THE ISLAND GARDENER

December ~ 2025

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President's Message
Garden Club Program
Holiday Greetings from your Editors
Upcoming Events
Cultivating Friendships
Beyond the Trowel
Rainy Day Reads
The Symbolism of the Cactus Flower
Embrace the Seasonal Rhythm
The Elves of the OIGC
Garden Creatures and Where to Find Them
Botanical Name Challenge
Unexpected Ingredients for Tea
Dirt on Our Roots
Thanks to Our Unbe'leaf'able Volunteers
Member Raffle and Meeting Door Prize
Exciting Upcoming Programs
Made You Smile
Membership Update - Here we Grow!

President's Message

Holiday Greetings Gardeners,

As the holidays begin to settle in and the tinsel starts to sparkle, my mind is imagining Santa out there checking his Naughty and Nice Lists — and I wondered if we should check in with the gardening world to see where we all fall on that famous list!

I will begin with the Nice List, knowing that this must be a very long list because gardens and gardeners bring so much joy to so many people! At the top, of course, are our loyal garden heroes: the bees and butterflies, who never complain about working overtime; the earthworms, who work behind the scenes underground without ever asking for applause; and the compost, that unsung miracle quietly spinning table scraps into gold. Mulch, you’re on the list too — thank you for keeping everyone cozy all winter.

And naturally, all of you — the heart, soul and spirit of this garden club — are firmly on the Nice List. You’ve shared seeds and stories, traded tips and cuttings with your fellow enthusiasts, and shown that friendship blooms best in good company. You have volunteered and worked tirelessly to make this the best club on Orcas Island. And even if you said you’d divide that overgrown perennial this year for the fifth year in a row and didn't get around to it or let those beautiful invasives stay in your garden one year longer because they are so lovely, you still make the list. Personally, I checked in with the North Pole and I can confirm my position on the list is safe even though every time I went to buy one plant I came home with five or six.

Now, I must turn my attention to the Naughty List... as we all know, every good garden has a few scoundrels, rascals and downright thugs. The slugs and aphids have certainly been up to no good again and so have the snails. And the deer who treated our flowerbeds like an all-you-can-eat buffet deserve a lump of coal —you’re all officially on probation. I might also give a gentle warning to the weeds that pop up no matter how much we pull them; they’re not exactly polite guests as they continue to show up without invitation. Even that one hose nozzle that’s always leaking might need to rethink its behavior before next spring.

Still, even the “naughty” ones remind us what it means to be gardeners: patient, forgiving, and full of wonder and curiosity. After all, every challenge makes the blooms more endearing, and every bare patch of soil holds the promise of potential beauty for next season.

So as we celebrate the holidays, let’s celebrate the nice and the naughty, the blooms and the bugs, the sun and the rain and most of all each other. Because together, the garden with all of its imperfectly perfect characters fill our ever-changing worlds with new life, renewed energy and an overwhelming spirit of joy.

Thank you all for a beautiful year of friendship, laughter, and growth (both in our gardens and in ourselves). May your holidays be merry, your poinsettias perky, and your bulbs dream of endless spring!

With warmth and a sprinkle of garden glitter,

Robin Sullivan

Garden Club Program ~ December 10th

Orcas Island Garden Club

presents

Kimberly Wilder & Gemma Glasser

Language of Flowers

& an English Tea Party

at the Orcas Center and via zoom

NEW! Join us for coffee and social time at 9:30 before the program starts at 10:00 am ~ and remember to bring things for the sharing table!

JOIN VIRTUALLY

In addition to hearing from our wonderful presenters, we have other surprises in store. We will…

• Explore the art of beautiful penmanship by making name place cards at our tables. Calligraphy in the Victorian era was known as Copperplate which was a formal, cursive script with a focus on ornate flourishes and varying line thicknesses.

• Enjoy a charming English Tea, and we invite everyone to bring a favorite English treat—scones, finger sandwiches, petit fours, trifles, or any creative addition inspired by the tradition! Bring your favorite China teacup!

• Browse holiday gift items too! Kimberly and Gemma will also be bringing a selection of holiday gift items to purchase—perfect for sharing a meaningful message with friends, loved ones, or even a secret admirer. AND the club will offer handmade Kokedama balls for only $15 each with the proceeds going toward member events. We will accept cash, checks and Venmo. A Kokedama is a Japanese art form where a plant's root system is encased in a soil ball covered with moss and bound with twine or wire, creating a "moss ball".

Make it easier for people to remember your name and make connections at the garden club gatherings. We'll even keep them for you so you won't have to remember them! The cost is just $15 per name tag.

ORDER YOUR NAME TAG HERE

Holiday Greetings from your Editors

Upcoming Events

Gift Idea: Step into the Season with Style and Purpose

The Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State is offering exclusive Master Gardener socks (you won't find them any place else!) — plus 10 fun designs — but only while supplies last. This is your chance to snag a couple of pairs before the fundraiser wraps up on December 15.

Every pair supports the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, helping us grow thriving communities, nurture lifelong learners, and strengthen our partnership with Washington State University. Together, we’re cultivating a healthier planet — one garden at a time. And yes… these socks are Santa approved!

• Made 100% in the USA

• One size fits most, cross knitted for top tier stretch

• Cozy + durable (76% combed cotton, 22% nylon, 2% spandex)

• Shipped straight to your home — no chimney required!

Treat yourself, surprise a friend, and support the Master Gardeners who make Washington bloom. Don’t wait — Santa’s cheering you on, and these socks won’t last long! Shop | Bloom For Good

Winter Knit-a-long ~ A Cozy Red Hood

Interested in a Winter Knit-a-long Inspired by the OIGC Book Club?

Join us in January 8th from 10 am - noon as we knit the Dragon Watcher’s Hood, knitted by the author of Rooted, our OIGC Book Club September read. The hood is knit in super bulky yarn and will keep you cozy in your garden or anywhere you choose to roam outdoors on wintry days! All are welcome to join, whether you are a brand new knitter, have knitting skills to share, or anything in between. Garden Club member Haven DePietro will lead Zoom meetings from her off-island home in Davis, California. Please reach out to Haven at havendp@gmail.com by January 5th so you get the zoom invite and pattern.

Here are the supplies you need. Order them soon so you are ready to participate:

Super bulky wool, approximately 261 yards.
A pair of US 15 (10mm) circular needles 24” long
A set of U.S. 15 (10mm) double point needles.

PNW Month-by-Month Tips for Cultivating More Resilient Gardens

Speaker, Christina Pfeiffer, a Horticulture Educator and IA Certified Arborist will lead the class. 'Gardening, as with many things in life, timing can be everything. Some of our long time “tried and true” methods may no longer be as effective as in the past. Learn how to optimize key tasks and timing for a more sustainable and healthy landscape'.

This PNW Garden Savvy class will be held on Saturday, January 10th from 9:30 to 10:30 AM via the Zoom platform. Classes are recorded and made available to all registrants. Handouts, if provided, are linked for each class.

The fee for the class will be $9.00. Register here.

OIGC Member's Book Club

January 13th from 2:30 - 4:00 pm

The Orcas Island Public Library

Get your book now at Darvill's or through the library and join us for our next discussion about The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate - Discoveries From a Secret World. Evangeline O'Sullivan will be facilitating our discussion.

Author, Peter Wohlleben argues that trees are social beings that communicate, cooperate, and have complex lives, much like a human family. The book explains how trees support each other by sharing nutrients with struggling neighbors, warning each other of danger through chemical signals, and using a fungal network beneath the forest floor to connect and exchange information. By highlighting the scientific discoveries behind these processes, Wohlleben reveals how forests create a protected social network that fosters long-term health and resilience.

If you have questions about the Book Club please reach out directly to Adrienne at adrienne.ewalker@yahoo.com

Winter Class Series: Hugelkultur in the PNW with Sarah Wagstaff at Christianson's

Sunday, January 18 | 11 am – 12:30 pm | $10 | call 360-466-3821 to register

Discover the benefits of hugelkultur, a sustainable gardening practice that uses wood and organic matter to build rich, moisture-retentive garden beds. Tailored for the Pacific Northwest climate, this class will explore the “why” and “how” of hugelkultur—from building techniques to plant pairings—so you can create a thriving, climate-resilient garden in your own backyard.

Cultivating Friendships

Meet Margretta

Interviewed by Robin Sullivan

Margretta Voinot-Baron and her husband Glen made their home in Redmond/ Sammamish for 45 years. It is here they raised their two children, 4 dogs, three cats and 27 Doves. Their home, christened Quail Cottage, was a farmhouse built in the 30's on a Horse Acre. Over 40 years they turned pasture land into a magical garden. Additionally, Margretta's tutoring business of 30 years, GROWING MINDS, was located in the backyard next to the pond. Their home and garden were their sanctuary supported by friends and community.

Their magical garden was carved out by hand to enhance the beautiful landscape. The towering trees all blooming with the different seasons are a testimony to a couple devoted to shaping a breathtaking landscape. Vibrant shrubs woven with a tapestry of color, from fiery reds to deep purples and soft pastels, created a living painting that never stayed the same. In this garden, every leaf, petal, and stone was placed with intention, a quiet testament to their patience and vision.

Margretta and her husband have since left this garden behind to begin their new journey here on Orcas Island where they will split their time 60/40 between Orcas Island and Salt Lake CIty, where their two children and their families are located.

In 2015, they bought property on Orcas Island, calling it, Camp Little Camp. In the beginning it was simply an outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen, a port a potty and some tent sites. From 2020-2023 they patiently built a shower house with a sleeping loft and “The Wee Shelter,” a communal gathering spot. It is here they intend to entertain their family and friends.

Aside from being an avid gardener, Margretta is an enthusiastic hiker and is currently following the worn deer paths on her own property to carve out her own trails. We welcome Margretta and Glen and hope they will find community and support here in the Orcas Island Garden Club.

Beyond the Trowel

My Versatile Mini Rake

It's that time of the year to spread a blanket of mulch to prepare our gardens for winter. This pint sized rake is great for spreading mulch and able to maneuver under plants and in between bushes due to its small size without damaging your plants. Ok, I admit, it's advertised as a kid's rake but it's lightweight, durable and the vibrant red tines are easy to spot when it's left somewhere else in your yard. Highly recommended and would make a lovely gift for a gardener!

Rainy Day Reads

Exquisite Creatures by Christopher Marley ~ A Book Review

Reviewed by Adrienne Walker

Biophilia: an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world. If you’re reading this, my assumption is you have a very well-developed case of biophilia - you’re reading a garden club newsletter after all! If you think back to all the times you’ve felt a true sense of awe, where were you and what were you looking at? I know for myself most of those sensations have come from nature (with a few notable exceptions, usually involving copious amounts of ancient books): the Grand Canyon, the plains of the Serengeti, my garden when a seed I planted actually turns into a gazillion tomatoes. You all know what I’m talking about. For most of us, this sense of awe is something we only feel from time to time, but I think gardeners and travelers feel it more often than most people!

Christopher Marley grew up in Oregon, and while he had a particular affinity for lizards when he was young, he found a lot of other creatures creepy! His career led him to travel the world and during his days off he started to discover a love for all living things, until one day he realized he wanted to actually make that sense of awe he felt in the face of nature his life’s work.

He recognized that many people are fearful of, or even ‘grossed out’ by insects, snakes, even his beloved lizards. He also knew that people are inherently attracted to color and pattern, so decided he would try to make the ‘creepy creatures’ more approachable by displaying them as art. He developed relationships with institutions and collectors around the world who bring him creatures that have died, or in the case of non-endangered insects, that they have collected for him. He has also developed unique ways to preserve these creatures in their natural forms and colors - quite the challenge for the larger species he works with.

He then creates art using these specimens, sometimes just one remarkable creature, sometimes using hundreds to create patterns or color gradients. His work is so stunningly beautiful that he has authored several books featuring it: Pheromone was the first, focused on insects; Biophilia, which became a New York Times bestseller; and now Exquisite Creatures, the most complete book of his work and the accompaniment to a travelling exhibition. Most importantly for all of you - the exhibit is currently running in Seattle! I had the absolute delight to see it a couple of weeks ago and while I know this is supposed to be a book review, I loved the exhibit so much I wanted you all to know about it. All of the photos here were taken by me of his remarkable work.

“If one truly loves nature one finds beauty everywhere.” Vincent Van Gogh

The exhibit can be seen through June at the Maritime Center on Alaskan Way in Seattle. I honestly can’t recommend it enough. We were told the quietest day of the week is Tuesday, and you’ll need at least 2 hours to do it justice (and we were there much longer). If you aren’t going to be in Seattle over the next few months, his first two books are available on Amazon, and the book that accompanies the exhibit is available on his website: Christopher Marley Studio.

AND if you want to find out about more fun things like this exhibit - join our OIGC Members Book Club, which is where I first heard about it. Reach out to me directly at adrienne.ewalker@yahoo.com if you want more info!

Happy Reading/Exhibit Visiting!

A gardener must never feel sorry for him(her)self, even in winter, and no matter how great the cause.

Henry Mitchell ~~~ The Essential Earthman (1981)

The Symbolism of the Cactus Flower

Cactus Flower

by Cindy Woods

Cacti are amazing survivalist plants that thrive in arid and semi-arid environments throughout the world. From this prickly plant beautiful flowers emerge, some lasting only 24 hours after blooming. Due to their ability to survive in harsh conditions many cultures believe that the cactus flower symbolizes endurance and resilience.

Below are some examples of symbolism of the cactus flower:

Native Americans: strength, hope, protection, and sustenance

Mexican Culture: a symbol of strength and identity

Japanese flower language Hanakotaba: sexual attraction

Western and Victorian culture: chastity

Embrace the Seasonal Rhythm

The Winter Solstice

by Perri Gibbons

Humans are programmed to have a natural affinity toward light. So, it’s not too strange that as we conquer the dark through artificial light we feel safer and more powerful. With the advent of cheaper LED options it seems our response has been to produce more of it, much more.

Winter's Quiet Invitation

by Suzette Lamb

One thing I’ve become more aware of with each year on Orcas is just how quiet this season truly is. Despite the holiday hubbub, festive community events, visiting family, and the sounds of celebration, there is a peaceful undercurrent to winter here that is deeply satisfying. As we finish settling the garden beds, pruning our young fruit trees, and tucking everything in for a long multi-month rest, a comforting stillness settles in—calm, expectant, and restorative.

Having never grown outdoor plants, trees, flowers, or food before moving here, I’m often startled by what many of you already know—and what generations before us knew instinctively. The growing seasons offer a natural rhythm for our minds, bodies, and spirits. Yet in so many urban and suburban environments, that rhythm gets drowned out by concrete, noise, schedules, constant stimulation, and sheer density. Our bodies, as resonant systems, adjust to what surrounds us, and we lose touch with the natural world we can no longer hear, see, feel, or taste. We push ourselves too far because we can—or because we think we should. Or we slide into mindless monotony, worn down by overstimulation and emotional fatigue.

But here on Orcas, now in year five, Brett and I have finally settled back into the rhythm of the seasons. The shorter, colder, darker days don’t depress me; they invite me inward. I’m suddenly craving pleasure reading—something I haven’t done since childhood—and I look forward to going to bed early without worrying that I’m missing out or failing to be productive. This season of dormancy, much like the bulbs I’ve planted and the beds gone quiet, is essential if I want to grow again in the months ahead. It isn’t punishment, or indulgence, or even a choice. It’s simply the natural path. And I’m grateful to be on it. I hope your own season of stillness is exactly what you need it to be.

Suzette's Garden Tip for the Season:

Winter is an ideal time to walk your garden with a notebook and observe its “bones”—the structure that remains when foliage fades away. Notice where wind gathers, where water settles, and which spots feel empty or overgrown. These quiet observations now will guide thoughtful planting decisions in spring, helping your garden grow with more intention and ease.

The Elves of the OIGC

Garden Creatures and Where to Find Them

Bobbing Buffleheads

by Christian Oldham

From Cascade to Killebrew, no doubt many islanders have already taken note of the return of some familiar faces amongst the avian community on Orcas; migratory waterfowl have returned in great quantities! A variety of visiting ducks annually become winter guests of our island, following summer breeding seasons inland and to the north.

One of the most recognizable and abundant of these species is the Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), which becomes quite the common sight across Orcas and throughout the San Juans during these chilly months, before departing north-bound in spring; searching for tree cavities within which to build their nests. Small enough that they will capably fit inside abandoned Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) cavities, these diminutive diving ducks are often spotted near saltwater shorelines during the winter months, as they feast on a smorgasbord of submerged invertebrates, but they are no stranger to freshwater; from garden ponds to the largest of our lakes, onlookers can watch them bobbing to the surface one-by-one after group dives; like duck-shaped popcorn.

During breeding season, they will necessarily shift their focus and feeding habits to insect larvae and other invertebrates found in abundance within the freshwater lakes and ponds that occupy their inland breeding landscape. Breeding pairs may remain together for years at a time, returning to the same nesting sites as chosen by the females. Males are readily identified by the large, wedge-shaped white patches on the backs of their heads, while female Buffleheads have somewhat less conspicuous white ear and wing patches, paired with a brown primary color. Throughout the winter season, male Buffleheads are eager to put on eye-catching and energetic courtship displays, which endear them to many onlookers; conspecific and otherwise.

One of the other less-fortunate arrivals that has coincided with, and has likely been facilitated by the arrival of migratory waterfowl, is that of Avian Influenza. Deceased avians in San Juan County have recently tested positive for the disease; even domestic birds are susceptible to contraction of the disease – typically through contact with wild birds. Sick or dead birds should not be contacted and should be reported to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, by reaching out to TeamMillCreek@dfw.wa.gov, or by calling WDFW at 425-775-1311.

How is Your Botanical Latin?

We use Latin for botany because it was a recognized, universal scientific language, providing a clear, unambiguous, international system for naming plants (binomial nomenclature). It prevents confusion from common names that vary by region and language, and creates a standardized way to identify species across cultures for medicine, horticulture, and research.

The following are native Pacific Northwest flowers. Your challenge is to match the English with the Latin names.

A. Red Columbine

B. Sea Pink

C. Goatsbeard

D. Nodding Onion

E. Common Camas

F. Checker Lily

G. Blanket Flower

H. Broadleaf Lupine

Gaillardia aristata
Aruncus dioicus
Lupinus latifolius
Allium cerium
Aquilegia formosa
Camassia quamash
Fritillaria affinis
Armeria maritima

Be sure to check next month's newsletter for the answers!

Here are the answers to last month's challenge...

Yellow Pansy - Remembrance of happy times.

Sunflower - Adoration, loyalty, and happiness.

Daisy - Innocence, purity, and new beginnings.

Lavender - Serenity, tranquility, and devotion.

A Single, Thornless Rose - Love at first sight.

Striped Carnation - "I'm sorry, I must say no".

White Tulip - Forgiveness.

Unexpected Ingredients for Tea

Mullein: A Gentle Giant for the Garden and the Teacup

by Daina Boden

If you’ve wandered a sunny path on Orcas Island, you’ve probably spotted mullein (Verbascum thapsus) standing tall like a woolly lighthouse. Folklore says travelers once used its dried stalks as torches—proof that mullein has always been both practical and a little dramatic. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a starry-eyed new herbalist, this plant has a way of charming anyone who spends time with it.

Joke: Why did the tea pot get in trouble? Because it was naugh-tea!

Dirt on Our Roots

Holiday Happenings Through the Years

by Perri Gibbons

It's been fun rummaging through the club scrapbooks to discover the holiday activities over the year. We are definitely a festive club! Read on to see the people behind the celebrations and the interesting stories along the way.

We’ve had holiday world traditions, cookie exchanges, sing-alongs, guessing games, terrariums And in 2025!...

The Language of Flowers and a Holiday Tea Party

We’ll be learning about the hidden meanings and symbolism of floral gifts and 19th century jewelry, while celebrating with a quintessential tea party. What a special way to continue our treasured holiday tradition with more memories soon to keep!

Have some stories? photos? Share them with us! Contact: Perri Gibbons

Thanks to Our Unbe'leaf'able Volunteers!

As part of our holiday festivities, we decided to make Kokedama balls to be sold as a fundraiser towards our Member Events. We held two workshops with fun and enthusiastic volunteers who were eager to learn a new skill and craft these beautiful gifts. Our sincere thanks to following volunteers who donated their time and talent: Teresa Gerringer, Debra Nichols, Jenny Pederson, Robin Sullivan, Perri Gibbons, Laura Walker, Liz Hagans, Nuna Malaspina, Kristin Tolle , Michelle Zjhra, and Suzie Douglass.

We are equally appreciative to Debra Nichols, Julia Turney and Deb Exton for seeking out and donating unique little saucers to display the balls.

Our spectacular monthly speakers from off island usually need a place to stay the night before their presentation. Generous club members with available space have offered to host a speaker for the night. Special thanks goes to Alyce Prisco, Stephanie Solien and Robin Sullivan for making sure our recent presenters had a cozy place to stay and were well taken care of for the evening. We appreciate you!

An extra big thank you to Tony Suruda for buying and building a shed and letting the club use it for all the club supplies! We now have a nice clean and dry space to store all of our garden tour supplies and signage and our beautiful float decorations! This kind gester will save the club hundreds of dollars a year in storage fees! Thank you for your generosity Tony!

We had a wonderful turn out in November for the program meeting on 'Fire-smart Landscaping for Western Washington' presented by Marlene Finley. Thanks to Marlene for offering us so many good ideas on how to protect our homes. View her handout HERE. Cheers to Evangeline O'Sullivan for donating a brand new smoke detector as a door prize. Also, our thanks goes out to Becca McDowell and Victor Harney from Orcas Fire & Rescue for joining us and bringing education materials as well as answering many questions.

Last but not least, hooray for the cold hardy garden library team that planted several trees and shrubs on a cold and rainy day. We removed an over grown juniper, set up an arch and had a lot of fun doing it! Thank you Robin and Allen Sullivan, Laura and Curtis Walker and Frank Gates! More to come!

Member Raffle and Meeting Door Prize

Our November lucky door prize winners, were Nancy Wang who won a smoke detector AND Nancy Schafer who won a beautiful little pine bonsai plant and then kindly gifted the little tree to her friend, Perri Gibbons.

At each monthly meeting, all guests joining us in person are entered for a chance to to win a door prize!

Thank You Market Garden!

Our thanks goes out to the Market Garden for the plant donation!

Browse their beautiful plant selection, visit Market Garden across from the Island Market.

We offered two Member Only Raffle prizes for December! Congratulations Christina Koons and Andrea Marquardt-Preiss! Christina won the book, The Super Bloom Handbook: Maximum flowers. Minimum effort. Andrea won the book, The Fragrant Flower Garden: Growing, Arranging & Preserving Natural Scents. They are both thrilled to win their books!

Monthly Member-Only raffle winners are chosen at random from a list of current garden club members. Remember to renew or join the club to join in this fun contest! To see if you are an active member, contact Karen Hiller.

The Super Bloom Handbook: Maximum flowers. Minimum effort.

by Jac Semmler

Whatever your struggle, whether lack of space, unpredictable climate, or lack of sun, leading plant specialist (and flower whisperer) Jac Semmler will introduce you to forty of the most beautiful and easiest flowers to grow in any garden, pot, or box. You’ll learn the basics for how to care for each new flower friend, with key information on planting, watering, fertilizing, deadheading, and cutting back.

Start small, gain confidence, and grow your way to a floral wonderland.

The Fragrant Flower Garden: Growing, Arranging & Preserving Natural Scents

by Stefani Bittner and Alethea Harampolis

Make your garden and home look and smell heavenly with this accessible gardening guide that explains how to grow fragrant flowers outdoors and bring natural scents indoors by creating floral arrangements, scented beauty products, and more.

Winner: Andrea Marquardt-Preiss