Greetings all you home-bound folks! This certainly is a most unusual and unique time for us all and I’m doing what I can to stay sane and productive. I hope you are finding outlets for yourselves as well. Needless to say the March, April and June classes have been postponed.
I’ve included a link at the bottom of newsletter in case you want to order some great food and beautiful flowers to treat yourself! The Corson Building is in Georgetown and offers amazing meals with the option to add on a bouquet from Brita Fisher. I’m even delivering some things from my garden on Wednesday to Vashon for Brita to use in arrangements. A nice way to support the economy and young families if you can!!
One of the things I balance my time with is sewing – been making tops and dresses in preparation for our Summer Market at the end of August. The dress I made is a gift for my neice, Shayna, in Alaska who is an OB /GYN nurse in Juneau, working in the often scary conditions all the health care workers are exposed to.
South Whidbey State Park is closed but it is possible to park along the wide shoulder and take an inspiring walk though old growth cedar, fir, hemlock and sitka spruce trees. Much of the land is newer growth with giants interspersed and it’s really such a lovely area. We are lucky that in 1970 activists held hands around the large trees to keep the saw from making the killing cuts. This is the base of a 500+ year old cedar.
The largest conch I’ve ever seen is in that same forest – such a beauty!
The yellow hellebores in the garden are even more stunning with the backlighting coming through. All the hellebores still look amazing and give so many months of joy. If you aren’t growing them, and have little pocket change for plants with this huge downward shift in the economy, I’d be happy to share my abundant and very viable seed from this years plants once it ripens in May. Let me know if you want to come get seed so you can start your own patch of Winter Joy!!
Palest of yellows, this magnolia I planted years ago lost it’s leader but has continued to branch out and survive, even in a somewhat awkward shape. I think it was called Yellow Bird. I know the company I got it from decided not to continue growing this cultivar. Elizabeth is a nice yellow if you’re looking for that color in your garden.
A rather rare little Anemone nemerosa ‘Bracteata Pleniflora’ which is one of the spring ephermal plants I adore and feel so fortunate to have. Also willing to sell and divide off my clump if anyone is interested. I got on a rare anemone kick many years ago much to my benefit now 25 years latter as they increased and provide so much spring happiness.
The largest leafed maple around, we just happen to have growing right here in our backyards and woodlands – Acer macrophylla – which also makes the largest flowers, looking like giant earrings. And did you happen to know the flowers are sweetly tasty – so good added to spring salads – especially with other natives like sheep sorrel and miners lettuce! Harvest and enjoy just as long as your sure of your plant ID.
The serene beauty of my brother Sieverts ponds and trail system provide close to home safe walks and lots of maintence for him. We checked a new wood duck box we put up a previous year and were delighted to see 5 eggs laid. It may well get up to 10 eggs or more. When walking this time of year the fragrance of the skunk cabbage fills the air around the ponds and anywhere the trails are bordered by the early yellow spath, with it’s distinctive smell I’ve come to appreciate.
I don’t know what kind of ingenious spider makes this web but what is clear is the large net / blanket structure spreading among the grass and twigs makes a solid landing area which leads gradually to a hole. I’m assuming the hungry spider lies in wait down in the hole. I’ve not seen any prey on these webs so unclear if they are slightly sticky but assume the spider retrives it’s dinner and hauls it down into it’s lair. They show up along the edge of the driveway with early sunlight and dew highlighting them. Another miracle of nature.
Tom and I decided it was time to get more self sufficent food wise, so just before Easter we got 10 chickens, a turkey, 5 ducks and these 3 lambs. It’s a great distraction to have new little critters to care for and watch grow. Looking forward to harvesting our own eggs in 6 months.
Another dress made with baby wale corduroy and top stiched with a sky blue thread. The fabric is so soft and the style so comforable makes for easy wearing.
Paper crafts are another favorite pastime. I used some hellebores, foxglove, lady’s mantle, oak leaves and mica along with a silver leaf to make these cards – and some lead flowers I made.
Both of the basket classes we had on schedule will not be scheduled until the fall – once we are sure the restrictions are safely lifted.
The June embroidery class will be postponed as well as Sarah’s family stays totally isolated for health sake. We will schedule more classes once we are sure they can happen.
Meanwhile I hope you have good books, long walks, creative cooking with gardening and crafting thrown into the mix if that’s your calling.
If you live in the Seattle area and want to support a great resaurent I’d suggest ordering a take our meal and bouquet for you table from The Corson Building. They are preparing great meals and Brita Fisher is offering the option to add a bouquet for you end of week pick up. A good way to support those trying to keep their heads above water.
The Corson Building
I know I can hardly stand it until I get to see the grandchildren on something other than a screen.
With love and care for all your health both mental and physical,
Mary