Living In The Moment

by Laura Walker

Gardeners – where do you spend your thinking time – the past, present or future? Do you find yourself reflecting about last year’s garden learnings? Or are focused on planning your future spring garden? Think about it for a moment. We cannot be in more than one time orientation at the same time, but we do move between these states. Personally, and I confess, I am usually ‘living’ in the future.

I have to-do lists for all kind of things and I’m constantly looking ahead, planning, organizing, preparing, and anticipating what’s coming up. I like goal setting too and checking those boxes gives me a sense of keen satisfaction and accomplishment. But frequently, I overlook the here and now since I’m overly focused on the next step and task. I’m trying to find a little more balance, so I look to my winter garden. 

The present is the only time we can experience life fully, so I’d encourage you to look at the beauty and wonder every season has to offer. And consider partaking in the Global Day of Unplugging on March 7th to unplug, unwind, relax, and do things other other than using today’s technology, electronics, and social media. AND welcome all things birds this month.

~ Laura

Orcas Island Garden Club

presents

Kim Middleton

Attracting Birds to Your Garden

at the Orcas Center

ARE YOU GOING TO THE NORTHWEST FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW THIS YEAR?

We'd love to see your pictures from your favorite part of the Flower and Garden Festival so we can feature them in the OIGC March Newsletter! Please share your pictures. We can't wait to see them!

By submitting images, you are granting us the right to display those images in garden club publications.

Celebrate the Global Day of Unplugging

on March 7th from sunrise to sunset!

Smartphones, computers, gaming systems, and smart TVs are gradually taking up residence and bandwidth in our homes and brains. According to Pew Research, the typical American family contains approximately 5 connected devices. The amount of information available to us is at an all-time high and the amount of connectedness goes with us everywhere.

Disconnecting or unplugging from all the digital static allows us to make more human connections with the people around us and enjoy the real world of sounds, smells, and touch. Going outdoors into the fresh air allows for more natural exercise causing our bodies to sleep better.

Make a plan to ‘unplug’ on March 7th

Go on a hike, read a book, clean out a closet or meet up with a friend!

Garden Friends: A Felting Workshop with Mandy Troxel of Bossy Feltworks

You'll get all you need to design and needle-felt a bee and/or ladybug, or the perfect garden bug of your imagination! There are endless possibilities for this open-ended project, which promises to be a lively exercise in creativity and offers tips of the trade for needle-felters of all levels — even those that have never tried it before.

March 30th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Orcas Island Historical Museum (181 N Beach Rd, Eastsound)

Purchasing tickets ahead of time is required, as space is limited! The Garden Friends workshop is $40 per person, which includes materials. There will be an opportunity to buy additional felting supplies and wool at the workshop if desired.

The Orcas Island Garden Club is proud to be co-hosting this workshop with the Orcas Historical Museum in providing the space!

APRIL - So Many Ways to Participate in Earth Day Activites

Did you know that the Orcas Island Garden Club's mission is to 'Cooperate in the Protection and Conservation of Nature and Assist in the Beautification of the Community' so here's your chance to get involved and make a difference. The Great Islands Clean Up is one way to show the earth and the island you care!

DIG IN Member Experience:

The Great Island Clean Up ~ Join Us in April!

by Ginger Moore

Have you driven our island roads or walked our beautiful beaches and been discouraged by the litter you see? This April 26th, San Juan County is proud to host the Great Island Clean Up (GICU), an event dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of our islands.

Our gardening community has a vested interest in keeping our soils and water clean. The Orcas Garden Club is excited to support GICU in this essential mission to maintain the pristine nature of our island home. By participating in this event, we contribute to a healthier environment for all residents and visitors to enjoy.

We invite everyone to join the Great Island Clean Up. Whether you are an individual, a family, or part of a community group, your help is invaluable. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Sign Up: Register at February, March and April Garden Club programs to participate in the clean-up efforts.
• Can’t make the programs? Email Ginger Moore: ginger@orcasonline.com to register
• Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to join the cause.
• Participate: On Saturday, April 26th, head to designated areas to help collect litter.
• Share Your Experience: Use social media to share photos and stories, inspiring others to take action.

The Great Island Clean Up is not just about removing litter; it's about fostering a sense of community and responsibility. By working together, we can make a significant impact on our environment, reducing pollution and protecting wildlife. Clean roads, beaches, and parks contribute to the overall well-being of our island ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can also experience its beauty.

Mark your calendars for this April and be part of the Great Island Clean Up. Together, we can make a difference and keep our islands a clean and vibrant place to live. Let's unite in our efforts to protect and preserve the natural landscape we all cherish. See you at the Great Island Clean Up!

The Orcas Island Garden Club invites you to join us for our

2025 Garden Tour

When: Saturday, June 28th and

Sunday, June 29th



Get ready to visit unique gardens, enjoy beautiful plants, learn from other gardener's experiences and varied approaches to gardening on Orcas while having fun exploring the island.

A Warm Hello to All Gardeners

by Daina Boden

While writing a palanca letter to my niece, I found myself reflecting on the spirit of community that makes Orcas Island such a welcoming place. A palanca letter is a heartfelt note of encouragement, meant to lift someone up during a meaningful journey. As I wrote, I realized that our island, much like a garden, is a place of growth, connection, and nurturing support. Though I am not personally religious, I believe that all beings are connected by the universe, each of us moving along a path of learning and transformation. And just like in a garden, we flourish best when we support one another.

As I’m newer to the island and gardening, I’m very excited to meet fellow gardeners, experts and aspiring (just like me) very soon.  



As ever, Daina

Why is Yoda so good at gardening? Because he’s got a green thumb!

We have TWO club leadership volunteer opportunities to begin in September!

Both of these positions offer flexibility in virtual participation and help guide club activities.

• Program Committee Co-Chair: Works as a partner to lead the Program Committee, which plans and arranges relevant topics and speakers for the months of September through May based on member ideas.



• Secretary: Keeps track of our discussions and decisions with minimal time commitment.

If you think you might be interested in either of these positions, please contact Laura by the end of March. I would love to talk with you and describe in detail the scope and time requirements.

February is ALL ABOUT BIRDS so during our January Garden Club meeting, we asked you to write down your favorite local birds and here's what we captured! We have some real bird enthusiasts in our midst!

DIG IN Member Experience:

RECAP of North Short Preserve Walk and Great Backyard Bird Count

We had a great turnout for the North Shore Preserve and Backyard Bird Count event on February 14^th. It was a beautiful, chilly morning but a good time was had by all. Peter Guillozet, Orcas Land Bank Steward led us on a very informative walk while explaining the extensive planting and restoration efforts for the wetlands and grasslands. We learned that the massive endeavor involved thousands of plantings of native trees and shrubs, wetland sedges and rushes and many native grasses to provide diverse habitats and food sources for all sorts of creatures. 

photo by Mariann Carrasco

photo by Mariann Carrasco

photo by Perri Gibbons

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The Golden Pontiac Era

by Helen Huber

I grew up in the 1950s and 60s when the cars were large, and seat belts were not yet standard equipment. My dad’s childhood friend had a Pontiac dealership, and so every other year, we had a new Pontiac. The colors varied but every car had four doors, a high shelf under the rear window, and a backseat large enough to be our personal playground. That seat was a long expanse of fun that kept my sister and me fully engaged while adults were far away smoking and talking to each other up front. The radio was always tuned to the classical station WQXR. My father and I would whistle Bach cantatas as we zoomed along the Long Island Expressway on our way to another adventure. Without seat belts, or mechanism for staying seated when moving, we were free to run amuck as long as we didn’t shriek or wreak enough havoc that a sister would protest and end the fun.

Mindful in Nature

by Carol Owen

When I step outside for a walk, I get goosebumps from the chill, but I’m soon warmed by the rising sun. The sound of fallen leaves under my feet grounds me before I start my day, and the bright blue sky overhead reminds me of my inner world, where thoughts and ideas are like passing clouds in an expansive sky. 

Being mindful in nature is the practice of being completely present and engaged with the environment around us—noticing the way the wind blows through the trees or the details of a fallen leaf. Tapping into our senses not only connects us to our surroundings, but can help us live healthier and happier lives. 

And as our world faces increasing natural disasters, being mindful in nature can help us cope with ecological grief, anxiety…hope you’ll take some time today to step outside to notice and connect with the world around you.

How it the color Tyrian Purple produced?

by Cindy Woods

A) By extracting a substance from the purple iris using alum mordant.

B) Fermenting the skin and seeds of Eggplant.

C) Using the secretions of murex snails.

D) Processing the Violet Webcap/Cort mushroom.

Insect Imposters: "Bugs" That Are Not Insects

by Kate Yturri, Orcas Master Gardener

There are many Arthropods that are not true insects in the class Insecta, but we still often call them bugs. These mostly beneficial arthropods are important garden allies.

Millepedes (Diplopoda) are slow moving, rounded, many legged arthropods who feed on fungi and decaying plants. Millepedes are generally harmless but may exude a skin irritant if threatened.

Centipedes (Chilopoda) look like millepedes but are flat bodied, faster and have fewer legs. They are voracious predators of pest insects. If they are threatened some centipedes may bite humans but these are not dangerous bites.

Sowbugs and pillbugs are in the class Crustacea along with shrimp and crabs. They are excellent decomposers, feeding on decaying organic matter. They are often seen in compost, and rarely eat healthy plant tissue.

Welcome to our nature studio where each month, the Orcas Island Garden Club will feature a different artist who has created diverse, beautiful artwork.

This month, we are featuring Kim Middleton!

Kim Middleton was born and raised in Sitka, Alaska and has spent her life working with and studying birds. The avian art of Kim Middleton portrays birds in a different light. Her ornithological work gives Kim unique insights into birds, which she embodies in her art. Kim’s paintings reveal the understanding she has achieved through her life-long work with birds as a biologist, wildlife rehabilitator, bird trainer and bird watcher.

Kim applies watercolor glazing techniques, using a limited palette of transparent oil paints, to achieve rich, luminous works that showcase the beauty and splendor of birds. A close inspection of her paintings reveals the wide range of colors produced as light penetrates and reflects through the multiple, thin layers of oil paint. These are just a few paintings from her beautiful art collection.

Kim shares, “the rebellious side of my personality dislikes following rules, which deters me from strictly adhering to the bird's true color and painting every feather perfect. Instead, my goal is to create a vibrant essence of my subject by enhancing the expression, posture, or color of the bird. My close working association and life-long enthusiasm for birds gives me a distinctive sense of their personalities that allows me to portray birds in a different light.”

We're truly delighted to have Kim Middleton our presenter for our February 19 monthly program at the Orcas Center. We hope you’ll join us and learn more about Kim!

Do you want to showcase your creative side? Is there someone in your life who has expressed great passion with art, nature, or gardening? We would love to showcase these talents in our newsletter!

Welcome to our series of garden travels. Each month we will feature a garden visit shared by our garden club members. Walk with them as they discover hidden gems and get inspired to visit these treasured places.

This month, we are visiting South Africa!

A Peaceful Place to Rest Your Soul

by Jen Krajicek

Last fall I stayed at Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Franschhoek wine valley which is located about 40 minutes from Cape Town, South Africa. Everything at this farm hotel is intentional and I did not want to leave when it was time to head home. Babylonstoren’s gardens are a peaceful place to rest your soul. Daily garden and collection tours are available to hotel guests and the public - https://babylonstoren.com/visit-our-garden

OIGC Grant Recipient OPAL Update

Grant proposals that align with our mission are accepted starting January 1, 2025 until

March 1, 2025. Learn more about the grant process for the 2025 year by reading below! See what grant recipient, OPAL Community Land Trust has been working on with their funding...

Winter Care for Backyard Birds

by Laura Walker and Russel Barsh

Winter presents a challenge to our local birds to find shelter, food and clean water. Birds could use your help during the short days and long, cold nights of winter. With most of their natural food supply gone and with water and shelter hard to find, gardeners often feel compelled to help our feathered friends so here are a few tips to keep them happy and safe.

Russel Barsh, director of Kwiaht offers some sound advice, especially important to those of us that keep chickens.

“The highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, caused by the H5N1 virus, is extremely rare in songbirds, and even less likely to be passed from songbirds to each other. There is a very small risk of infected songbirds passing this virus to domestic flocks (chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese), therefore the USDA recommends that people who have domestic poultry flocks should remove nearby bird feeders out of an abundance of caution. The risk is low, but the consequences for a flock of (say) chickens are severe. Much, much more important is preventing domestic poultry flocks from having contact with wild aquatic birds such as wild ducks and geese, which are the principal carriers of H5N1. For reasons we still do not understand, domestic cats are very susceptible to H5N1, so vets now advise keeping pets indoors, and not feeding them any raw or fresh-frozen chicken or turkey, or raw milk.”

He goes on to advise that “Gardeners that maintain bird feeders (but do NOT keep chickens or other poultry) can leave their bird feeders up but should wash and beach them from time to time -- perhaps every 2-3 weeks. The concern here is not HPAI/H5N1 but other diseases, such as Salmonella, that pass between songbirds via saliva or fecal matter. Songbirds carry many different viral and bacterial pathogens, as well as mites, that can "live" in bird feeders.”

Every Day, a New Lesson

by Carol Wetzel

Finally, with the late cold weather and snow, I get to sit down and write and work on our new website, which we just launched with big news for 2025. To see all that we are up to visit us at www.littlefarm.life In the meantime, the ranunculus and anemones are properly tucked into our hoop houses with an added layer of frost cloth. I am determined to not lose my ranunculus this year, as the freeze of 2024 really took a toll.

Carol and Colleen give out Amaryllis and Tallow Bar Salve

Our sweet peas, planted in December will survive or they won’t. Between the birds hammering their little leaves and the recent fierce cold winds, who knows what will survive, but that’s okay, we have backups growing in the greenhouse. It certainly didn’t help that we made a lame attempt to cover the sweet peas with a caterpillar tent that immediately ripped apart in that intense wind. It would have been better to just let the snow cover the starts, insulating and protecting them from icy winds. Every day, a new lesson.  

Still, there is so much happening on our Little Farm. A giant dead fir, which has had a slow decline over the past four years, was cut down and this March it will be replaced with three cool ornamentals. We are adding a whole line up of dwarf crabapples to our heirloom apple orchard. The grapes have been properly pruned and we are working on the darn blister mites now wintering in their trunks. We will fight back with predatory mites soon.  Not all is work. We are having fun making small batch tallow-based soaps, balms and salves to offer online and in our farm stand. You may have picked up a sample pot of our lip balm at the last Garden Club gathering to learn about insects.  

Delicious treats and good conversation was had at the last monthly meeting!

Nancy Schafer (pictured left) was thrilled to win the door prize. Pre-chilled bulbs to force inside for an early splash of spring color.

Join us in person at our monthly meetings for a chance to win a door prize!

The Ultimate Wildlife Habitat Garden: Attract and Support Birds, Bees, and Butterflies

Author: Stacy Tornio

Congratulations to Janet Marlow for winning the raffle!

"The Ultimate Wildlife Habitat Garden helps you become more intentional about attracting birds, bees, and more to the garden…you can build a beautiful garden for all seasons while simultaneously striving to support wildlife."

Thank you to Darvill’s Bookstore for the generous donation of the book. We are excited to continue our partnership with Sara Farish, the new owner.

Monthly Member-Only raffle winners are chosen at random from a list of current Garden Club members. To see if you are an active member, contact Karen Hiller.

Meet your Newsletter Contributor

by Cindy Burman-Woods

The OIGC newsletter was developed during the Covid pandemic to continue educating and connecting members. In-person meetings were cancelled, and several members volunteered to edit and write articles for the newsletter. To recognize the efforts of the newsletter team we are highlighting one member each month. Each member took the time to answer questions about themselves and their interests.

This month, we are highlighting newsletter team member Suzette!

New storage acquired thanks to garden club members!

Special thanks to Lilian Bergsma, one of our garden club leaders, for connecting with garden club member, Sandi Friel who read and responded to our newsletter 'help needed' column about looking for storage. We were able to take over her vacated space, which is very hard to come by on Orcas and move our tour signage, supplies and parade props! We were looking for affordable storage and through the efforts of George Larson and his wife and long time garden club member, Sally Larson, we have now found a suitable spot and at a great rate at Larson's Storage! Team work and relationships with our community have given the club another success!

The End...we hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter!

2024-2025 Membership to date: 176