erin@sconnect.org.

 

Planting for Year-Round Harvest:  Saturday, May 18 and Wednesday, May 22. Learn about what can be grown and harvested year-round. Others topics include how to build your soil, winter protection and how to build it, and the best planting practices for healthy harvests. Presented by George Kaas of Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Orchards for Resources and Education). Saturday 10 a.m. and Wednesday 4 p.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

Seasonal Salads and Artisanal Cheeses: Monday, May 20. Prepare three salads using local and seasonal ingredients paired with artisan cheeses from Twin Sisters Creamery, with Bruno Feldeisen. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building, Bellingham. $49. See https://communityfood.coop/events/2019-05/.

 

Five Ingredient Meals: Spring: Tuesday, May 21. Join Wellness Chef Kate MacKenzie as she demonstrates three healthy and delicious dinners and one appetizer, all made with five or fewer ingredients. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building. $45. See https://communityfood.coop/events/2019-05/.

 

Ski to Sea Book Sale: Wednesday, May 22 through Saturday, May 25. Presented by the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library. Large selection of books and media for all ages. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and $4 per bag. Central Library, 210 Central Avenue. All proceeds benefit the library. For more information contact  friendslibrary3@gmail.com.

 

Solarize for Smart Business: Thursday, May 23. Hosted by Sustainable Connections and Western Solar Inc. Learn about your business going solar. Register to learn more and enjoy a free lunch. Noon to 2 p.m. Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St, Lynden. Limited time tax credits and grants are available for businesses in Whatcom and Skagit County. Regardless if you own or rent your building, take advantage of discounted pricing and receive free assistance to help you navigate grants, loans, incentives, contracts, and more. See sustainableconnections.org/events/solarize-for-smart-business-lynden/.

 

Farmer Mixer: Thursday, May 23. Start off the season with food and drinks, celebrating the Food to Bank On program and farmers. Bites and beverages provided. 6-8 p.m. Location TBA. Free. Presented by Sustainable Connections. RSVP to alex@sustainableconnections.org.

 

Designing a Four-Season Hummingbird Garden: Saturday, May 25. The Skagit Audubon Society will present a program about hummingbirds and how to attract them to your garden. Instructors Sheila Pera and Skagit Audubon Society members will cover scientific facts about hummingbirds, garden design and plants that are a magnet for these beautiful birds throughout the year. $8. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Check in at the Garden Store before class. To register, call 360-466-3821. See www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Permaculture Design Live Consultation: Saturday, May 25. Join Brian Kerkvliet of Inspiration Farm and learn to look at real land to evaluate, map and plan for a long term system design that provides food and needs in an ecologically regenerative way. “Seeing the design process first hand allows one to better design their own land without having to attend a full two week permaculture design course.” In Rockport in the beautiful upper Skagit Valley. $65. See www.vivaculture.org or call 510-926-0468.

 

Puget Sound Jr. Livestock show: Thursday, May 30 through Saturday, June 1. Open to all 4-H and FFA members who’d like to exhibit, sell or market swine, goat, sheep or steer. All welcome to view and purchase. Skagit County Fairgrounds, Mount Vernon. For more information, visit www.pugetsoundjuniorlivestock.org.

 

 

 

JUNE

Farmers Day Parade: Saturday, June 1. Whatcom County’s oldest and longest running agriculture event. 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. For more information, follow the Lynden Chamber of Commerce’s facebook page or visit www.lynden.org.

 

Casablanca Cut Floral Workshop: Saturday, June 1. Create a foam-free floral arrangement in this hands-on workshop with Maura Whalen, owner of Casablanca Floral in Seattle. $150. 10:30 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. 360-466-3821, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Anacortes Waterfront Festival: Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2. 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 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information see http://www.anacortes.org/wff/events.cfm.

 

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, June 2. Featuring 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 $6, kids 6-10 $3, kids 5 and under 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.

 

Blast from the Past Festival: Friday through Sunday, June 7-9. 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.

 

Hugelkultur: Sustainable Gardening for the PNW: Saturday, June 8. Hugelkultur is a proven German method of gardening that employs excess garden debris as fertilizer for future plants. Learn the basic concept of hügelkultur by Sarah Wagstaff, owner of SUOT Farm and Flowers, and view photographs of beds in progress and other examples of a fully landscaped yard. $8. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. 360-466-3821, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Deming Logging Show: Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9. 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.

 

Skagit’s Birds & Pollinators PNW: Saturday, June 15. Learn about local birds and other vital insects that pollinate the food, plant, and flower supply by instructor and avid birder Bob Hamblin. $8. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. 360-466-3821, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens Annual Plant Sale & Raffle: Saturday, June 15. Trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, roses, annuals. Plus, 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. Call (425) 257-8597 or go to www.evergreen arboretum.com.

 

12th annual Llama/Alpaca Information & Education Day: Saturday, June 22. A day of workshops and education about alpacas and llamas. This event is free to anyone that currently owns or is interested in owning them. A group of caring owners and speakers will discuss care, basic information and more during clinics 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. RSVP required. Please do not just drop in! Call (360) 592-2603 or visit http://www.jnkllamas.com.

 

A Rosy Day Out: Sixteenth Annual Rose Festival: Saturday, June 22. Authors and garden experts from around the Pacific Northwest will gather at the Nursery to offer gardeners current information on the hottest trends in rose care. Gregarious keynote speakers Ciscoe Morris and John Christianson (AKA “The Rosebuds”) will talk about their favorite roses and rose companions again this year. Seattle rosarian, Jeff Wyckoff, will offer advice on choosing the right rose plant and placement, and author Nita-Jo Rountree will discuss the ease of growing Kordes roses. All presentations will be held under the Big Tent in our Schoolhouse Garden. The Tri-Valley Rose Society is hosting its Rose Display in our Schoolhouse and is extending an invitation to amateurs and experts alike to submit their roses to be voted on. Rose Display entry submissions must be made between 9-10:30 a.m. in the Schoolhouse. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. 360-466-3821, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

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