THE ISLAND GARDENER
April ~ 2022
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My first rhododendron blossom opened this week, so I know the full chorus of flamboyant beauties will be hitting the stage very soon. I can't wait!!!
Tis the season when seeds and starts are being moved out into our garden beds, our trees are blossoming and leafing out, and the anticipation of unfolding new life is pulsing through our veins. It's a joyous time of year.
This month's issue is packed full of that joy -- from asparagus to spuds, from skullcap to cottage gardens.
Margaret Atwood said, "In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt," and it turns out that when we follow her advice, the microbes in the soil are adding to our joyous spring fever. No wonder "Earth Day" falls in the springtime.
To add to the good news, read about the upcoming 2022 Garden Tour on June 25 & 26, and mark your calendars for the return of the Members' Picnic on June 15th.
And now, without further ado, dive into the newsletter and enjoy!
Until we meet again,
Nita Couchman
OIGC President
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APRIL 20 (Weds.) @ 10:30 am via ZOOM |
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The Orcas Island and
Lopez Island Garden Clubs
present . . . .
MARGARET PAYNE
~
A FOUR-SEASON COTTAGE GARDEN
IN THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
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It’s easy to join or renew!
Click HERE to print a membership form. Fill in the form and mail it with your check to OIGC Membership, P. O. Box 452, Eastsound, WA 98245.
OR . . . you can go to our website and fill in the online form and pay your membership fees through PayPal.
As an added bonus, names of new and renewing members are automatically entered into our monthly raffle drawing.
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Have questions or can’t remember
whether you've joined or renewed already?
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Individual : $25 / year
Couple : $35 / year
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Members as of March 12 —--------— 158
Renewals (Mar 12 - Apr 15) ----------- 0
New Members (Mar. 12 - Apr 15) ----- 2
TOTAL MEMBERS - Apr 15 -— 160
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AND THE
WINNER IS . . .
GAIL
GLASS
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JACOB'S LADDER
from
Lorna's Driftwood Nursery
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AND THE
WINNER IS . . .
JULIE
WEAVER
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Botanical Print
LETTER WRITING SET
from
Darvill's Bookstore
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Join or renew NOW
to be eligible for next month’s great raffle prizes.
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MAY 18, 2022
Wednesday
10:30 am ~ via Zoom
LINDA GILKESON
NEXT WINTER'S HARVEST
BEGINS NOW !!!
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A 4-Season Cottage Garden in the San Juan Islands (via ZOOM) |
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Next Winter's Harvest Starts Now!
(via ZOOM)
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OIGC Member's Potluck Picnic at Orcas Yacht Club
-- pending health advisories
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GARDEN TOUR 2022 -- Let's Grow Together
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The Earth Day 2022 theme is
INVEST IN OUR PLANET.
What Will You Do?
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52 ways to invest in our planet
and celebrate Earth Day!
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SPRING FLOWER CROWN MAKING WORKSHOP ~ May 14 |
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APRIL CHORES
by Jane Kenyon
When I take the chilly tools
from the shed's darkness, I come
out to a world made new
by heat and light.
The snake basks and dozes
on a large flat stone.
It reared and scolded me
for raking too close to its hole.
Like a mad red brain
the involute rhubarb leaf
thinks it way up
through loam.
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LET'S GROW TOGETHER
GARDEN TOUR 2022 ~ JUNE 25 and JUNE 26
by Sally Hodson & Laura Walker
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The Orcas Island Garden Club invites you to join us at our 2022 Garden Tour on Saturday, June 25th and Sunday, June 26th, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
As you explore each of the six lovely tour gardens, we invite you to enjoy all the beautiful plants and learn how each garden reflects the garden owner’s unique vision and island location as well as reflecting some aspect of growing plants together.
All the gardens are open both days. We’ll be offering different fun activities for guests at each garden throughout the tour, such as: free plant starts, live music, raffles, garden art and gardening demonstrations.
Tickets for the tour cost $20 and can be purchased at Darvill’s Bookstore and Driftwood Nursery, online at OrcasIslandGardenClub.org or at each of the tour gardens.
Hope you can join us at the Garden Tour as we welcome summer and celebrate our love for plants.
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THE RETURN OF THE JUNE PICNIC ! ! ! |
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AT LAST! We've all missed gathering together as a Club, and the signs are looking good for being able to resume some of our social activities. Plans are afoot for the return of the June potluck picnic for OIGC members!
Mark your calendars for JUNE 15th at 11:30 am.
We've reserved the outdoor shelter at the Yacht Club for a midday picnic and as long as there are no setbacks in the health advisories for safe gatherings, we'll be inviting all OIGC members to join us for a potluck picnic. As the time gets closer, watch for updates and further details about the time and what you'll be asked to bring.
Please be aware that if health advisories discourage such gatherings, we may have to cancel the picnic, but keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather and for continued improvements in the health situation.
We all look forward to being able to resume this lovely Garden Club tradition.
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LET THE TOMATO HARVEST BEGIN !!! |
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"April 17 brought my first ripe tomato of the season -- a Sun Gold cherry tomato. "
"When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, it's helpful to have a SpongeBob SquarePants precision pollination tool. The buzz of the electric toothbrush makes the blossoms think that a bee is nearby."
~sent in by a serious Orcas gardener
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ASK A MASTER GARDENER - THE IMPACT OF PERFECTION IN YOUR GARDEN
by Kira Bradshaw & Laura Walker
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What is causing the small round circle holes in my rose leaves and how can I eliminate the pest that is destroying the beauty of my plants? |
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Did you know that some bees live solitary lives? Leaf cutter bees are a prime example. This native species works diligently for survival, accomplishing almost every task in their short lives without assistance from others. Perhaps you have not seen a leaf cutter bee but have spied the holes they have cut for their nests, typically left on the leaves of roses. As their name suggests, female leaf cutter bees build the walls of their nesting chambers out of cut leaves and flower petals to give each egg a safe place to develop into an adult bee. These semicircles of empty space on a bright green leaf in your garden may invoke feelings of annoyance or delight-–neither reaction is right or wrong. Whatever feeling you may have about the holes, my hope is that you will find a way to protect your plants without harming these hardworking pollinators. |
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If you think this or other leaf damage is a problem and plan to control the pest that causes the damage, we hope you’ll consider the following questions: is the damage harming the plant, do I know what is causing the damage, what at the best ways to control the pest? As problems arise, it’s critical to learn about our pests to select the best control methods to manage them.
In the WSU Master Gardener program there is a focus on what is called Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. IPM is a science-based approach that uses observation and targeted remedies to address pest problems. Taking a global approach to pest issues is a way to show respect for the people, animals, and environment we all share. caterpillars may chew on our plant leaves but they are the larvae of one of our most beautiful insects - butterflies.
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It is important to begin with an accurate diagnosis of the plant pest and monitor damage, if control is necessary. Next, decide how much damage you can tolerate since some damage to leaves and plants is needed for insects to survive and do the work of pollinating our plants. Then select actions in this order--begin with mechanical control--physically removing the insect. Next try cultural control such as pruning for better air flow. Another approach is to introduce predator insects, such as lady beetles, who will biologically control the pest and keep it in check. Finally it may be necessary to resort to chemical control by using the least hazardous but still effective application. Always make sure to read the label carefully to any herbicide or pesticide. And go ahead and monitor changes as you try out different strategies to determine how well they worked. |
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Keep in mind that choosing pesticides to address your problems has the potential to change your garden’s ecosystem negatively. Targeting everything with a broad-spectrum pesticide ends up taking out beneficial organisms as well. Remember the goal is to manage not control the environment, suppress the pests so that plants and critters can live in balance.
If you need assistance in identifying the source of anything unusual in your garden, you can ask Master Gardeners to weigh in and we will happily do so! Diagnostic clinics are a great resource for this and our first one is scheduled for May 18th at Driftwood Nursery from 12 to 2. Bring your specimen and fill out either the insect and plant identification form or the plant problem form (see below) in advance so that they have all the information to help you!
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One mission of the Master Gardeners program is to provide information and education to the community. In addition to the clinics, did you know that Orcas Master Gardeners work with the public school children to learn about bees? They work each year to store cocoons and place them out in the school gardens so that the children can watch the mason bees wake from their sleepy hibernation and learn about their importance to our world. Below is a picture of one of the first mason bees emerging. Leaf cutters bees can be seen at the bottom of the see-through nesting house wrapped in their petals and leaves. |
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If you are interested in knowing more about the fascinating lives of leaf cutter bees or their relatives, mason bees, have a look at these articles:
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FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE
Reviewed by Perri Gibbons
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Opening Line:
“I knew the power of the wild.”
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Based on a true story, Mary Reynolds follows her passion for integrating wild nature into gardens. She becomes the unlikely and youngest winner of the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. The film has a magical, sometimes fairy tale quality to it, which challenges even the most cynical of hearts. Mary battles entrenched officiaries, discovers unexpected allies, and most importantly stays true to her belief in the natural world. Plus, the cinematography is gorgeous -- from green Irish countryside to austere Ethiopian landscape. It gave me goosebumps. |
Closing Lines:
“Imagine if you can change the world just a little bit. I began by sowing a seed.”
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Available for free viewing with Amazon Prime
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SEARCHING FOR A MENTOR
and the medicinal herb Skullcap with Doreen Kana
by Laura Walker
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Shortly after moving full-time to Lopez Island, like many of us, I sought to make new friends. I knew I wanted to become a gardener but I wasn’t sure how to begin. I grabbed a local farm brochure from the chamber office and began going down the list hoping to find a few places to visit for inspiration. I found Doreen’s number and bravely gave her a call. She seemed surprised at my call but encouraged me to come by for a tour. I wandered up to her quaint off-grid cabin surrounded by two huge fenced gardens and a spectacular pond.
She was very gracious, so welcoming and happy that I was interested. I was in awe and truly amazed with her vegetable, herb and flower gardens. Before long I was spending a few hours each week helping her with her garden, weeding, harvesting and even installing a barrier of repurposed chicken wire to discourage the local rabbits from snacking on her goods. It was a life changing opportunity to be able to experience what it was like to tend to a garden. No book could have come close to what I had learned. While I was following her instruction, we would pass the time in knowledge transfer. She shared the names and attributes of the plants contained in her garden and I had plenty of questions. She’d often send me home with goodies from her beds and remedies for what ailed me.
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Doreen Kana is a long-time resident on Lopez for over 40 years and she is a well-known local herbalist that I greatly respect. She produced and sold herbal products at the Lopez farmer’s market but no longer does. Skullcap was her most popular product. She became interested in medicinal herbs nearly 50 years ago. She recalled a very long time ago taking an herbal walk in Santa Barbara with a native American there, learning about the native herbs found in amongst the caves. “I was very impressed,” she said and this marked the beginning of her journey.
One of her early mentors was Dr. Ryan Drum, a leading expert on traditional Western herbalism, local native plants and seaweeds. Through various workshops and forest and beach walks, her knowledge grew and they became friends. Susan Weed was another source of inspiration and learning for Doreen on the wise woman tradition of self-healing. She attended many of her herbal workshops and seminars on the West Coast and in New York.
Doreen eagerly accepted my invitation to a medicinal herb interview to discuss one of her favorite medicinal plants which is Scutellaria lateriflora commonly known as skullcap. Interesting fact: it was also referred to as mad dog weed since it was once used to treat rabies in the past.
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Skullcap is a low-growing herbaceous perennial in the mint family, evident by its square stem, and typically grows to 2-3’ tall. It presents tiny, tubular, two-lipped, snapdragon-like, blue flowers blooming from July to early October. Its leaves are dark green above but light green beneath and ovate to lanceolate shaped with toothed margins. It grows best in moist to wet low spots, stream or pond margins, and marshy areas.
Skullcap, Doreen explained, is one of her biggest sellers and grows well in her garden. Despite the rather ominous sounding name, skullcap has been used for centuries by herbalists as an effective nerve tonic and sedative. She explained, “It’s useful for emotional well-being and relaxation. It helps one to sleep but it is not sedating.” Skullcap herb is an amazing plant for stress, tension, anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks, pain, and insomnia. It has also been used to treat sciatica pain. She prepares a tincture made with the fresh grown herb when it’s starting to bloom in the summer. Doreen added that, like most herbs, they are much better when used fresh.
I have many fond memories of gardening with Doreen and I feel fortunate for the foundational learning she gave to me. I look forward to the day we can dig in the soil together again. Our story is a great example of collaboration between one that desired to learn and another who needed a helping hand.
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Disclaimer — While the Orcas Island Garden Club shares information about using essential oils, natural oils, and herbs, these items are not regulated by the FDA. The content included in these monthly medicinal features are for those who are looking for alternative ways to lead a more natural lifestyle. You must not rely on the information in these articles as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor, healthcare provider, or other professional.
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WHY DIRTY HANDS CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY
by Nita Couchman
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Have you ever wondered why gardeners are such happy folks? Why our eyes light up when we talk about what we're growing and our plans for garden projects? Well, it turns out that researchers have discovered that there are scientific reasons for this phenomenon.
Yes, we all know our gardens provide us with exercise, with a chance to slow down and be mindful, with visual beauty, healthy food for our tables, and the satisfaction of seeing what we've helped create. During the past couple years of quarantine, many folks have had more time to spend in their yards and gardens and have benefitted from the fresh air, activity, and chance to appreciate life's beauty.
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What researchers are discovering is that, in addition to all the obvious reasons why gardening makes us happy, there may be scientific factors at work as well. UK scientists discovered (using laboratory mice) that "a friendly bacteria commonly found in soil activated brain cells to produce the brain chemical serotonin and altered the mice's behaviour in a similar way to antidepressants." Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has indeed been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide.
So....what are you waiting for? Get your hands in the dirt. Those microbes are ready to make you happy.
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Read more at Gardening Know How:
For further reading, try Sue Stuart-Smith's book, The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature, Scribner, 2020.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU . . . Margaret Payne |
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Margaret Payne is our April speaker, so we thought it would be the perfect time to get to share more of her story. Margaret served as President of the Garden Club for several terms and has held a number of positions on the board, currently serving as board secretary. Here is what she had to say: |
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I first came to Orcas as a sailor 25 years ago, and I am still a sailor as well as a gardener. Like many folks, the moment I saw the islands, I said to myself, "This is it!" As I approached retirement age, I bought property here, and fifteen years ago my son (then 25) and I built my house on the west side of Eastsound. I moved to Orcas permanently in 2009, and it's been one of the best decisions of my life.
The community here is incredible, and I would advise newcomers that, if you want to make friends, get involved with either work and/or volunteering. I quickly joined the Garden Club and also began part-time work as an agent for Kenmore Air, which was so fun I stayed for ten years. I thought I would retire at 75, but I found retirement too lonely, so now I work part-time for Girl Meets Dirt, two doors down from my house, and I love that too. The "Jam Squad" is an incredible group of young women and men.
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I love everything about the Garden Club: the friends I have made, the awesome programs, the garden tour, and serving with the wonderful women and men on the board. My passion is cottage gardening with perennial plants, which I find is the most satisfying, least costly, and closest-to-nature form of gardening, in which one creates a personal ecosystem that is a joy to sustain. March and April are particularly thrilling, when our green friends re-emerge from what appears to be nothing.
Every spring and summer morning, I roam the garden in my bathrobe to see who's new. A number of years ago, during the annual 4th of July parade, Orcas Island Garden Club members strolled down North Beach Road in their p.j.'s and bathrobes, in celebration of our mutual pleasure in Pajama Gardening.
Try it; I think you'll like it, although you might find the hems of your pajamas a little muddy and your neighbors thinking you're a little weird. Personally, I can't think of a more wonderful weird. :)
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SPRING DELIGHT ~ Asparagus
by Helen Huber
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There were strange wispy ferns growing in the backyard when we first moved to Massachusetts in late summer. Clearly not an ornamental plant, I ignored it until the following year when it magically revealed itself as asparagus. This was magical for a number of reasons. First, I had never seen asparagus grow. Secondly, it was a champion grower, sometimes growing inches in a single day. Finally, unlike the soggy, army-green spears that my mom served from cans or jars, the fresh spears had both texture and flavor when roasted or grilled. This month’s column focuses on a variety of ways to use roasted asparagus. First roast the asparagus as described below. Then choose one of the following ways to extend the asparagus joy; it’s spring and not a moment too soon! |
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How to Choose Asparagus
Choose fresh asparagus. Look for asparagus spears that are firm to the touch, able to stand up straight, with a smooth texture. Avoid spears that appear limp, wilted, or woody (but some ends may be woody). The tips of asparagus should be closed and compact, not soft.
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TIPS ABOUT GROWING ASPARAGUS
by Nita Couchman
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A few of our members have been asking for information about growing asparagus, so we gathered contacted board member Tony Suruda who devotes a sizeable area of his garden to growing these green spears of delicious delicacy.
Tony grows asparagus in raised beds, varying in depth from 8 inches to two feet, depending on the variety. Asparagus like to put down deep roots and the depth of the soil affects the size of the spears that will be produced.
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For his largest asparagus bed, Tony purchased crowns of Jersey Knight, a disease resistant hybrid variety that grows well here on Orcas and tolerates humid climates. He grew Jersey Gem and the heirloom variety Mary Washington from seed for his other raised beds. "Dr. Carol Miles of WSU Extension Mount Vernon recommends starting seeds in a warm location in trays covered with plastic wrap to increase humidity. When the asparagus sprouts have their first set of true leaves they can be moved into small pots and later transplanted into a raised bed.
Asparagus crowns are available for purchase only in early spring and some suppliers may already be sold out this year, but it's not too late to grow asparagus from seed. Dr. Carol Miles of WSU Extension Mount Vernon recommends starting seeds in a warm location in trays covered with plastic wrap to increase humidity. When the asparagus sprouts have their first set of true leaves they can be moved into small pots and later transplanted into a raised bed.
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By the time of newsletter publication, the first crop of the season has already been harvested and enjoyed. When there is an excess of harvest, spears can be blanched and then cut into 3- to 4-inch lengths and sealed in food saver bags before going into the freezer to be enjoyed during the fall and winter months.
In autumn, asparagus ferns will turn yellow. The ferns can be removed and taken to the dump as green waste. This is a precaution to reduce pests. Every other year after removing the ferns in fall, Tony applies an inch of steer manure to beds, as asparagus are heavy feeders.
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BEHIND THE SCENES: Creating a Newsletter |
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The first issue of The Island Gardener was published in September 2020, six months into quarantine, when it became clear that the Garden Club was not going to be able to resume our monthly in-person gatherings at the Orcas Center. In an effort to find a way to keep our club alive with gardening goodness, to keep in touch with members, and to support one another through difficult days, the idea to publish a monthly newsletter emerged. This month we are publishing our 19th issue. |
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Creating a monthly newsletter has been a challenge at times, has given us learning opportunities, and has been very rewarding. Part of the joy comes from the team who get together via Zoom each month to brainstorm article ideas, to find topics that will interest our members, to think of things which will add fun and delight -- book and movie reviews, recipes, gardening tips, stories spotlighting both new and not-so-new members.
Once we come up with a plan, we all begin working independently on our assignments. Helen immediately starts trying out recipes in her kitchen that will inspire us to take the best advantage of the goodness from our gardens. Perri recommends movies and books, writes up members' stories, and helps in any project where an extra hand is needed. She comes up with great ideas! Laura researches some of our more in-depth articles and how-to stories, and has done some amazing interview stories.
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In the early months, Lene was working hard each month to give us an online webinar to watch as well as providing a list of upcoming online gardening learning opportunities. Nita has opened each newsletter with an introductory message and has added a poetry moment and worked on other articles as they come up. And of course, various other board members have provided articles, ideas, and photographs from time to time.
We all work together, fill in for one another, and generally have as much fun as we can coming up with newsletter content that will encourage our club members in their gardening endeavors.
Copy for the articles is collected, and Nita and Laura work together on layout in our newsletter program -- putting all the words and photos into the format that arrives in your mailbox each month.
We hope you have as much fun reading The Island Gardener each month as we have putting it together for you. We always welcome any ideas from members for topics or articles, and if this all sounds like fun -- and it IS -- and you'd like to be part of the newsletter team, please get in touch with us at OIGCnewsletter@gmail.com. |
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MAKE YOUR OWN SPUD BOXES
by Laura Walker
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Cut your seed potato so that each section contains at least one “eye.”
Place the potato pieces in an egg carton with “eyes” facing up placed under grow lights.
Spritz with water daily until you see small sprouts. Meanwhile, make your spud boxes!
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First build the frame and the four vertical supports out of 2 x 4s.
Secure two 2 x 4s on the bottom that act as feet to improve air circulation.
Then build the floor out of 1 x 6 pine, leaving small gaps for drainage.
Attach two layers of 1 x 6 pine that are permanently attached on three sides.
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Add a door in the front to allow for early harvesting.
Construct the door with two layers of 1 x 6 pine and attach to the base with a hinge and two sliding latches for easy access.
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Build three removable stacking layers to add as the potato plants grow, also made out of 1 x 6 pine.
Plant your potatoes and cover with an inch soil.
The outside dimension of my box was 24" x 24" wide and 30" tall.
Interested in more information?
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QUESTION: HOW DOES A POTATO SEE? |
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THE FIRST FOUR CORRECT ANSWERS SUBMITTED WILL GET
NINE POTATO SLIPS FROM ONE OF FOUR VARIETIES
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Organic potato varieties from
Sprout Mountain Farms!
- Dark Red Nordlund
- Huckleberry Gold
- Purple Majestic
- Yellow Finn
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TALK TO US . . .
WHAT WOULD YOU
LIKE TO SEE IN THE NEWSLETTER?
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PRESIDENT: Nita Couchman
PROGRAMS: Lene Symes
MEMBERSHIP: Perri Gibbons & Karen Hiller
GARDEN TOUR: Sally Hodson & Laura Walker
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SECRETARY: Margaret Payne
TREASURER: Tony Suruda
COMMUNICATIONS: Helen Huber
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Orcas Island Garden Club
P. O. Box 452
Eastsound, WA 98245
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