Spring is slowly arriving with many cool days still even though the pie cherry tree is in bloom and we’ve seen no bees on it to pollinate. Hopefully that changes.
Double ranunculus are still in bloom and such a happy sight. Love how they spread slowly and always find the right spot to brighten under a shrub or walkway edge.
More subtle but delightful is the green and white striped ranunculus that takes closer inspection.
Leah turned 50 in early April so Pasha, Brita and I took her to Sol Doc hot springs in Olympic National Park. What a stunning area with moss laden trees, old growth conifers, waterfalls and ferns galore. It’s so worth a trip and there are great hikes to take. Camping is available near the springs as well as cabins to rent – very basic but work.
Some of the trees are 750 years old and the size is astounding!
The loop walk through the Ancient Grove includes a couple ponds with skunk cabbage and lovely reflections of trees.
It was a treat to be in an area without Himalayan blackberry and ivy invading the native plants – a profound difference in how it feels.
Near our cabin the grey jays are bold and fearless as well as charming.
UPCOMING CLASSES:
There are still 3 spots left in the Ramillettes – Cards and Ornaments – Pasha Fund class held here on May 5th. Click link above to register.
This class cost $95.00 and is a benefit for my grandchild Pasha’s college fund since her dad died in March of cancer. All proceeds go to their college account.
We’ll cover the more traditional ramillettes that are applied to a ribbon, as well as greeting cards and the 3 dimensional ornaments.
I’ve been selling the ornaments for years, but have never taught the technique, so now you can try your hand at it.
You’ll have options for making 3 different kinds of decorative ramillettes, with supplies included. If you want to do the more traditional long ribbon decor then bring one yard of ribbon about 2″ wide of your choice.
Homemade pie and hot beverages included – bring your lunch
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click link above to register
There’s 1 spot left in the pie making class on May 19th from 1-4 pm
You’ll learn great recipes for two kinds of crust – both delicious. One is gluten and sugar free so handy to have a great recipe for that more challenging task. You’ll construct a pie ( so you really know how the crust should feel ) to take home and bake. We’ll also have a slice of pie I’ve made as we discuss filling options and other crust ideas.
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June 8th 10 am – 2 pm
Fee 89.00 – all supplies included & homemade pie and tea provided.
Alison Web – PhD in biology will lead us into the magical world of mushrooms.
She will teach us about fungi biology, functional anatomy, local ecology and foraging, all while instructing how to shape the mushroom of your choosing with needle felting.
Her shrooms look so real you can ID them! Check out her IG page @pnw_biology for more photos and great reels.
Click link above to read more and register.
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Alison Web will also be teaching two more classes in September – which I don’t have posted yet but you can save the dates!
Foraging Colors – creating paints from plants September 14th – 10 am – 3:30 pm
Bowl Felting – September 21 – 10 am – 2:30 pm
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Back by popular demand!! With an additional evening forest black light walk as an add on – see below!
Exploring Whidbey Islands Mushroom & Lichen Dye Palette
Taught by mycologist Allisa Allen
click link above to register on Allisa’s website & more detailed information.
Maximum – 15
Minimum – 10
Fee – 490.00 includes all supplies
1 scholarship is available if class fills – contact Mary Fisher for details.
Saturday & Sunday – October 13 & 14
**Special optional Field Study/Foray add-ons **
($30 cash or venmo) includes one or both offerings):
- Friday, October 11th, from 1-4 pm: Peering into the forest, we’ll observe and discuss forest ecology in real time as we examine the subtle differences in microhabitats. We’ll look for fungal clues, review ethical harvesting practices while describing and documenting our findings. If we’re lucky, the woods will be teaming with dye fungi, allowing us to fill our baskets for our big dye day.
- Saturday, October 12th: Class will be dismissed at 4 pm for rest and recharge, but come back at dusk for hot spiced cider and an unusual foray into the night. Using UV lights and flashlights, we’ll canvass the garden grounds for glowing surprises. Some dye fungi are most easily spotted at night.
Allisa will handle all registration on her website so the link above takes you to her site.
Mushroom and Lichen dying class summer 2023
Colors from last summers class
Allisa Allen left with able assistant Kaili Slate
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Hoping to see you at some of these classes or other ones that get scheduled.
Happy Spring to you all,
Mary Fisher
www.cultusbaygardens.com
7568 Cultus Bay Rd
Clinton WA
360-622-6275 – cell
360-579-2329 -home