MARCH 2020

6th annual La Conner Daffodil Festival: Enjoy the fields of daffodils, and events and activities throughout La Conner and the Skagit Valley including the Jazz Valley Concert (March 7), Pie & Ice Cream Social Fundraiser and Silent Auction (March 12), and Dandy Daffodil Tweed Ride (March 21). See the Facebook page or www.lovelaconner.com for daffodil bloom updates and field locations.

 

March Madness: The Garden Edition: Monday, March 2. The Co-op’s Jay Williams will share what you can plant now from starts or seeds, how to do it including soil prep, crop rotation, succession planting, what needs feeding now, natural pest control and more. 6:30 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Suite 309, Mount Vernon. Pre-register at skagitfoodcoop.com/event or call Nicole at 360-336-5087×136.

 

Worm Your Way into Composting: Tuesday, March 3. Learn how to compost your food scraps by harnessing the work of worms, with Callie Martin. Plus worm bin design, care, and feeding. 6:30 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Suite 309, Mount Vernon. Pre-register at skagitfoodcoop.com/event or call Nicole at 360-336-5087×136.

 

Bats: Birchwood Garden Club’s March Meeting: Wednesday, March 4. Birchwood Garden Club’s March speaker will be Kathleen Bander, founder of Bats Northwest. She will identify the local resident bat species and their lifestyle status. To increase our nocturnal visitations, she will provide information on how to attract and nurture the resident populations, there will be effective logistical support, (housing, care, feeding, rules and advice.) All welcome. 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. See www.birchwoodgardenclub.org. Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to everyone. The Birchwood Garden Club provides financial support and /or gardening expertise to the following community organizations:  The Bellingham Public Library, Growing Veterans, Cornwall Rose Garden, Whatcom Museum of History and Art and the Bellingham Food Bank.

 

2020 Whatcom County Home and Garden Show: Friday through Sunday, March 6-8. Visit with over 200 vendors and get some great ideas for your next project, including home improvement and yard projects, at the NW Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden. Sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County. Friday hours 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ladies Night (door prizes) and beer and wine tastings 5-8 p.m. Saturday hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Family Day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet Characters Elsa and Anna and Captain America. Brad & John Show 5:30-6:15 p.m. Beer and wine tasting 5-8 p.m. Sunday hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gardening with Ciscoe Morris 1-3 p.m. For admission and complete schedule, see www.biawc.com and the Facebook event page.

 

 

Learn To Seed and Grow Your Own Veggies: Saturday, March 7. Learn about lighting, soil, temperature, containers and seed germination time. Specials discounts on  seeds. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

‘Plant it and Take It’ Seed Tray of Veggies: Saturday, March 7. Planting four cool season vegetables of your choice. Class fee is $10 per tray. 10 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Mount Baker Orchid Society annual Show and Sale: Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8. Accredited judges of the American Orchid Society will be judging show plants on Saturday. Orchids will be on sale by orchid vendors and MBOS members, and services will be available. Classes on orchid reblooming and orchid culture will be held both Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and an “orchid doctor” will be available to answer questions. The event is free and open to the public. Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See skagitvalleygardens.com or the Mount Baker Orchid Society’s Facebook page.

 

A Fascination for Hellebores: Christianson’s 14th Annual Winter Festival: Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8. Irresistible Hellebores are bursting through the cold to arrive in full bloom. When most perennials are slumbering, hellebores are in full bloom from December through April. These understory perennials are easy to grow, deer resistant, and grown in endless varieties; some are clear, others have spotting, striping, and can be bi-colored.   A complimentary class begins Saturday at 11 a.m. with Skagit Gardens’ horticulturist Melanie MacKinnon who will discuss these ‘darlings of the winter season’ and their hardy characteristics. An inspiring and educational day for those seeking happy surprises in their winter gardens.  9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. To inquire, call 360-466-3821 or see  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Penn Cove MusselFest: Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8.  Mussels are 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.

 

5th Annual Irish Dinner and Silent Auction: Saturday, March 7. 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 (vegetarian option available), live music, local brews by Boundary Bay Brewery, wine, a silent auction and more. 21+. 5-9 p.m. Bellingham Ferry Terminal. $50 each. See the Facebook event page or www.whatcomcoa.org/upcoming-events.

 

Choir of the Salish Sea: Saturday, March 7. Choir of the Salish Sea presents “How Wolves Change Rivers: Singing the World Into Balance” at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth Street, Bellingham. Tickets are $20/$5, online through www.brownpapertickets.com.

 

Chuckanut Center Community Visioning Meeting: Sunday, March 8. Non-profit Chuckanut Center is hosting a community visioning meeting to help generate ideas for the next steps for the organization. This facilitated meeting, or “charette” will focus on Permaculture principals and programming needs of the community, as well as outdoor projects that will help people learn how to grow, harvest, preserve and cook produce from their own home gardens. Community members with interest in Permaculture and community collaboration are encouraged to attend. Potluck Lunch will be provided. RSVP’s required at https://chuckanutcenter.org/event/center-design-charette/.  Coffee at 9 a.m., followed by meeting at 9:30 a.m. and lunch at 1 p.m. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr. North, Bellingham. Please park at Fairhaven Park, accessible parking only on site. Free.

 

Writing FoodWISE: Wednesday, March 11. Professor and author Gigi Berardi will discuss writing your stories with Whatcom Writers and Publishers at 7 p.m., Nicki’s Bella Marina (Skyline Room). Her new book, titled FoodWISE: A Whole Systems Guide to Sustainable and Delicious Food Choices, outlines approaches to informed food choices, agriculture, and more.

 

Indian Home Cooking with Robert Fong: Wednesday, March 11. Robert joins forces with guest chef Rajat Damani of Simmering Tava to create a spread of favorite dishes from India. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Community Co-op, Bellingham. $55. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

FoodWISE Series with Tom Malterre and Sally Fallon: Tuesday, March 12. Western Washington University Professor of Environmental Studies Gigi Berardi hosts guest speakers and discussions in conjunction with the release of her new book, FoodWISE. Discussed includes Tom Malterre, Whole Life food writer and coach (The Elimination Diet, The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Nourishing Meals) and Sally Fallon (via Skype), founder and president of the Weston A. Price Foundation and author of Nourishing Traditions, Nourishing Fats, Nourishing Diets, The Good Fat Diet). Free and open to the public. 10-11:30 a.m. in Fraser Hall 102, WWU, Bellingham.

 

Cooking with Wine with Cindy McKinney: Thursday, March 12. Cindy McKinney demonstrates the culinary virtues of wine. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Community Co-op, Bellingham. $45. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

Anacortes Monthly Winter Farmers Market: Saturday, March 14. Produce, food, crafts, and more. Held the second Saturday of each month through March. Inside the Depot building. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more details, see www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Whatcom Farm Forestry Tree Sale: Saturday, March 14. Varieties of trees available. 10 a.m. to noon. Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. Cash or check only. For more information or to place a large order, contact  whatcom@wafarmforestry.com.

 

Pruning 101:  Saturday, March 14. Discover what tools are required, the why behind pruning, growth habits of trees/bushes, and how to make the best decision in your pruning. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Organization for Resources and Education). 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, Blaine, (360) 305-3637.

 

Hypertufa Class: Saturday, March 14. 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. Class fee of $39 covers all supplies. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Growing Wine Grapes: Saturday, March 14. The Center has been conducting wine grape variety trials for almost 20 years, and developing different training systems to improve grape production. This workshop will provide an overview of how to grow wine grapes in our climate. Learn about practices including soil requirements, pruning techniques, pest management and harvesting. Be prepared to be outside. 10:30 a.m. $15 per person. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register through www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Pi Day Pie Contest & Celebration: Saturday, March 14. It’s our 3rd Annual Pi Day Pie Contest and Celebration at the Lynden Library. Enter your pie for a chance to win a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbon for best pie and the opportunity to have your pie chosen to win the People’s Choice Award. Registration is required for bakers. This contest is open to all ages. Pies must be homemade and they can be either sweet or savory. Don’t want to make a pie? Come and enjoy a slice of pie, Pi/Pie Trivia, and a good ol’ fashioned pie eating contest. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lynden Library. 1 p.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, Lynden, (360) 354-4883.

 

Pi Day Pie Contest & Celebration:  Saturday, March 14 3.14 is the best day to talk about pi while eating delicious pie at the Sumas Library Join us for a homemade pie baking contest and fun pi/pie trivia. Contest Information: Pies entered can be savory or sweet. Registration is required for the Homemade Pie Baking Contest. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place along with the prestigious People’s Choice Award. Contestants can register online or at the library. 3 p.m. Sumas Library, 461 2nd Street, Sumas, (360) 988-2501.

 

Skagit Valley Food Co-op Wellness Fair: Saturday, March 14. Wellness workshops, raffles, free samples, and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Mount Vernon. More info at www.skagitfoodcoop.com.

 

Community Gear Sale and Swap: Saturday, March 14. Buy, sell or trade used outdoor gear. Registered swappers have the chance to wheel and deal with each other 30 minutes before doors open the public. Sign up for a booth indoor or outdoor ($20 per booth). Free entry for shoppers. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Burlington Parks & Rec Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Avenue. Register online at www.burlingtonwa.gov/parksandrec or call 360-755-9649.

 

Residential Garden Project: Japanese Dry Landscape Garden: Saturday, March 14. Ornamental Horticulturist Hans Wressnigg will review a garden installation at a Whatcom County residence, following its evolution from the site conditions, the initial conception, and development, to completion.  $15. 10 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-466-3821 or see www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Everything’s Coming Up Roses: Saturday, March 14. The rose is America’s most popular flower and also one of the very oldest in cultivation. There are thousands of different rose varieties to lure us with their history and fragrance.  Take notes from Christianson’s Rose Buyer, Nancy Stewart, on varieties we have in stock that are fragrant, disease-resistant, and easy care. Learn of her personal homage to the late English rose breeder, David Austin. Class fee is $8. 1 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-466-3821 or  see www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Winter Propagation: Grafting: Saturday, March 14. Propagation by grafting is fun and a satisfying way to create new plants. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to propagate fruit trees and other woody plants during the dormant season using grafting techniques. 1:30 p.m. $50. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register through www.cloudmountainfasrmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Community Seed Share & Garden Fair: Sunday, March 15. Free seeds. We have lots of seed to give away, but if you have saved seeds to share, please bring them! Expert advice and children activities. 1-4 p.m. Free Seed Germination Workshop with Brenda Clifton from 1-2 p.m. Seed share to follow. Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie Street, Mount Vernon. Please call (360) 336-6209 for more information.

 

Dahlias: Wednesday, March 18 and Saturday, March 21. Dahlias come in thousands of colors and flower forms, and are rewarding with their long bloom time. They are considered to be the premier cut flower. While easy to grow, one does need to know the tricks. Expert dahlia growers Tiffany Fisk and Kelle Sunter will demonstrate. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Organization for Resources and Education). Wednesday 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, Blaine, (360) 305-3637.

 

Chewing the Fat with Stephanie Ellis and Djuna Harper: Wednesday, March 18. Chefs Stephanie Ellis and Djuna Harper offer an eye-opening and taste bud-delighting exploration of fat. Learn how and when to use different cooking fats such as avocado and olive oils, butter, nuts, and lard. Learn how to make your own mayonnaise, salad dressing, chicken stew, and a decadent dessert. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Community Co-op, Bellingham. $35. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

34th annual Lynden Spring Craft and Antique Show: Thursday through Saturday, March 19-21. 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. Join us Thursday Evening from 5-8 p.m. for a Free Mini Succulent Make & Take and enter a drawing  to win a porch planter. Northwest Washington Fair Expo Building, 1775 Front St., Lynden. See www.lyndencraftantiqueshow.com  or www.facebook.com/LyndenCraftandAntiqueShow.

 

Mediterranean Comfort Food with Samantha Ferraro: Thursday, March 19. Food blogger and cookbook author Samantha Ferraro of The Little Ferraro Kitchen shares an array of Mediterranean dishes. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Community Food Co-op, Bellingham. $45 . https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

Conifer class with Ginger: Saturday, March 21. Count on conifers to provide 12 months of color and texture. Ginger introduces her favorites for 2020. Free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Bellingham Winter Saturday Farmers Market: Saturday, March 21. 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. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Snohomish Conservation District Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, March 21. 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.

 

Road Wages: Cultivating Dahlias: Saturday, March 21. A growing number of dahlia gardeners are selling their flowers at roadside stands. Instructors John and Kathy Willson will teach you how to cultivate and market high-quality flowers using a self-serve system based on production, profit, and mutual trust. Class fee is $8. 11 a.m. to noon. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-466-3821 or see www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Willow Weaving:  Saturday, March 21. Artist Shannon Robertson will teach a willow weaving technique to create a sun pattern for the bottom of a basket. Space is limited;registration required. 1 p.m. Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, Lynden, (360) 354-4883.

 

Italian Desserts with Bruno Feldeisen: Monday, March 23. Chef Bruno Feldeisen demonstrates how to make three classics: lemon ricotta tiramisu; olive oil polenta cake; and cappuccino frangipane tart—sharing tales of his wide-ranging culinary adventures along the way. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Community Food Co-op, Bellingham. $45 . https://communityfood.coop/events/.

 

Permaculture with Bruce Horowitz: Thursday, March 26. Learn principles, strategies, and techniques that work with nature to produce an abundance of on-site food, resources, energy, medicine and more. Bruce is a certified Permaculture teacher and is the owner of RIPE Landscapes.  Downtown Community Food Co-op, Bellingham. $25 . https://communityfood.coop/events/https://communityfood.coop/events/.

 

Whatcom Conservation District’s annual Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 28. 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 16.

32nd Annual Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale: Saturday, March 28. Local and regional nurseries and other delights for your home and garden. Veggie starts, perennials, specialty edibles, natives, blueberries, raspberries, garden art, ornamental trees and bushes, bamboo and more.  Vendors donate a portion of sales to Fairhaven Neighbors, which uses proceeds for neighborhood projects and to support other local non-profits. 10 a.m. to 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.

 

40th annual SICBA Home & Garden Show: Friday through Sunday, March 27-29. All things home and garden, and family-friendly! Presented by Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA) and sponsored by Banner Bank. Over 120 vendors, live music, food trucks, tastings (Saturday night), free Lego® Contest (Sunday), make and take, charity raffles, birdhouse building, and more. Admission is adults $7, military $5, seniors $5, kids 15 and under are free to enter. For a complete schedule of the seminars and more information, see www.SICBAHomeShow.com.

 

Tool Sharpening & Spring Maintenance: Saturday, March 28. Time to get all your yard tools ready for spring. Learn the tips and tricks to making the maintenance process easier and more efficient. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Organization for Resources and Education). 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, Blaine, (360) 305-3637.

 

Peony Class with Ginger: Saturday, March 28. Peonies the ‘queen’ of the garden will live for decades. Join us and learn how to grow this ‘deer’ resistant perennial. Free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. Register at https://www.garden-spot.com/classes.

 

Growing Table Grapes: Saturday, March 21. Learn how to grow table grapes successfully, including trellis design, pruning and training, fertility and pest management methods. Discuss types that work including some newly released varieties. Be prepared to be outside. 10:30 a.m. $15 per person. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register through www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Learn to Grow a Vegetable Garden: Saturday, March 28. Learn how to successfully grow a wide variety of produce throughout the year, including how to get started, planning your plantings, managing your soil and fertility inputs, and timing for succession harvests. This class is also a nice refresher for those that haven’t grown a vegetable garden in a while. 10:30 a.m. $15 per person. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register through www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Two Soups, One Hour with Suzanne Butler: Saturday, March 28. Explore Suzanne’s out-of-the-box use of fresh ingredients as demonstrated through vibrant green, luxuriously tasty stinging nettle soup and a fresh pea soup straight from the garden. $15. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-466-3821 or see  www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Meet Your Farmer CSA Fair: Saturday, March 28. Meet local farmers and learn about getting farm-fresh, healthy food in one convenient weekly box. Enjoy live music and a pint. Hosted by Eat Local First and Sustainable Connections, and Tilth Alliance. Noon to 3 p.m. Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave, Bellingham. See https://eatlocalfirst.org/community-supported-agriculture-csa/.

 

Winter Propagation: Hardwood Cuttings: Saturday, March 28. Propagation by hardwood cuttings may be the easiest way for the home gardener to make new plants. We’ll look at materials needed, including media, tools and hormones, cutting preparation, and aftercare. $15 per person. 1:30 p.m. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson. Register through www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org or call 360 966-5859.

 

Skagit Beer Week: Saturday, March 28 through April 4. Skagit Beer Week 2020 starts with the Collaboration Release Party, Skagit Farm to Pint Beer Run and the Kick-off Concert at Tulip Town. All week-long expect a marathon of brewery tours, tap takeovers and educational events around Skagit Valley. Skagit Farm to Pint FEST on April 4 is the Grand Finale of Skagit Beer Week 2020. For full details, and participating breweries, see www.skagitbeerweek.com.